Meaning of scalded cats

[Marcel]

Test No. express/advan-10 "Cats, Dogs and Ducks", question 10

As so many people are coming to a party at their house, they're running around preparing food like scalded cats.

(a) in a nervous state
(b) in a delighted state
(c) in a hurried state
(d) in a hilarious state

Test No. express/advan-10 "Cats, Dogs and Ducks", answer 10

As so many people are coming to a party at their house, they're running around preparing food in a nervous state.

Correct answer: (a) in a nervous state

Your answer was: incorrect
As so many people are coming to a party at their house, they're running around preparing food in a hurried state.
_________________________

What does it mean?

[Torsten]

It means exactly what the explanation says: If you run around like a scalded cat you act in a very nervous way.
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Guest]

[Torsten]

Well,

You certainly will agree that there is a close connection between being nervous and moving fast, won't you?
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[rich7]

I ceartainly would.....
_________________
I should have been born in the USA.
I've got this thing about America.