In the following question, an idiom is given. Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "pull a fast one". This expression is often used in spoken and written English.

Introduction:
Idioms are fixed expressions whose overall meanings cannot always be worked out from the meanings of the individual words. The idiom "pull a fast one" is commonly used in everyday English. This question tests whether you know what this expression means in context, especially in conversation about cheating or deceiving someone.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Idiom given: "pull a fast one".
- Options: "as fast as lightning", "play a trick", "carry a heavy burden", and "take a deep breath".
- The question requires you to match the idiomatic meaning, not the literal meaning of the words "pull" or "fast".

Concept / Approach:
The idiom "pull a fast one" means to cheat someone, deceive someone, or play a trick on them, usually in a clever or unexpected way. It does not refer to physical speed or to pulling something quickly. The correct approach is to recall how the idiom is used in sentences like "He tried to pull a fast one on me by changing the bill." Among the options, you must choose the one that carries the idea of trickery or deception.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall a typical usage such as, "The salesman pulled a fast one on the customer by charging extra."Step 2: Recognise that in this context, "pulled a fast one" clearly means "played a trick" or "cheated".Step 3: Check option B, "play a trick". This matches the idea of deceiving someone in a clever way.Step 4: Consider option A, "as fast as lightning". This refers only to speed and has nothing to do with deception.Step 5: Consider options C and D, "carry a heavy burden" and "take a deep breath". Neither of these expresses the idea of trickery or cheating. Therefore, option B is the correct one.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can check the meaning in a good idiom dictionary or online reference. Almost all sources will define "pull a fast one" as "to successfully trick someone" or "to deceive someone by doing something unexpected or dishonest". Example sentences in those sources will again show that the idiom is about deception, not speed or physical actions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "as fast as lightning", matches the word "fast" literally but ignores the true idiomatic sense. Option C, "carry a heavy burden", relates to physical or emotional weight and is unrelated to playfully or dishonestly tricking someone. Option D, "take a deep breath", refers to breathing, usually before a difficult task, and again has no connection with deception. Only option B, "play a trick", correctly captures the meaning of the idiom.

Common Pitfalls:
The most common pitfall is reading idioms literally. Students see the word "fast" and think of speed rather than the figurative meaning that has developed in real usage. Another error is to choose an option that sounds impressive but does not actually match the context in which the idiom is normally used. To handle idiom questions effectively, it is important to learn them as complete units with example sentences, rather than trying to translate them word by word.

Final Answer:
The idiom "pull a fast one" means to play a trick on someone, usually by deceiving them in a clever way.