Question

Difficulty: Very hardIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the appropriate idiomatic expression that best fits the context.

Answer:Despite explicit warnings from the regulatory agency, the investment directors continued to 【play fast and loose】 with clients' capital, ultimately precipitating the collapse of the fund.

Answer

play fast and loose
The expression 'play fast and loose' is an established English idiom meaning to act irresponsibly, dishonestly, or recklessly with someone or something, which accurately matches the scenario of reckless handling of investment capital.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and tone of the sentence
The context involves investment directors engaging in reckless, deceitful, and irresponsible financial actions with clients' funds despite regulatory warnings.
Identifying the context helps determine the precise meaning required for the missing idiomatic expression.
2
Identify the idiomatic phrase that matches this figurative meaning
The idiom 'play fast and loose' means to behave dishonestly, deceitfully, or irresponsibly, especially by taking improper liberties with rules or trust.
This exact phrase fits both the syntax of the infinitive 'to [idiom]' and the semantic requirement of reckless financial handling.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions - Expressing Deceit and Recklessness
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