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Difficulty: MediumPhrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

To prevent impending bankruptcy, the board of directors urged the chief executive officer to curb escalating operational costs. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence: 'The management must __________ reckless spending before the next fiscal quarter'?

  1. rein inAnswer
  2. B
    reign in
  3. C
    rein on
  4. D
    reign on

Answer

rein in
The phrasal verb 'rein in' means to control, limit, or restrict something such as expenditure or emotion. Derived from the leather straps used to control a horse, it fits the financial context of curbing reckless spending.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contextual meaning required by the sentence.
The sentence requires a phrasal verb that means 'to limit, restrain, or control' excessive spending.
The context discusses preventing bankruptcy by curbing operational costs.
2
Distinguish between homophones and select the idiomatically correct phrasal verb.
'Rein in' (derived from using reins to control a horse) is the standard English phrasal verb meaning to bring under control.
'Reign' relates to sovereign rule and does not form this phrasal verb.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
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Topics

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

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