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

After the government interventions, the enrolment and retention of female students have increased by leaps and bounds.

Swiftly

The most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom "leaps and bounds" in the given sentence is swiftly.

The idiom "leaps and bounds" means to increase or improve very quickly. It is often used to describe something that is making rapid progress.

In the given sentence, the speaker is saying that the enrolment and retention of female students have increased very quickly after the government interventions. This means that the number of female students enrolled in school and the number of female students who are staying in school have increased significantly.

The other options are incorrect:

• Systematically: This does not mean the same as "leaps and bounds." Systemically means in a planned and organized way.
• Gradually: This does not mean the same as "leaps and bounds." Gradually means slowly and steadily.
• Intermittently: This does not mean the same as "leaps and bounds." Intermittently means at irregular intervals.