English Idiom — Choose the closest meaning. Sentence (standardized units): The new Chief Minister (CM) stuck his neck out today and promised 10 kg of free wheat per month for all rural families.

Introduction / Context:
“To stick one’s neck out” is an idiom meaning to take a risk by making a bold statement or commitment that could backfire. In political reporting, it often describes leaders who promise ambitious benefits, risking criticism if delivery fails. The sentence provides such a scenario: a CM promising 10 kg of free wheat per month for all rural families—a bold pledge with fiscal and logistical risks.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: stuck his neck out.
• Domain: political promise with measurable commitment (10 kg per month).
• We must select the meaning that focuses on risk-taking.

Concept / Approach:
The metaphor suggests exposing a vulnerable part (the neck), hence courting danger. The best paraphrase is “took a risk.” The other options either misread the act as formal swearing-in (“took an oath”), as generic help, or as causing embarrassment—none of which define the idiom’s core meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “The CM took a risk today and promised …” Political analysis commonly frames such commitments as risky moves before budgets or elections are finalized.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• took an oath: Formal swearing; unrelated to the idiom.
• extended help: Possible consequence, not the meaning.
• caused embarrassment: Not necessary; risk might succeed.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “bold promise” with “help.” The idiom assesses the speaker’s exposure to potential failure, not the beneficiary’s advantage.

Final Answer:
took a risk