English Idioms — Meaning in Context Choose the option that BEST explains the idiom. Sentence: “The old beggar ran amuck and began to throw stones at the passers-by.”

Introduction / Context:
The phrase “run amok” (also spelled “amuck”) originates from Malay/Portuguese records and entered English to mean behaving in a frenzied, uncontrolled, or violent manner. In modern usage, it often describes chaotic actions that harm people or property. The sentence describes a person throwing stones wildly at passers-by, matching the idiom’s sense of uncontrolled rage or frenzy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: run amok/amuck.
• Behavior described: indiscriminate stone-throwing at people nearby.
• We need the paraphrase closest to “wild, out-of-control behavior.”

Concept / Approach:

Idiomatic comprehension requires matching the behavior profile to the idiom’s semantic core. “Ran about wildly” captures the out-of-control motion and chaos implied by “amok.” “Became desperate,” “become annoyed,” or “felt disgusted” are emotional states that do not necessarily produce frenzied, dangerous action; thus they are weaker or incorrect matches for the described scenario.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Establish the literal behavior: random violent throwing → chaos.2) Recall idiom meaning: frenzied, unrestrained action, often violent.3) Choose “ran about wildly” as the closest concise description.4) Exclude mere emotions without chaotic action.

Verification / Alternative check:

Substitute into the sentence: “The old beggar ran about wildly and began to throw stones …” The sense remains coherent and idiomatically accurate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

became desperate: May not result in violent frenzy.become annoyed / felt disgusted: Insufficient intensity; do not capture violent chaos.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming “amok” simply means “angry.” It denotes out-of-control, often violent movement, not just an internal feeling.

Final Answer:

ran about wildly