We need to find out the nearest probable meaning of the phrase from the options.

• Let's first understand the meanings of the above mentioned phrases.

• To Accept the gauntlet=to show someone is willing to fight, argue, or compete with someone or to do something that is difficult yet necessary.

• To be furious= to become extremely angry. It is an adjective.

eg. Mother was Furious to know that I failed an exam.

• To take reckless risks= it means to take any dangerous decision without thinking about the consequence.

Eg.You should not take any decision being reckless. It will cause you risk.

• To try hard= try means to endure something. Try hard has the significance of trying solely.

Eg. Teachers advised us to drive hard for the examination.

• To accept or respond to a challenge= It means to take up any task or challenge given to someone. The receiver is agreeing to what he or she is being asked to do.

Eg. I am preparing hard for the competition as I have accepted his challenge.

• Among all the idioms mentioned in the options, to accept or respond to a challenge acts perfectly E with the phrase to accept the gauntlet. Gauntlet is also a kind of challenge.

• Thus, the correct answer will be:

The meaning of the expression 'to accept the gauntlet' is similar to the meaning ' to accept or respond to a challenge'.

• Hence, option D is the correct option.

For example, I've helped him in every way I can – the ball is in his court now.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.

For example, the discovery that the government was aware of the cover-up has really added fuel to the fire.

Hence, option D is the correct answer.

For example, he threw her out bag and baggage.

Hence, option D is the correct answer.

For example, she was in the prime of life when she began to lose her sight.

Hence, option A is the correct answer.

For example, the video has sold 30,000 copies in no time.

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

The idiom “fray at the edges” means “to become weaker; to become ineffective, to become unsuccessful (gradually)”.

E.g. :- Without the unifying forces of the army and the monarchy, it seems, the nation would begin to fray at the edges.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.