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Question

Difficulty: HardPhrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct particle to form an appropriate phrasal verb.

Answer:Despite the mounting evidence of financial irregularity, the treasury officer attempted to explain 【away】 the huge deficit as a minor bookkeeping oversight.

Answer

away
The phrasal verb 'explain away' means to offer an explanation or excuse that minimizes the fault, significance, or suspicion attached to an issue. In this sentence, the officer is trying to make a major deficit seem like a trivial error.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning required by the sentence.
The sentence describes an effort to dismiss, minimize, or justify a large financial deficit so that it seems unimportant or excusable.
Understanding the semantic intent of the sentence is necessary to select the correct particle.
2
Select the correct particle to complete the phrasal verb stem 'explain'.
Combining 'explain' with 'away' forms the phrasal verb 'explain away'.
'Explain away' specifically means to minimize, minimize blame for, or provide a plausible excuse for something bad or suspicious to reduce its perceived importance.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs with Specific Particles (Idiomatic Meaning)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

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