English Phrase in Context — Choose the closest meaning. Sentence: He was in high spirits when I met him in the restaurant.

Introduction / Context:
“In high spirits” is a widely used expression to describe a cheerful, lively, or joyous mood. It appears in fiction, news features, and everyday conversation. The setting (meeting someone at a restaurant) is neutral; nothing in the sentence points to intoxication or confusion, so the meaning should be taken as happiness rather than inebriation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Key phrase: in high spirits.
• Neutral social setting: a restaurant.
• We must choose the most common idiomatic sense.

Concept / Approach:
Dictionary definitions of “in high spirits” emphasize cheerfulness and good humor. Although colloquial contexts sometimes link “spirits” to alcohol, the idiom by itself does not imply drunkenness. Therefore, “He was very cheerful” is the best paraphrase. Other choices either pathologize speech (“incoherently”) or suggest introspection (“deeply engrossed”), which the sentence does not support.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase smoothly: “He was very cheerful when I met him in the restaurant.” This maintains the sentence’s friendly tone and naturalness across registers.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• He was in a drunken state: Unsupported by context; “spirits” here does not mean alcohol.
• He talked incoherently: Incoherence is not implied by “high spirits.”
• He was deeply engrossed in thoughts: Opposite mood; withdrawn rather than lively.

Common Pitfalls:
Over-associating “spirits” with liquor. Idioms must be interpreted by their established meanings unless the context clearly suggests otherwise.

Final Answer:
He was very cheerful