Correct Option: B. Delayed
Explanation of the Correct Answer:
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Understanding the Context: The sentence discusses the traffic situation in Lagos and its severe impact on individuals, specifically mentioning that a man lost a lucrative job due to being "held up" by the traffic. The phrase "held up" suggests that the man was unable to proceed as planned because of the traffic.
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Meaning of "Held Up": The phrase "held up" in this context means to be delayed or prevented from moving forward. It implies that the man was stuck in traffic, which caused him to miss an opportunity, leading to the loss of his job.
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Why Option B is Correct:
- Delayed: This option directly aligns with the meaning of "held up." If someone is delayed, it means they are late or unable to arrive at a destination on time, which fits perfectly with the context of losing a job due to traffic.
Explanation of Why Other Options are Incorrect:
- Option A: Confused
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Reasoning: Being confused means having a lack of understanding or clarity about something. While traffic can indeed be confusing, the context of the sentence does not suggest that the man was confused about the traffic situation. Instead, it emphasizes the consequences of being late, not a lack of understanding.
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Option C: Annoyed
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Reasoning: Feeling annoyed refers to being irritated or displeased. While it is likely that the man felt annoyed due to the traffic, the sentence focuses on the outcome of being "held up," which is the delay itself, not the emotional response to it. Therefore, this option does not convey the primary meaning of the phrase.
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Option D: Intrigued
- Reasoning: To be intrigued means to be curious or interested in something. This option is completely unrelated to the context of the sentence. The man’s situation is not about curiosity but rather about the negative impact of being delayed by traffic.
Summary of Key Points:
- The phrase "held up" means to be delayed or prevented from moving forward.
- The correct answer, B. Delayed, accurately reflects the consequence of the traffic situation on the man's job.
- Other options (A, C, D) do not capture the essence of being delayed and focus on unrelated feelings or states.
- Understanding context is crucial in determining the correct meaning of phrases in sentences.
This thorough analysis helps clarify why "delayed" is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.