Question

The CEO's sudden resignation threw the board into a tailspin. 
What does the idiom "threw into a tailspin" mean?

• A. Made them very successful
• B. Caused extreme confusion and panic
• C. Motivated them to act
• D. Made them feel hopeful

Hint:

Idioms often use vivid imagery to describe emotions; "tailspin" is a term from aviation describing a loss of control, metaphorically meaning confusion or panic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The idiom "threw into a tailspin" signifies a state of intense confusion, panic, or disorder. This expression originates from aviation, where a 'tailspin' denotes an aircraft's rapid, often uncontrolled rotation around its vertical axis, resulting in disorientation. Metaphorically, it describes a situation of sudden turmoil or distress for individuals or entities.

In the provided context, the CEO's resignation plunged the board into such confusion and panic, impairing their capacity for effective management.

Therefore, the idiom in the sentence accurately translates to:

Induced severe confusion and panic