Introduction / Context:
To “outwit” someone is to defeat them by using superior intelligence, trickery, or strategy. The context is a thief escaping the constable by using a pretext, so the intended meaning is about clever evasion rather than physical force.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target verb: outwitted.
- Scenario: evasion via pretext (a deceptive excuse).
- We want the closest meaning among the options.
Concept / Approach:
“Outmanoeuvre” (also spelled “outmaneuver”) means to gain an advantage by skillful or cunning moves. It aligns directly with “outwit” because both emphasize clever strategy over brute strength. “Cheated” suggests dishonesty but is broader and not specifically about beating an opponent’s mind. “Defeated” is too general and often physical; “be fooled” is ungrammatical and reverses the subject–object roles; “misled” focuses on causing a wrong belief but lacks the competitive nuance of outwitting.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Define outwit: get the better of by cleverness or trickery.2) Match candidates to that definition.3) “Outmanoeuvred” best preserves the competitive, strategic sense.4) Eliminate broader or incorrect-role options (“cheated,” “be fooled”).5) Confirm fit with the sentence’s “pretext” clue.
Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “The thief outmanoeuvred the constable …” still communicates intelligent evasion, confirming the selection.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
defeated: Too vague; could be physical rather than mental.be fooled: Ungrammatical form and wrong participant roles.cheated: Dishonesty without the tactical competition nuance.misled: One-sided deception; lacks the “outplay” sense.
Common Pitfalls:
Equating any form of dishonesty with “outwitting.” The key is intellectual superiority in a contest, which “outmanoeuvred” captures precisely.
Final Answer:
outmanoeuvred
Discussion & Comments