The robber was hedged in by the people.

Step 1: Analyze the question You're asked to pick the option that best explains the meaning of "The robber was hedged in by the people." The key is the phrasal verb "hedged in".

Step 2: Explain the concept A hedge is a fence of bushes or shrubs that surrounds or encloses an area. From this, the phrasal verb "hedge in" means to surround or enclose someone or something so that they cannot move freely or escape.

Examples:

• The small house was hedged in by tall buildings.
• He felt hedged in by so many rules.

Step 3: Test each option

• A. Surrounded: This matches "hedged in" exactly. People formed a ring around the robber, restricting his movement.
• B. Killed: Nothing in "hedged in" suggests death.
• C. Exposed: This means his crime was revealed, which is a different idea.
• D. Caught: This is close in situation, since he may eventually be caught, but "hedged in" only describes being surrounded or confined, not captured. "Surrounded" is the more precise meaning.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is **A. The robber was surrounded by the people.

Exam tip: For phrasal verbs and idioms, think of the literal image. A hedge is a barrier around a space, so "hedged in" means enclosed or surrounded. Also be careful with options like D that describe a likely result rather than the actual meaning of the expression.