Select the correct idiom from the options given to complete the sentence:-
After his wife's death, he found it hard to _____ and carry on with his life.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → pick up the pieces
To pick up the pieces is to try to return to normal life after a shock or a loss. After his wife's death he struggled to recover and carry on, which is what the idiom describes.
Example: After the flood destroyed their home, the family slowly picked up the pieces.
Complete sentence: After his wife's death, he found it hard to pick up the pieces and carry on with his life.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: pick and choose — Incorrect. To pick and choose is to select only what one likes from many choices; it has nothing to do with recovering from grief.
Example: With so many offers, she can pick and choose her next job.
Option 3: pick through — Incorrect. To pick through something is to search through it carefully, item by item.
Example: They picked through the rubble for their belongings.
Option 4: pick a house — Incorrect. This is only a literal phrase, to choose a house; it is not an idiom and does not fit "carry on with his life".