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. Spin one's wheels.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests comprehension of the idiom “spin one wheels.” Expressions involving “wheels” often come from driving or machinery and carry metaphorical meanings. In this case, the idiom originates from the idea of a vehicle whose wheels are spinning rapidly but not moving forward, such as on ice or mud. It is used to describe situations where someone works hard but makes no real progress.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Idiom: “Spin one wheels”- Option A: “Keep bragging about oneself”- Option B: “Try your luck”- Option C: “Expel much effort for little or no gain”- Option D: “Start a long journey”- We assume standard conversational English usage.

Concept / Approach:
The image behind the idiom is of a vehicle that is stuck. Its wheels turn quickly, but because there is no traction, the car does not move ahead. Translating this to everyday life, it refers to a person or group who spends energy and time on tasks but sees no real result or progress. The correct option should clearly reflect the idea of wasted or ineffective effort.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Think of a sentence such as “I feel like I am just spinning my wheels at this job.” This usually means the speaker is busy and active but not progressing in career or goals.Option A, “Keep bragging about oneself,” has no connection to effort or progress. It refers to boasting.Option B, “Try your luck,” suggests taking a chance or making an attempt without knowing the outcome. This may involve effort but does not specifically indicate lack of progress or wasted energy.Option C, “Expel much effort for little or no gain,” matches the core idea perfectly. It reflects a situation where a person is busy, working, or trying hard but not moving forward or gaining success.Option D, “Start a long journey,” does not fit the metaphor. Starting a journey is about beginning progress, not being stuck without progress.Therefore, Option C best expresses the meaning of the idiom.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider another example: “The committee has been spinning its wheels for months without reaching a decision.” Here the committee is active but stuck. If we replace the idiom with Option C, the sentence becomes “The committee has been expelling much effort for little or no gain,” which correctly preserves the meaning. Replacing it with “try your luck” or “start a long journey” would distort the meaning completely, and “keep bragging about oneself” does not fit at all.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because bragging has nothing to do with lack of progress or wasted effort.Option B is wrong because trying one luck might lead to success or failure, but it does not specifically imply repeated, ineffective effort.Option D is wrong because starting a long journey suggests going somewhere, not being stuck.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may misinterpret the literal image and imagine someone playing with wheels or beginning a trip. It is important to remember that idioms often come from vivid images but adopt a fixed figurative meaning. In this idiom, the important part is the lack of movement despite motion, which translates to working hard without progress.

Final Answer:
The idiom “spin one wheels” means expel much effort for little or no gain.