Question

Choose the best option to fill the gap in the sentence :
The number one tennis player was ____ by an unseeded player.
A. Blown off
B. Smashed
C. Knocked out
D. Hit back

Answer 1

Hint: The given sentence suggests something done to a top tennis player by an unseeded player. The term unseeded player in tennis means a player which has not been ranked among the top 16 players of a tournament. We will look for an option that suits the blank in a meaningful manner and adds sense to the sentence.

 Complete answer:
Let us analyse each option individually to know the correct answer.
A. Blown off : The term blow off means to dismiss someone or something, to ignore. By implying this option the sentence becomes “The number one tennis player was blown off by an unseeded player”, this word is not relevant to the given sentence. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.
B. Smashed : The word smashed means to break something, to move in great force. By implying this option, the sentence becomes “The number one tennis player was smashed by an unseeded player”, this word is not relevant to the given sentence. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.
C. Knocked out: The term knocked out means to defeat an opponent in a game. By implying this option the sentence becomes, “The number one tennis player was knocked out by an unseeded player”, this word is relevant to the given sentence. Therefore, this is the correct option.
D. Hit back: The term hit back means to criticise someone or attack them in retaliation after being attacked or criticised by them. By implying this option, the sentence becomes “The number one tennis player was hit back by an unseeded player”, this word does not fit here meaningfully. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Note:Do not confuse the correct answer with the option ‘hit back’. Hit back is a reaction which is not suitable to be used when we are referring to a game. The word ‘knock’ has other meanings as well. It means to strike a blow with the knuckles or fist to attract attention or to seek permission before entering. Example: You should knock the door before entering. But when this word is used with the word ‘out’ , it becomes a phrasal verb , its meaning and reference changes. As specified above.