Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom in the given sentence.
An ox on their tongue was the only way officers would have allowed him to carry on the unlawful activities he was involved in.

Correct option is A

Option (a) is the correct meaning of the given idiom.
Given Idiom: “An ox on (someone’s) tongue”: In usage seen in some Indian English contexts, it conveys the idea of silencing someone by offering money/favors—i.e., bribing them so they keep quiet and allow wrongdoing to continue. (Hindi: रिश्वत देकर चुप करा देना/मुँह बंद कराना)
Example: The contractor kept the inspectors silent with an ox on their tongue, so the violations went unreported.
Other related idioms and their meanings:
· Grease someone’s palm: to bribe someone. (Hindi: हाथ चिकना करना/रिश्वत देना)
· Keep under one’s hat: to keep something secret. (Hindi: राज़ रखना)
· Hush money: money given to ensure silence. (Hindi: मुँहबंदी पैसे)