It is crucial that we do not stifle the momentum?

[IanChou]

Business English Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #95 "Corporate Policy (3)", question 6

It is crucial that we do not ......... the momentum of the up-and-coming generation of workforce.

(a) strive
(b) stifle
(c) stockade
(d) suture

Business English Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #95 "Corporate Policy (3)", answer 6

It is crucial that we do not stifle the momentum of the up-and-coming generation of workforce.

Correct answer: (b) stifle

Your answer was: incorrect
It is crucial that we do not strive the momentum of the up-and-coming generation of workforce.
_________________________

Please kindly explain this sentence. I totally have no idea!

Thank you
Ian

[Mister Micawber]

It is very important that we do not discourage the younger workers.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[IanChou]

Let me quot an intensive explanation from my Aussie friend.
----------------------------------------------------------------
strive - means to try and make something happen
stockade - is like a barrier, but its physical
suture - is sewing up a cut
stifle - means to hold something back
as in stifle growth, or not allow it to happen
This can not work without the complete sentence
momentum, is the forward movement
up and coming generation, is the next generation of kids
so, to stifle the momentum, is to stop the forward movement
so, it is not to stop or slow the next generation of kids from learning and moving forward.

It is crucial that we do not stifle the momentum of the up and coming generation = so we must allow them to grow and expand at their will, and we do not stop them in any way
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ian

[Mister Micawber]

Then why did you waste my time?
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[IanChou]

I did not mean to waste your time .
I was still confused with your explanation so that I called a friend in overseas.
He showed me his explanation. I thought it might help other people who have same confusion as me.

I apologize if it causes you uncomfortable

Ian