In this English idioms question, select the alternative that best expresses the meaning of the idiomatic expression "be left stranded" as it is used in everyday situations.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of the English idiomatic expression "be left stranded". Idioms often have meanings that are different from the literal meanings of the words. Competitive exams in English frequently check how well you can recognise such idioms in real life contexts, such as travel problems, emergencies, or social situations where people suddenly find themselves without help.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom given is "be left stranded".
• You have to select the option that explains the meaning of the idiom, not translate it word by word.
• The context is general everyday English usage.

Concept / Approach:
To solve idiom questions, you should focus on how the idiom is actually used in sentences. "Be left stranded" is commonly used when a person is stuck somewhere, for example at an airport, station, or on a road, because transport or help is not available. It can also be used more generally for any situation where a person is stuck without support. It does not talk about blame, hair, or a single lifeline, but about being stuck and helpless.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key idea in the idiom "be left stranded". It suggests being stuck without help or means to move. Step 2: Compare this idea with each option and see which one captures this meaning most clearly. Step 3: Option A talks about being unable to leave a place or situation because there is no help or transport. This matches the idea of being stranded. Step 4: The other options either talk about appearance, blame, or responsibility, which do not match the idiom. Step 5: Therefore, choose the option that directly reflects being stuck without help.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by remembering common phrases such as "The passengers were left stranded at the airport when the flight was cancelled". In that sentence, the meaning is clearly that they could not leave because there was no arrangement. This matches option A exactly, confirming that it is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B refers to a bad hair day, which is about personal appearance and not about being stuck. Option C focuses on having a single thing to hold on to, which is about dependence rather than being stuck. Option D talks about blame, which is unrelated to the idea of being stranded. Option E describes extra responsibility, again not the same as being stuck without help.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to be influenced by one or two words such as "left" or "stranded" and imagine an emotional meaning rather than the established idiomatic meaning. Another pitfall is guessing based on partial familiarity with the phrase "left with only one option", which is different from "left stranded". Always think of how native speakers use the expression in real life situations.

Final Answer:
The correct meaning of the idiom is To be unable to leave a place or situation because there is no help, transport, or support available.