Question

read the source of the allusion. in 1815, french emperor napoleon suffered a devastating defeat in the battle of waterloo, which would prove to be his final battle before he abdicated the throne. what is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below? last nights play-off in the semifinals proved to be the teams waterloo. a virtual tie a surprise win a final defeat

Explanation:

The source of the allusion says Napoleon had a devastating, final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. In the sentence about the team's play - off, using "Waterloo" as an allusion should carry the meaning of a final defeat, as it parallels Napoleon's final defeat at Waterloo. "A virtual tie" means a nearly equal result, and "a surprise win" is a victory, neither of which match the meaning of the allusion from the Battle of Waterloo.

Answer:

a final defeat