interpretations are given. choose the interpretation that is most appropriate This is their third defeat in a row. This means that they have

Analyze the question: The sentence "This is their third defeat in a row" is an idiom question. You must choose the interpretation closest in meaning.

Explain the concept: "In a row" means one after another, without a break (consecutively). "Third defeat in a row" means that they have lost three times, and each loss came straight after the previous one, with no win in between.

Solution, option by option:

• A. been defeated three times: This captures the number of defeats but misses "in a row." The three defeats could be scattered among wins, so it is incomplete.
• B. defeated three teams consecutively: This is wrong because it says they defeated (won against) other teams. The sentence is about losing.
• C. been defeated by three teams: This suggests three different opponents. The sentence says nothing about that, and it ignores "in a row."
• D. suffered three consecutive defeats: "Suffered defeats" means they lost, "three" matches the count, and "consecutive" matches "in a row." This is the complete and accurate meaning.

Answer: D.

Tip: In interpretation questions, make sure the option covers every part of the key phrase. Here there are two parts: the number (third) and the manner (in a row). Watch out for options that reverse the meaning, like B, where "defeated" means they won.