Select the idiom that best fits the meaning implied in the given sentence:-

During the meeting, her casual and thoughtless remarks deeply annoyed and irritated her colleagues.

rub someone up the wrong way

The correct answer is Option (2) → rub someone up the wrong way

Rub someone up the wrong way (Idiom): To annoy or irritate someone, usually unintentionally, by one's manner or behavior. The sentence states that her casual and thoughtless remarks deeply annoyed and irritated her colleagues. This directly matches the meaning of the idiom.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect: 

• Keep someone at bay: To prevent someone from coming near or from causing a problem. (Unrelated to annoyance caused by remarks).

• Have it out with someone: To have a confrontation or a direct, frank discussion with someone to settle a disagreement. (Refers to the resolution of conflict, not the initial cause of annoyance).

• Be at loggerheads with others: To be in strong disagreement or dispute. (Refers to a state of strong conflict, whereas the sentence describes the cause, which is her behavior).