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Question

Difficulty: HardCollocations and Fixed Phrases

During the tripartite negotiations, the trade union representatives resolved to _______ horns with the corporate management over proposed reductions in employee healthcare benefits. Which verb correctly completes the fixed idiomatic expression in this sentence?

  1. A
    clash
  2. lockAnswer
  3. C
    cross
  4. D
    strike

Answer

The correct verb is 'lock', forming the fixed phrase 'lock horns with'.
The idiomatic expression 'lock horns with' is a standard English fixed phrase meaning to enter into a battle, argument, or disagreement with someone. In the context of trade union and management negotiations, 'lock' is the only verb that naturally forms this specific fixed collocation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target fixed phrase context
The sentence describes two opposing sides entering into a direct dispute or argument over benefits.
Recognizing the semantic context helps isolate the specific idiomatic expression required.
2
Select the verb that conventionally collocates with 'horns with'
'Lock' is the established verb that pairs with 'horns' in English to mean engaging in conflict.
Fixed phrases and idioms rely on arbitrary, institutionalized word pairings that cannot be substituted with near-synonyms.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Collocations and Idioms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Collocations and Fixed Phrases

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