Select the meaning of the underlined idiom from the given options. His manager…

Answer: reversal of opinion or attitude

Key point:

The idiom 'volte-face' means a complete change or reversal in one's opinion, attitude, or policy.

Example:

If a manager asks for an explanation of someone's volte-face regarding leaving the company, they want to know why that person suddenly changed their position about leaving.

Common mistake:

Because the phrase literally mentions 'face', some may wrongly interpret it as referring to facial expressions or moods. In idioms, literal parts often do not reflect the idiomatic meaning.

Why the other answer choices are incorrect:

• The option 'angry looking face' is a literal interpretation and does not match the idiomatic sense of a change in stance.

• 'Thinking deeply about something' describes reflection, not a sudden reversal of opinion or policy.

• 'Lack of energy' refers to physical or mental fatigue and is unrelated to changing one's opinion.

Tip to solve similar questions:

Use the sentence context to decide whether the phrase is being used literally or idiomatically. If the context indicates a change of stance or policy, choose the meaning that describes a reversal.