The tough boys sneered, -Who wants a cop for a friend? Yah. Bet your mamma pays him to take baby home. Yah. 'Fraid we'll beat you up. We don't beat up babies. Bet she pays him a dollar a week. The idea had its unspeakable possibilities. His mother was
often unduly solicitous. He did not dare approach her on the subject, but he did sound L out the sergeant. Which word or phrase best helps the reader understand the meaning of "unduly solicitous?"
A "Bet your mamma pays him to take baby home."
B "We don't beat up babies."
C "The idea had unspeakable possibilities."
D "...but he did sound out the sergeant."
Where the above context clue is provided, the answer is A: "Bet your mamma pays him to take baby home."
What is the explanation for the above response?This phrase implies that the boy's mother is overly concerned and protective of him, and is willing to pay someone to ensure his safety. The phrase "unduly solicitous" means excessively anxious or overprotective, which is supported by the context of this statement.
A context clue is a word or phrase in a sentence or paragraph that helps to reveal the meaning of an unfamiliar word or concept through the surrounding text.
Learn more about context clue at:
https://brainly.com/question/20263792
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