In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the option which best expresses the meaning of the given idiom or phrase as used in everyday English. Rat race.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests knowledge of English idioms. The phrase “rat race” is commonly used in discussions about modern corporate life, social competition, and the pressure to achieve success. Understanding idioms is essential for fluent comprehension of newspapers, magazines, movies, and conversations, because idioms often carry meanings that are not obvious from the individual words.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Idiom: “Rat race”- Option A: “Make others fight for scraps and get sadistic pleasure out of it”- Option B: “Be an oppressive boss and treat employees like animals”- Option C: “A way of life in which people are caught up in a fiercely competitive struggle for wealth or power”- Option D: “Play games with the lives of other people and see them run aimlessly”- We assume standard modern English usage of the idiom.

Concept / Approach:
The idiom “rat race” metaphorically compares human competition to rats running in circles or on wheels, constantly moving but not reaching real satisfaction. It refers to a stressful, competitive lifestyle, especially in urban or corporate environments, where people are always striving for money, status, or power. The correct option should capture this sense of relentless, often exhausting competition, not cruelty toward others for pleasure or experimental manipulation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Think about how “rat race” is used in sentences like “He quit the corporate rat race and moved to the countryside.” This suggests he left a hectic, competitive environment.Option A focuses on making others fight for scraps out of sadistic pleasure. While this includes competition, the emphasis is on a cruel person enjoying others suffering, which is not the central meaning of “rat race.”Option B describes an oppressive boss who treats employees like animals. This describes a bad manager, but “rat race” usually refers to the overall competitive lifestyle of many people, not just the behaviour of one boss.Option C describes “a way of life in which people are caught up in a fiercely competitive struggle for wealth or power.” This matches the usual dictionary definition of “rat race.” It captures the sense of many people chasing limited rewards, often in urban or corporate environments.Option D suggests playing games with the lives of others and watching them run aimlessly. This again focuses on manipulation rather than the shared competitive situation itself.Therefore, Option C best expresses the meaning of the idiom “rat race.”

Verification / Alternative check:
We can confirm by testing usage. Expressions such as “escape the rat race” or “tired of the rat race” refer to leaving a highly competitive, stressful lifestyle. These phrases do not primarily focus on cruelty or manipulation but on endless competition for social and economic success. This matches Option C. The other options introduce extra motives, such as sadism or oppression, that are not inherent in the idiom.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because it emphasizes taking pleasure in others suffering, which is not a core part of the idiom.Option B is wrong because it narrows the meaning to a specific cruel boss, whereas “rat race” describes a general social condition.Option D is wrong as it again highlights manipulative behaviour rather than shared fierce competition for success.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may focus on the literal image of rats and misunderstand the idiom as referring to cruelty or experiments. However, the key idea is ceaseless competition and pressure, not deliberate harm. Another mistake is to think that the idiom involves only running aimlessly; in fact, people in the rat race have goals like wealth and status, but the competition is so intense that life feels exhausting and repetitive.

Final Answer:
The idiom “rat race” means a way of life in which people are caught up in a fiercely competitive struggle for wealth or power.