In this idiom and phrase question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the expression "Leaps and bounds".

Introduction / Context:
Idioms like "leaps and bounds" are common in spoken and written English. They usually paint a picture and then extend that image to an abstract meaning. Here the words "leaps" and "bounds" literally refer to big jumps. When used together in the expression "by leaps and bounds", they describe very fast or dramatic progress. This question checks whether you recognise the idiomatic meaning rather than sticking to a literal picture of jumping.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom given is "Leaps and bounds".
• The options are slowly, rapidly, jumping, stationary.
• The question asks which option best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase.
• We assume common usage such as "business grew by leaps and bounds".

Concept / Approach:
In idiomatic English, "by leaps and bounds" describes a process that advances very quickly and noticeably, often with big improvements in a short time. The focus is on speed and size of progress, not on physical movement. Therefore, the word that captures this idea best is "rapidly". The other options either describe slowness, literal jumping, or no movement at all, and they do not reflect the figurative meaning commonly used in real life.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall a typical sentence: "Her English has improved by leaps and bounds."Step 2: Understand that this means her English has improved very quickly and significantly.Step 3: Match this understanding with the options and see that rapidly is the closest in meaning.Step 4: Evaluate slowly, which is the exact opposite of rapid progress and so cannot be correct.Step 5: Consider jumping, which is a literal physical action and not an abstract description of progress or growth.Step 6: Note that stationary means not moving at all, which contradicts the idea of progress in the idiom.

Verification / Alternative Check:
To verify, replace "by leaps and bounds" with each option in a sample sentence: "The company is growing rapidly" makes perfect sense and keeps the original meaning. "The company is growing slowly" says the opposite of what "leaps and bounds" suggests. "The company is growing jumping" is grammatically wrong. "The company is growing stationary" is contradictory. This test clearly confirms that rapidly is the only suitable synonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Slowly directly opposes the sense of speed and dramatic improvement that the idiom carries. Jumping describes a physical action and does not function as a natural substitute in sentences describing growth, learning or development. Stationary refers to something that is not moving at all, which is even further from the idea of quick progress. These distractors are designed to test whether you understand the phrase figuratively rather than literally.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates see the words "leaps" and "bounds" and think only of physical jumping, which may tempt them towards options like jumping, but idioms must be understood as units. Others may guess slowly or stationary because they misremember the idiom or confuse it with other expressions. The safest strategy is to recall a complete sentence where you have seen the idiom and then paraphrase that sentence in your own words. Doing so almost always leads to rapidly.

Final Answer:
The idiom "Leaps and bounds" means very fast progress, that is, rapidly.