In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) underlined:
The police ran the criminal to earth
Answer Details
The option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase "ran the criminal to earth" is (C) "discovered him".
The phrase "ran to earth" means to track down or find someone who is trying to hide or evade capture. Therefore, "The police ran the criminal to earth" implies that the police successfully located and apprehended the criminal. "Discovered him" is the option that most closely conveys this meaning.
Option (A) "jailed him" is not necessarily implied by the sentence and is too specific. Option (B) "knocked him down" is completely unrelated to the meaning of the underlined phrase. Option (D) "buried him" is the opposite of what the sentence implies and is therefore incorrect.