Question

There are fellows, don't forget, who cultivate vulnerable players, offer ___________ and sweeteners, and then, once the hooks are in, squeeze them.

1) regulations
2) adjournments
3) inducements
4) injunctions

Answer 1

The correct word to fill in the blank is 'inducements,' referring to offers made to vulnerable players with ulterior motives similar to bribery in industries and lobbying in politics.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given sentence, the blank can be appropriately filled with the word 'inducements'. These are meant to entice or persuade someone to do something. The context suggests that individuals are luring vulnerable players with offerings that could potentially be some form of incentives or sweeteners. As the sentence unfolds, it becomes clear that these openings are merely a pretext to exploit the players later. This is similar to practices in some industries where influence is used to garner favors, such as through bribing politicians or offering particularized benefits. It's a tactic also seen in the environment of outside lobbying, where organizations seek to sway decision-makers and the public for their interests.