Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
The officials connived ____ the illegal activities.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The complete phrase is "connived at."
Meaning: To "connive at" something means to ignore or overlook a wrongdoing, often implying that the person in authority secretly allows it to happen or turns a blind eye.
Usage: While "connive with" is used when referring to conspiring with a person (e.g., "The official connived with the thief"), "connive at" is used specifically for the act or activity being ignored.
The correct option to fill in the blank is ‘at’.