English Phrasal Usage — Choose the closest meaning. Sentence: The case was held over due to the great opposition to it.

Introduction / Context:
The phrasal verb “hold over” in administrative, legal, and meeting contexts means to defer or postpone an item to a later date. This is routine when there is strong opposition or insufficient time. Understanding such phrasal verbs is essential for reading minutes, notices, and news reports accurately.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Phrasal verb: held over.
• Domain: a “case” facing opposition.
• We must choose the precise procedural outcome.

Concept / Approach:
“Held over” implies the matter remains active but is moved forward in time. That is exactly “postponed.” “Stopped,” “dropped,” and “cancelled” suggest termination or abandonment, which the phrase does not convey.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “The case was postponed …” The sentence remains natural and precise for court or committee communication.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• stopped: Suggests halt, not rescheduling.
• dropped: Implies withdrawal/abandonment.
• cancelled: Indicates complete removal; too strong.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming any delay equals cancellation. “Hold over” is explicitly about timing, not termination.

Final Answer:
postponed