Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests the understanding of "Phrasal Verbs."
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that functions as a single unit with a meaning different from the literal words.
The three-word phrasal verb "get away with" describes an outcome related to accountability.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the contextual meaning:
- Get away with: This means to do something wrong, illegal, or improper and escape any negative consequences or penalties for that action.
Example: "If you cheat on the test and the teacher doesn't see you, you get away with it."
In the context of the sentence "get away with such a big crime," it specifically refers to a criminal avoiding the legal justice system.
- (A) Proceed with: This means to continue or start a plan.
- (B) Go along with: This means to agree with someone else's idea.
- (C) Tolerate: This means to endure something unpleasant.
- (D) Escape punishment: This is the exact dictionary definition of the phrasal verb "get away with." It captures the idea of zero accountability for a wrongdoing.
Given the explicit mention of a "big crime" in the prompt, "escape punishment" is the only logical interpretation.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The phrase "Get away with" means to escape punishment, which corresponds to option (d).