In this English idioms question, select the alternative that best expresses the meaning of the idiomatic phrase "all thumbs" when used to describe a person.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of the idiomatic phrase "all thumbs". Idioms like this are often used in spoken and written English to describe someone's behaviour or ability in a colourful way. Knowing such expressions is very important for competitive exams, interviews, and real life communication because they appear in newspapers, conversations, and literature.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom given is "all thumbs".
• You must choose the option that correctly explains the idiomatic meaning.
• The context is description of a person, especially in relation to the use of hands.

Concept / Approach:
Literally, thumbs are only two fingers on the hand, but if someone is "all thumbs", the image is that all the fingers behave like thumbs, that is, clumsy and not very useful for fine work. The idiom is used when a person finds it difficult to handle delicate tasks like sewing, fixing electronics, or using tools. It does not refer to cheering, education level, or formal permission. The key idea is physical clumsiness with the hands.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase "all thumbs" and think of situations where it is used in English. Step 2: Recall examples such as "He is all thumbs in the kitchen" which clearly describe a clumsy person who drops things or cannot handle utensils properly. Step 3: Compare each option with this idea of clumsiness. Step 4: Option A directly states "Physically awkward and clumsy, especially when using the hands", which exactly captures the idiom. Step 5: Reject options that talk about cheering crowds, permission, illiteracy, or general phone use, as they do not match the idiom.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by checking how dictionaries define the idiom. They consistently mention awkwardness with the hands or being very clumsy. This reconfirms that option A is accurate. In real life, this idiom is often used in a slightly humorous tone to describe someone who cannot fix or assemble things properly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B speaks of a cheering crowd, which has no connection to clumsy hands. Option C refers to permission, which is a completely different concept. Option D describes an illiterate person, but literacy is about reading and writing, not manual clumsiness. Option E mentions mobile phone use, which is a modern activity and not part of the traditional meaning of the idiom.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes overthink idioms and link them to modern contexts, such as excessive phone usage, simply because thumbs are used for typing on phones. However, idioms usually come from older usage and retain their original meanings. Always focus on established dictionary meanings rather than personal guesses based on one word. This helps you avoid confusion in exam situations.

Final Answer:
The idiom "all thumbs" means Physically awkward and clumsy, especially when using the hands.