Select the most appropriate meaning of the given phrase.

A sledgehammer to crack a nut

Correct option is C

• Given phrase – “A sledgehammer to crack a nut”:

• This phrase means using a very strong, heavy, or expensive method to deal with a very small or simple problem.

• In other words, the action taken is far greater than what the situation actually requires.

• (Hindi meaning: छोटी समस्या के लिए जरूरत से ज्यादा बल/खर्च लगाना; तोप से मक्खी मारना)

• Example: Hiring a full legal team for a minor complaint is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

• Correct meaning – Option (c):

• “To use disproportionate force or expense to overcome a minor problem” exactly matches the sense of the phrase because a sledgehammer is far too powerful for cracking a small nut.

• Other related idioms/phrases:

• Make a mountain out of a molehill – exaggerate a small issue (Hindi: राई का पहाड़ बनाना)

• Overkill – more action than necessary (Hindi: जरूरत से ज्यादा करना)

• To kill a fly with a cannon – excessive method for a tiny task (Hindi: तोप से मक्खी मारना)

• Meanings of other options (why they are incorrect):

• (a) “a lot of options” – unrelated to using excessive force.

• (b) “person of very high stature” – unrelated meaning.

• (d) “performing a task against demeanour” – does not match the idea of excessive measures.

So the correct answer is (c).