English Idioms — Meaning in Context Choose the BEST meaning. Sentence: The party stalwarts have advised the President to “take it lying down” for a while.

Introduction / Context:
“Take it lying down” is an idiom found in political and sports commentary, meaning to accept criticism, defeat, or provocation without resisting or protesting. In party strategy, advisers might recommend a non-confrontational stance to let a controversy pass.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Subject: President being advised by party stalwarts.
• Idiom: “take it lying down.”
• We must select the meaning focused on lack of reaction.

Concept / Approach:

The clearest paraphrase is “to show no reaction,” i.e., to absorb criticism silently. While “to accept an insult without protest” is also accurate, the item asks for a general meaning in strategy terms; “show no reaction” captures the broader, neutral stance. Options about rest or general caution miss the idiom’s social-psychological dimension.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Identify the communicative act: not retaliating/responding.2) Choose the widest applicable paraphrase: no reaction.3) Reject literal interpretations (take rest).4) Distinguish from mere “defensiveness,” which can still involve reaction.

Verification / Alternative check:

Paraphrase: “They advised him to ignore the attacks and not respond.” This equals “show no reaction.”

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

be cautious: Vague; could include active steps.be on the defensive: Implies reaction, not silence.take rest: Literal, irrelevant.accept an insult without protest: Close, but narrower than the general political strategy conveyed.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing “doing nothing” with “defensiveness.” The idiom recommends non-response, not counter-argument or even explanation.

Final Answer:

to show no reaction