What does the phrase "in cahoots" most likely mean in the context of Tai and the immigration staff?

Analyze the question You are asked for the meaning of the idiom "in cahoots" in a context where Tai is linked with immigration staff. This is a vocabulary-in-context question.

Explain the concept "In cahoots" is an idiom meaning working together secretly, usually for a dishonest, illegal, or questionable purpose. It nearly always carries a negative sense of scheming or conspiracy. For example: "The two officials were in cahoots to smuggle goods across the border."

Show the solution Let's test each option:

• A. In conflict with: This is the opposite idea. "In cahoots" means cooperating, not fighting. ❌
• B. Secretly collaborating with: This matches the idiom exactly. It has both the collaboration and the secrecy/dishonest meaning. ✅
• C. Officially associated with: This describes a formal, open relationship. "In cahoots" implies something hidden, not official. ❌
• D. Unknowingly assisting: "In cahoots" requires knowing participation. People in cahoots are deliberately working together. ❌

Applied to the passage: if Tai is "in cahoots" with the immigration staff, it means Tai and the staff are working together privately, probably to get around the rules.

Identify the answer The correct option is B. Secretly collaborating with.

Exam tip Link "cahoots" to "conspiracy". If you see "in cahoots", think "plotting together". Also, ask two quick questions: Is it cooperation? Is it secret? If both answers are yes, you have the meaning. Idioms like this (e.g., "hand in glove", "birds of a feather") often appear in JAMB English, so build a small list of them.