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

I had never seen him lose his temper, and he governed our company with an iron hand.

strict and harsh control

The most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence is strict and harsh control.

The idiom "iron hand" is used to describe someone who exercises strict and harsh control over others. It is often used to describe a ruler or a leader who is very authoritarian.

In the given sentence, the speaker is saying that the company's manager was very strict and harsh in their management style. They never lost their temper, but they still managed the company with an iron fist.

The other options are not as accurate descriptions of the meaning of the idiom.

• In anxiety: This idiom means to be worried or nervous.
• At the service: This idiom means to be available to help someone.
• To any degree: This idiom means to a certain extent.