English Phrase — Choose the closest meaning. Sentence: He is out and out a reactionary.

Introduction / Context:
“Out and out” is a fixed intensifier in English meaning complete, absolute, or thorough. It amplifies the following noun/adjective. In the sentence, it emphasizes how strongly the person is a “reactionary” (someone opposing progressive change). The test focuses on the intensifier itself, not on the political label.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target phrase: out and out.
• Modified noun: reactionary.
• We need the meaning of the intensifier alone.

Concept / Approach:
Common paraphrases of “out and out” include “thorough,” “complete,” “absolute,” and “unqualified.” The option “thoroughly” best captures this degree adverb sense. Options that express stance (“in favour of,” “deadly against”) interpret the political noun instead of the phrase.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Synonym swap: “an out-and-out success” → “a complete success.” The usage pattern confirms “thoroughly/absolutely” as the right mapping for the intensifier.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• no more: Means “not anymore” or “no longer”; unrelated.
• in favour of: Expresses support; off-target.
• deadly against: Colloquial hostility; not the intensifier’s meaning.

Common Pitfalls:
Letting the noun “reactionary” distract from the idiom under test. Focus on the function of “out and out” as an amplifier of degree.

Final Answer:
thoroughly