Explicit meaning means meaning that originates only from the meaning of the phrase and not other contextual features and it also has the connotations of being concrete and realistic. On the other hand, implied meaning makes us think of similes and other non-pragmatic factors. The only pair that suits the above descriptions is: direct statements / imagery. This question is along the dilemma of imagery and direct statements; the other 2 choices have other impacts on literary forms.
