Question

In the following passage, the famous detective Hercule Poirot is consulted in the matter of the kidnapped Prime Minister.

"So," said Poirot thoughtfully, "there are two disappearances: the Prime Minister in France, and O’Murphy in London."
He looked keenly at Lord Estair, who made a gesture of despair. . . .
Poirot nodded gravely. He looked at his turnip of a watch again.
"I understand that I have carte blanche, messieurs—in every way, I mean? I must be able to go where I choose, and how I choose."

–"The Kidnapped Prime Minister,"
Agatha Christie

Which phrase is a clue to the meaning of the underlined phrase?

I understand
I have
I mean
I choose

Answer 1

"I choose."

Explanation: "Carte blanche" means complete freedom to act; the phrase "I must be able to go where I choose, and how I choose" directly explains that meaning.