When the deadline was approaching, the team decided to _______ to meet their goals.

The idiom "burn the midnight oil" means to work late into the night, usually to meet a deadline. This fits the context of the sentence where the team is trying to meet their goals as the deadline approaches. Hit the books : This idiom means to study hard or to start studying intensely. It is often used by students who need to prepare for exams or complete assignments. Play it by ear : This idiom means to improvise or decide what to do as a situation develops, rather than planning it in advance. It’s often used when someone is unsure of what will happen and prefers to react spontaneously. Blow off steam : This idiom means to release pent-up energy, tension, or anger, often through physical activity or by venting frustrations. It is used when someone needs to relax or calm down after being stressed or angry.