The eagle swooped and _______ a sleeping lizard

"Carried off" means to take away fitting the context of an eagle taking a lizard making option C correct. Other options are less appropriate. Proper phrasal verb usage ensures clarity especially in descriptive writing or narratives. This skill is vital for professional communication. Accurate phrasal verbs convey actions effectively particularly in stories or reports where precise language enhances the description of movements or events clearly and engagingly in various settings.