Tayo had to separate himself neck and crop from his old friend.

Analyzing the question: The sentence uses the idiom "neck and crop". You need to find the option that best explains what it means.

Explaining the concept: "Neck and crop" is an idiomatic expression that means completely, entirely, or abruptly. It is related to the phrase "neck and heels" and to the old sense of being thrown out bodily, "by the neck and the crop (the gullet)". In use, it describes a total and forceful action, and here it modifies "separate."

Step-by-step solution:

1. The key phrase is "separate himself neck and crop from his old friend."
2. "Separate from" means to break away from someone.
3. "Neck and crop" intensifies the action to mean totally.
4. So the sentence means Tayo cut himself off from his old friend completely.

Checking the options:

• A. Scared of his old friend: Nothing in the sentence suggests fear.
• B. Suspicious of his old friend: Suspicion is a feeling, and the sentence describes a break in the relationship.
• C. Completely severed from his old friend: This matches "separate" plus "neck and crop" (completely).
• D. Completely forgave his old friend's offences: Forgiveness is the opposite of separation, so this does not fit.

Answer: C

Exam tip: With idioms, look for the intensifier. "Neck and crop," "lock, stock and barrel," and "hook, line and sinker" all mean completely. Then match that intensifier to the main verb. Here, "separate" plus "completely" gives "completely severed."