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Difficulty: MediumInferring Vocabulary and Idiomatic Expressions in Context

An analytical report on community-driven renewable energy initiatives in the Colombian Andes discusses local responses to institutional skepticism:

«Ante las constantes críticas emitidas por los conglomerados energéticos tradicionales respecto a la viabilidad de la red fotovoltaica comunitaria, las asambleas vecinales optaron por cerrar filas y acelerar la instalación autónoma de los paneles solares.»

In the context of the excerpt, what does the idiomatic expression «cerrar filas» most nearly mean?

  1. A
    To organize and archive the legal files required for energy grid approval
  2. To unite in solidarity and stand together to defend a shared objectiveAnswer
  3. C
    To physically lock and secure the entrances to municipal community buildings
  4. D
    To dismantle the local committee and abandon the renewable energy project

Answer

To unite in solidarity and stand together to defend a shared objective
In Spanish journalistic style, the idiom «cerrar filas» (literally 'to close ranks') means to unite in solidarity, join forces, and present a united front against external adversity or criticism. In the passage, the neighborhood assemblies responded to corporate skepticism by consolidating their collective effort and accelerating their solar project.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the surrounding context and tone of the passage.
The text describes community groups confronting skepticism from established corporations by accelerating their independent solar installations.
Contextual clues clarify whether the action represents collective determination or capitulation.
2
Analyze the figurative meaning of the Spanish idiom «cerrar filas».
Originating from military imagery of soldiers closing ranks to present a unified defense, the phrase figuratively signifies uniting firmly in mutual support.
Journalistic writing frequently uses figurative idioms to express institutional or communal solidarity.
3
Evaluate the answer choices against the deduced meaning, eliminating literal translations and false cognates.
The meaning of joining forces and standing united in defense of a common goal is selected.
This interpretation aligns both with standard Spanish idiomatic usage and the affirmative actions described in the passage.

Key Concept

Inferring Idiomatic Expressions and Vocabulary in Context
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Inferring Vocabulary and Idiomatic Expressions in Context

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