Idioms / Phrasal Meaning – Choose the option that BEST explains the highlighted phrasal verb in context. Sentence: Sobhraj could be easily arrested because the police were tipped off in advance.

Introduction / Context:
The phrasal verb “tip off” means to give someone secret or advance information, often as a warning or lead. In law-enforcement narratives, being “tipped off” enables timely action such as surveillance or arrest.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Phrasal verb: tipped off.
• Context: police arresting a suspect easily.
• We need the best explanatory paraphrase.

Concept / Approach:
Focus on typical collocations: police are “tipped off” by informants, neighbors, or insiders. The phrase does not imply bribery, threats, or physical toppling; it is about information transmission ahead of time.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify core meaning: tip off = provide advance/inside information.2) Review choices: only one references advance information.3) Validate with context: advance knowledge explains an easy arrest.4) Select “Given advance information.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Replace in the sentence: “because the police were given advance information.” The cause-effect relation becomes explicit.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Toppled over: physical action, irrelevant.
• Bribed: suggests money exchange, not information.
• Threatened: implies coercion, not a tip.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “tipped off” with “paid off” (bribed) due to the shared particle “off.”

Final Answer:
Given advance information