Fill in the blank in the following sentence with the most appropriate option:
I was so reluctant, but now I am _______ the responsibility to maintain an amicable relationship between the opposing parties.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → saddled with
Be saddled with means to be given a burden or an unwelcome duty, like a load placed on a horse's back. The speaker was reluctant, but now has the burden of keeping peace between the opposing parties.
Example: She was saddled with her brother's debts.
Complete sentence: I was so reluctant, but now I am saddled with the responsibility to maintain an amicable relationship between the opposing parties.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: letting down — Incorrect. Let down means to disappoint someone who depends on you; "letting down the responsibility" is not English.
Example: Please do not let your team down.
Option 3: trickling down — Incorrect. Trickle down means to flow slowly in drops, or (of money and benefits) to pass slowly to poorer people; it has no link with taking on a duty.
Example: Water trickled down the wall.
Option 4: cracking down — Incorrect. Crack down (on) means to take strict action against something wrong; it needs "on" and does not mean accepting a duty.
Example: The police are cracking down on speeding.