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.
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AToppled over
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BBribed
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CGiven advance information
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DThreatened
Answer
Correct Answer: Given advance information
Explanation
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