IDIOMS — Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the underlined phrasal verb. Sentence: 'I hope it will not put you out if I am late.'

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: irritate you

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
“Put someone out” is a conversational phrasal verb meaning to inconvenience, trouble, or mildly irritate someone by creating extra effort or disturbance. The speaker anticipates being late and is politely checking whether that will cause inconvenience.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Polite register: “I hope it will not …”
  • Situation: possible lateness causing inconvenience.
  • Target meaning: mild irritation or trouble, not harm.



Concept / Approach:
Among the options, “irritate you” best captures the everyday sense of being put out. “Harm you” is too strong and physical. “Please you” is the opposite. “Worry out” is not idiomatic; “worry” alone would change the nuance to anxiety rather than inconvenience.



Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Recognize the phrasal verb “put out” with a person as object.2) Map to standard meaning: inconvenience or irritate.3) Choose “irritate you.”4) Validate by substitution in the sentence.



Verification / Alternative check:
Common paraphrases in service contexts: “Sorry to put you out,” meaning “sorry to trouble you,” confirms the choice.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A) Harm implies damage beyond inconvenience.C) “please” contradicts the apology.D) “worry out” is nonstandard and semantically off.



Common Pitfalls:
Over-intensifying to “harm,” or confusing with “put out” meaning extinguish (as in “put out a fire”), which is a different sense.



Final Answer:
irritate you

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