IDIOMS — Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the underlined expression in context. Sentence: 'My father STRAINED EVERY NERVE to enable me to get settled in life.'

Introduction / Context:
The idiom “strain every nerve” means to make the utmost effort—physically, mentally, and emotionally—to achieve a goal. It emphasizes intensity of effort rather than the means (money, tricks, or corruption). The sentence describes a parent’s dedication to a child’s future.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The beneficiary is the speaker (child); the actor is the father.
• Goal: “to get settled in life,” a long-term objective.
• No mention of money, deception, or bribery in the text.

Concept / Approach:
Focus on the idiom’s core: maximal effort. “Worked very hard” captures the breadth of striving without smuggling in unethical or specific financial means. Distractors tempt with concrete actions (spending, tricks, bribery) that the sentence does not imply and that would narrow the idiom’s scope incorrectly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Isolate the idiom: “strained every nerve.”2) Map to meaning: exerted oneself to the limit.3) Choose the neutral, accurate paraphrase “worked very hard.”4) Reject options that add unsupported specifics.

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “My father worked very hard to enable me to get settled in life.” The meaning and tone remain intact and respectful.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
B) Spending money is only one possible means and is not stated.C) “tried all tricks” adds deception not implied.D) Bribery introduces illegality absent from the context.

Common Pitfalls:
Over-interpreting colorful idioms as implying specific tactics. Here the idiom stresses effort, not method.

Final Answer:
worked very hard