Explanation:

- The sentence is about a promotion decision affecting the assistant manager, so we need a term related to being overlooked or not considered.

- Option 1: Passed over

- Means not being considered or selected for something, like a promotion.

- It fits perfectly in the context of being denied promotion.

- Option 2: Passed off

- Typically means to dismiss or ignore something or to present something falsely.

- Not suitable in this context.

- Option 3: Passed by

- Generally means to go past or overlook something physically or metaphorically.

- Can be similar but less specific than "passed over."

- Option 4: Passed out

- Means to lose consciousness or distribute something.

- Not relevant to the context of promotion.