On the approach of a policeman the bully ‘showed a clean pair of heels'. Here ‘showed a clean pair of heels' means :

Question

Accepted Answer

The phrase "showed a clean pair of heels" is an idiomatic expression in English that means to run away quickly. This expression is often used to describe someone who flees from a situation, especially when they are trying to avoid confrontation or escape from danger. In the context of the question, when the bully "showed a clean pair of heels" upon the approach of a policeman, it indicates that the bully ran away to avoid being caught or confronted by the police officer.

1. **Explanation for Option 3 (ran away):**
   - The phrase "showed a clean pair of heels" is a well-known idiom that directly translates to running away. The imagery of showing one's heels suggests that the person is moving quickly in the opposite direction, which aligns with the idea of fleeing or escaping. In this scenario, the bully's action of running away upon seeing the policeman is accurately captured by this expression, making Option 3 the correct answer.

2. **Explanation for why the other options are incorrect:**
   - **Option 1 (ready to clarify):** This option is incorrect because the idiom does not imply any intention to clarify or explain anything. Instead, it suggests a physical action of fleeing, not a verbal or communicative action.
   - **Option 2 (he showed his shoes):** This option is incorrect because the idiom is not meant to be taken literally. It does not refer to physically showing one's shoes but rather to the act of running away. The expression is metaphorical, not a description of a literal action.
   - **Option 4 (walked away):** This option is incorrect because walking away implies a slower, more deliberate action, whereas "showed a clean pair of heels" specifically conveys a sense of urgency and speed associated with running away. The idiom emphasizes a quick escape, not a casual departure.

In summary, the correct interpretation of the idiom "showed a clean pair of heels" is to run away, which is why Option 3 is the correct answer. The other options do not capture the essence of the idiom and are therefore incorrect.