I raked my brain to solve this difficult problem.

• I consulted several people
• I subjected my mind to hard thinking
• I read number of books
• I brainwashed several experts
Correct Option: B  [ I subjected my mind to hard thinking ]

Remark: raked my brain: to think very hard

Fly off the Handle

• reprimand someone severely
• lose one's temper suddenly
• deliver a sermon
• break down of bike
Correct Option: B  [ lose one's temper suddenly ]

Remark:

His argument does not hold water.

• to have effect
• to influence
• to check the flow of water
• sound logical fact
Correct Option: D  [ sound logical fact ]

Remark:

When I saw him in the morning, he looked like a duck in the thunderstorm.

• entrapped
• distressed
• peaceful
• timid
Correct Option: B  [ distressed ]

Remark:

The man cannot be trusted in the post for he has an itching palm.

• habit of taking bribe
• has an infectious disease
• habit of flattery
• a quarreling habit
Correct Option: A  [ habit of taking bribe ]

Remark: Itching palm: A desire for money, greed, wanting a bribe.

It was such a strange affair that I could make head or tail of it.

• face it
• tolerate it
• remember it
• understand it
Correct Option: D  [ understand it ]

Remark:

Though he has a lot of money, yet all his plans are built upon sand.

• based on inexperience
• resting on immature ideas
• resting on cheap material
• established on insecure foundations
Correct Option: B  [ resting on immature ideas ]

Remark:

The idiomatic expression 'see eye to eye' means

• agree with someone
• to remain neutral
• to take over (something)
• to enjoy the best of both
Correct Option: A  [ agree with someone ]

Remark:

He is a dark horse.

• silent
• secretive
• dangerous
• possessing a secret ability.
Correct Option: D  [ possessing a secret ability. ]

Remark:

When one is "airing dirty linen in public", the person is:

• discussing private affairs in public
• hanging out clothes in the open to dry
• standing up and fighting
• complaining
Correct Option: A  [ discussing private affairs in public ]

Remark: "airing dirty linen in public": discussing or arguing about unpleasant or private things in front of other people.