Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.

His jokes fell flat on the audience.

failed to have an effect

The most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom "fell flat on the audience" in the given sentence is failed to have an effect.

The other options are incorrect.

• "Deeply touched" does not mean that the jokes failed to have an effect. Deeply touched means to be moved or affected by something in a strong way.
• "Irritated" does not mean that the jokes failed to have an effect. Irritated means to be annoyed or bothered by something.
• "Provoked laughter" does not mean that the jokes failed to have an effect. Provoked laughter means to cause someone to laugh.

The idiom "fell flat on the audience" means that the jokes did not make the audience laugh. They did not have the desired effect. For example, you might say that a comedian's jokes fell flat on the audience if they did not get any laughs.