Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom in the given sentence:
To dwell in an argument with a foolish person is like beating the air.

Correct option is C

Option (c) is the correct meaning of the given idiom.
Beating the air: To engage in a pointless or futile effort.
(Hindi meaning: व्यर्थ प्रयास करना, निरर्थक काम करना)
Example: Trying to convince him is like beating the air — he never listens.
Other related idioms:
· Barking up the wrong tree – pursuing a wrong course.
· Pour water into a sieve – waste effort.
· Tilt at windmills – fight imaginary enemies.
Incorrect options:
· (a) significant efforts – implies useful hard work (प्रभावशाली प्रयास)
· (b) fruitful work – opposite meaning (सार्थक कार्य)
· (d) breathing in the air – literal and unrelated