In the following English idiom question, choose the alternative that best expresses the meaning of the phrase "weather the storm", which is commonly used when describing how people or organisations cope with serious difficulties or crises.

Introduction / Context:
The idiom "weather the storm" is widely used in everyday English, business writing, and news reports. It refers to enduring and surviving a difficult period, problem, or crisis without being destroyed by it. This question checks your understanding of figurative language, a crucial part of English comprehension for exams and professional communication.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase tested is "weather the storm".
• You have four options that suggest different types of actions or reactions.
• The task is to choose the meaning that fits the idiom in its usual figurative sense.
• No specific sentence context is given, so general vocabulary knowledge is required.

Concept / Approach:
Literally, to "weather" something as a verb can mean to endure it. A "storm" is a severe weather event involving strong winds, rain, or other disturbances. Combined, "weather the storm" figuratively expresses the idea of surviving a serious difficulty, such as financial troubles, personal problems, or professional setbacks. In such questions, you should visualise the literal picture and then connect it to the figurative use, choosing the option that matches both the image and the tone of the expression.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise the literal image: a ship or person enduring a violent storm without sinking. Step 2: Translate this image into figurative meaning: facing and surviving tough times or challenges. Step 3: Read each option and identify which one expresses the idea of enduring difficulties rather than refusing, collapsing, or arguing. Step 4: Option C, "Survive a period of difficulty", clearly reflects the idea of enduring a storm like challenge. Step 5: Double check that none of the other options mention survival or coping through hardships, confirming Option C as correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check the idiom in familiar usage: "The company managed to weather the storm during the economic recession" or "With support from friends, she weathered the storm of her illness." Replacing "weather the storm" with "survive a period of difficulty" keeps the sentences meaningful and natural. Substituting any of the other options would make the sentences awkward or illogical, confirming that Option C captures the correct meaning.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A, "Be absolutely unwilling to cooperate", describes stubbornness or refusal, which is unrelated to the idea of enduring hardships.
• Option B, "Fall over in a sudden or dramatic way", suggests collapse, which is the opposite of surviving a storm.
• Option D, "Dispute a decision or choice already made", describes arguing or challenging a decision, not enduring difficulties.

Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to focus too much on the word "storm" and choose an option that involves strong emotion or drama, instead of thinking about endurance. Others may confuse "weather the storm" with expressions about refusal or protest because they associate storms with conflict. To avoid such errors, always recall whether the idiom is generally used in a positive, negative, or neutral sense and what result it implies for the subject. Here, the subject remains standing, so the meaning must be about survival, not collapse or conflict.

Final Answer:
The idiom "weather the storm" means to endure and survive a difficult or troubled period, so the correct option is Survive a period of difficulty.