In this question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the English idiom "mealy-mouthed" in everyday usage.

Introduction / Context:
The idiom mealy mouthed is a common expression in English, especially in formal writing, newspaper editorials, and spoken criticism. Examinations often test idioms like this because they do not mean what the individual words suggest literally. To answer this question correctly, you must know what kind of attitude or speaking style is being described when someone is called mealy mouthed.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom is mealy mouthed, used to describe a person or the way a person speaks.
• The context is everyday English usage, particularly when criticising someone's way of talking.
• We are choosing the closest meaning, not a literal translation of the words mealy or mouthed.
• Only one option correctly matches the established idiomatic sense.

Concept / Approach:
Mealy mouthed describes someone who does not speak in a direct, straightforward, or honest way. Instead of clearly stating what they think, such a person speaks in a cautious, evasive, or insincere manner. They may use vague language, avoid strong words, and hide their real opinion to please others or to escape responsibility. The idiom is typically negative, criticising a lack of openness and courage in speech. It does not simply describe someone who is soft spoken in volume, enthusiastic in tone, or depressed in mood; it is about evasiveness and lack of frankness.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the context in which mealy mouthed is usually used. It appears when a speaker is criticised for not saying something clearly or honestly. Step 2: Check each option for this idea of indirectness and lack of frankness. Step 3: Option A, indirect and unwilling to speak plainly or honestly, directly matches this meaning. Step 4: Option B, genuinely soft spoken and polite, relates to volume and politeness, not evasiveness. Step 5: Options C and D speak about enthusiasm or depression, which are emotional states, not styles of avoiding plain speech.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider an example sentence: The spokesperson gave a mealy mouthed apology that avoided admitting any real fault. Here, the complaint is that the apology was not straightforward or sincere. Replacing mealy mouthed with indirect and unwilling to speak plainly keeps the meaning. However, saying The spokesperson gave a soft spoken apology changes the focus to tone of voice, which is not the point of the idiom. This confirms that the idiom criticises evasive and half hearted speech rather than low volume or mood.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Genuinely soft spoken and polite: This is incorrect because a person can be soft spoken yet completely honest and direct. Mealy mouthed criticises dishonesty and evasion, not gentle tone.
Openly enthusiastic and cheerful in speech: This is wrong because it implies openness and energy, the opposite of the cautious half hidden style implied by mealy mouthed.
Deeply depressed and negative in attitude: This is wrong because the idiom does not refer to a person's emotional state; it refers to their speaking style and lack of frankness.

Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to assume mealy mouthed has something to do with food or mouth problems because of the word mealy. Another is to confuse it with simply speaking softly. Examinations exploit these misunderstandings by offering options like soft spoken, which sounds close but misses the critical idea of evasiveness. Always remember that mealy mouthed is a criticism of people who refuse to speak clearly, especially when honesty and courage are needed.

Final Answer:
The idiom mealy mouthed means Indirect and unwilling to speak plainly or honestly.