In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase. Rise like a phoenix.

Introduction / Context:
This idiom-based question is about the phrase “rise like a phoenix”. Idioms based on myths and legends are common in English, and “phoenix” comes from an ancient mythical bird that is said to burn itself and then rise again from its own ashes. Exam questions use such idioms to test whether you can connect cultural references with figurative meanings. Understanding this idiom will also help you interpret motivational articles and biographies that talk about people recovering after failure or defeat.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The idiom is “rise like a phoenix”.
Options describe different situations: something memorable, time of accountability, becoming successful again, and making people happy.
We assume standard figurative meaning used in modern English: to recover or make a strong comeback after destruction or failure.
Only one option should capture this positive comeback idea accurately.

Concept / Approach:
In mythology, the phoenix is a bird that bursts into flames and is consumed, but then a new phoenix rises from the ashes. Because of this legend, “rise like a phoenix” means to recover forcefully after a big setback, failure, or destruction. It is used for individuals, companies, teams, or even nations that regain success or strength after experiencing a serious fall. Among the options, “to become successful again” is the only one that matches this meaning. The other options talk about memory, punishment or making others happy, which do not capture the idea of rebirth or comeback.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the story of the phoenix as a bird that is reborn from its own ashes. Step 2: Translate the idiom into simple English: “to make a strong comeback after failure or destruction”. Step 3: Check the options. “To become successful again” directly reflects this idea of renewed success. Step 4: “Something memorable” simply refers to something worth remembering, not necessarily connected to failure or comeback. Step 5: “Time to answer for ones actions” hints at judgement or accountability, which belongs to idioms like “day of reckoning”, not “rise like a phoenix”. Step 6: “To make people happy” deals with causing happiness, which is unrelated to recovering after a setback. Step 7: Therefore, the correct interpretation is “to become successful again”.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the idiom in a sentence: “After bankruptcy, the company rose like a phoenix and became a market leader again.” If you replace the idiom with “became successful again”, the sentence still keeps the same central idea: the company had a major fall but recovered and regained success. No other option can be substituted without changing the meaning. For example, “something memorable” or “to make people happy” do not convey the central notion of revival after failure. This comparison confirms that “to become successful again” is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Something memorable: Although a phoenix is a memorable image, the idiom itself focuses on rebirth and comeback, not just on being unforgettable.
Time to answer for ones actions: This meaning belongs to other idioms related to judgement or consequences, such as “face the music” or “your day of reckoning has come”. It does not fit “rise like a phoenix”.
To make people happy: There is no element in the myth or idiom that talks about making others happy; the focus is on personal or organisational renewal and regained strength.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students get confused because they know the phoenix story only vaguely and may associate it with fire, beauty or uniqueness. However, the key idea for exam purposes is “rebirth” and “success after failure”. When you see expressions like “rise from the ashes” or “rise like a phoenix”, immediately connect them with “strong comeback, new success after a major setback”. Building this association avoids mistakes in idiom-based questions and helps in understanding motivational language used in articles, speeches and biographies.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: to become successful again.