In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the option which best explains the meaning of the idiom or phrase “to wrangle over an ass's shadow”.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of a colourful English idiom: “to wrangle over an ass's shadow”. Idioms often use dramatic or humorous images to describe ordinary human behaviour. Here, the picture of people arguing about the shadow of a donkey is used to convey a particular kind of foolish quarrel.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: to wrangle over an ass's shadow.
• Options: to waste money over trifles, to punish a person severely for his arrogance, to quarrel over trifles, to keep away from extreme poverty.
• We must choose the meaning that best matches standard explanation of this idiom.
• Wrangle means quarrel or argue angrily and for a long time.

Concept / Approach:
The key words are wrangle (argue or quarrel noisily) and ass's shadow (something extremely minor or unimportant). The idiom suggests people arguing seriously about something that does not truly matter, just as it would be absurd to fight over the ownership of a shadow. Therefore, the central idea is quarrelling over trivial, petty issues, not spending money or avoiding poverty.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Note the verb wrangle, which already implies argument or dispute.Recognise that an ass's shadow is not a real object one can use or own; it symbolises something insignificant.Combine these: arguing over something as useless as a shadow must mean quarrelling over trivial matters.Option “To quarrel over trifles” captures exactly this idea.The other options either change wrangle into wasting money or into punishment, which are not supported by the imagery.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine the idiom in a sentence: “The brothers were wrangling over an ass's shadow instead of focusing on the real problem.” If we rephrase that as “The brothers were quarrelling over trifles instead of focusing on the real problem,” the meaning is preserved perfectly. Replacing it with wasting money or punishing arrogance does not match the picture of angry argument implied by wrangle.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“To waste money over trifles” shifts the focus to money and spending, whereas the idiom highlights argument and quarrels. “To punish a person severely for his arrogance” introduces punishment, which is not mentioned in the idiom at all. “To keep away from extreme poverty” is about avoiding financial hardship and has no connection with wrangling or shadows. None of these reflect the core idea of petty quarrelling.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes students are distracted by the idea of an ass and imagine stubbornness or foolishness, but the true clue lies in the combination of wrangle (quarrel) and shadow (something of no real substance). Whenever you see this idiom, remember that it is about disputes over trivial matters. Recognising this will help you quickly pick “To quarrel over trifles” in exams.

Final Answer:
The idiom “to wrangle over an ass's shadow” means to quarrel over trifles.