In the following question, choose the one-word substitution for the phrase: "Just punishment for wrongdoing".

Introduction / Context:
This question asks for a one-word substitute for the phrase "Just punishment for wrongdoing". Such vocabulary appears often in literature, moral philosophy, and discussions of justice. The word being tested is closely associated with the idea of a person's eventual downfall or retribution as a result of their own actions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Phrase: "Just punishment for wrongdoing".
• Options: Dandy, Nemesis, Prodigy, Wagon, and Penalty.
• The key idea is that the punishment is deserved and fitting for the wrong committed.
• We assume usage in both literal and literary senses.

Concept / Approach:
"Nemesis" originally refers to the Greek goddess of retribution, who brings down punishment on those guilty of arrogance or wrongdoing. In modern English, "nemesis" is commonly used to mean "an agent of retribution" or "the inevitable punishment or downfall that follows from one's misdeeds". It often carries the sense of justice catching up with someone. This matches the idea of "just punishment for wrongdoing" much more precisely than the other options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the main idea in the phrase: punishment that is appropriate and deserved for a wrong action.Step 2: Consider "Dandy" (option A). A dandy is a man excessively concerned with his appearance and clothes; this has no connection with punishment.Step 3: Consider "Nemesis" (option B). It denotes an agent or force of retribution, or the inevitable punishment that overtakes a wrongdoer.Step 4: Consider "Prodigy" (option C). A prodigy is a person, especially a young one, with exceptional talent—again unrelated to justice or punishment.Step 5: Consider "Wagon" (option D), which is simply a vehicle, not a moral or legal concept.Step 6: Consider "Penalty" (option E). "Penalty" means punishment, but it does not carry the specific nuance of inevitable or poetic justice that "nemesis" does. Exam questions like this usually seek the richer, more specific word.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can check the typical usage: "His arrogance finally met its nemesis" means his arrogance eventually resulted in his downfall or just punishment. The same idea appears in many stories where a villain eventually faces a nemesis—either a person or a situation that brings fitting punishment. While "penalty" simply refers to any punishment (for example, a fine in sports or law), "nemesis" captures the idea of morally appropriate justice, which is the focus of the phrase "just punishment for wrongdoing".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Dandy" refers only to a fashion-conscious man and has nothing to do with morality or punishment. "Prodigy" is entirely positive and refers to unusual talent. "Wagon" is a concrete object, irrelevant to the concept of justice. "Penalty" is closer in meaning, but it does not specifically imply moral or poetic justice. The exam setters typically expect the more literary and precise word "nemesis" when the phrase mentions "just punishment".

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted by "penalty" because it is a direct synonym of "punishment". However, one-word substitution questions often test more refined vocabulary. Remember that "nemesis" frequently appears in stories where someone is "brought down" by their own pride, greed, or cruelty. Linking "nemesis" with ideas of fate and inevitable justice will help you remember its connection to "just punishment for wrongdoing".

Final Answer:
The correct one-word substitute is Nemesis.