Strong collocation: 'to pose a thread'

[gabi]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #39 "State Secrets", question 9

The question must always be in the mind of the writer whether what is being written is likely to ......... a threat to the safety of the community at large.

(a) place
(b) put
(c) start
(d) pose

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #39 "State Secrets", answer 9

The question must always be in the mind of the writer whether what is being written is likely to pose a threat to the safety of the community at large.

Correct answer: (d) pose

Your answer was: incorrect
The question must always be in the mind of the writer whether what is being written is likely to place a threat to the safety of the community at large.
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why "pose" and not "place"?

gabi

[Alan]

Hi,

This is a set expression meaning 'possibly create'. The verb 'place' is too exact in this context.

A
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English as a Second Language
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