Metaphor mix!

So, we've covered similes… but what about metaphors?

Just like a simile, the non-literal figure of speech referred to as a metaphor also compares two things, but it does so in a more direct way, this time without using as or like.

Two Examples:

That story broke my heart = made me very sad, caused emotional pain
It's rather common to get cold feet before getting married = become too frightened to do something you planned to do.

What do the metaphors in CAPITAL LETTERS below mean? Choose the correct meaning!

• 1. Don’t give up on finding the man of your life. There are OTHER FISH IN THE SEA!
  
  other people in your situation
  other people who look like you
  other suitable people or possibilities
  
  
• 2. My manager was very keen TO SHOW me THE ROPES from my very first day at work.
  
  explain to someone how to do something
  show me important things
  take someone around the company to meet the employees
  
  
• 3. Tom spent his entire weekend helping out at the orphanage. He really does have A HEART OF GOLD.
  
  friendly-looking
  rich
  generous and sincere
  
  
• 4. Reading that book wasn’t as PLAIN SAILING as I thought it would be. It took me ages to finish it!
  
  fun and interesting
  clear
  smooth, easy progress
  
  
• 5. Apparently, both his maternal grandparents were of BLUE BLOOD.
  
  unwell
  of noble or aristocratic descent
  unhappy or melancholic
  
  
• 6. I’m sure you’ll pass your exams WITH FLYING COLOURS – you’ve always done so well at school!
  
  in a short time, quickly
  smoothly, easily
  success, victory
  
  
• 7. Mothers tend to WRAP their children UP IN COTTON WOOL, even when they’re in their teens!
  
  protect someone too much
  buy someone too many clothes
  spend a lot of money on someone
  
  
• 8. Jim was rather TAKEN ABACK by the latest company news. He wasn’t expecting it at all.
  
  surprised and confused
  had to leave the room
  couldn't accept the situation