Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.

The sad part of the agitation is that most of the leaders are only paying lip-service to the issue.

saying they agree although they do not support it

The most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence is saying they agree although they do not support it. It means to express support for something without actually doing anything to help or promote it.

The other options are not as appropriate.

• Growing angry and restless with the organisers means to become annoyed and impatient with the people who are organizing something.
• Making long speeches for the cause means to give speeches that are intended to support or promote a particular cause.
• Partially impressing the crowds means to make a small number of people in a crowd feel impressed.