Idioms & Phrases – Choose the option that best explains the meaning. Sentence: The dacoit murdered the man “in cold blood.”

Introduction / Context:
“In cold blood” is a legal-journalistic idiom describing a killing done deliberately and without emotion, often premeditated or at least carried out with a chilling lack of feeling. The emphasis is on calculated intent rather than mere cruelty or bravery.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Expression: “in cold blood.”
• Domain: crime reporting and legal usage.
• Nuance: deliberate action devoid of passion.

Concept / Approach:
While “ruthlessly” signals cruelty, the canonical definition of “in cold blood” centers on deliberateness and absence of emotional heat. “Boldly” misreads the phrase as bravery, and “coldly” is too vague without the element of intentionality that defines the idiom.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: “murdered the man deliberately and without emotion.” This matches standard dictionaries and court reporting usage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• ruthlessly: Can be impulsive; does not guarantee deliberation.
• coldly: Adverb of manner, missing legal nuance of intent.
• boldly: Completely unrelated to the idiom.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating emotional coldness with cruelty. The idiom highlights calculated, unemotional intent.

Final Answer:
deliberately