Idioms & Phrases – Choose the option that best explains the highlighted expression. Sentence: When he tells stories about himself, he is inclined to “draw the long bow.”

Introduction / Context:
“To draw the long bow” is a literary/idiomatic expression meaning to exaggerate—tell stories in an overstated or far-fetched way. The sentence already suggests the topic is self-narrative, which is a classic setting for embellishment.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: “draw the long bow.”
• Context: telling stories about oneself.
• We need the option aligned with overstatement.

Concept / Approach:
The image of a “long bow” historically evokes feats that stretch credibility. Thus the idiom stands for stretching the truth. Among the options, only “exaggerate” directly encodes this sense. The others describe emotional states or the opposite action (understate).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “he is inclined to exaggerate.” The sentence remains fully natural and conveys the same idea.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• understate: Opposite meaning.
• get emotional / get excited: Concern emotional tone, not truthfulness or scale.

Common Pitfalls:
Taking “long bow” literally or mistaking it for “long shot.” Here, the idiom points to stretching the truth, not mere improbability of success.

Final Answer:
exaggerate