TEST 1

1. Marches and demonstrations in Vietnam have become increasingly militant, and sadly, the
government reacted by _______ down harshly on this civil unrest.

A. backing B. bearing C. clamping D. drawing

2. If institutions balk, waiting to cross that _______ when you come to it could be disastrous.

A. bridge B. fingers C. legs D. path

3. The family were roundly subjected to insults, smutty comments and had a multitude of _______ cast
on them about their manhood for the duration of their walk around the town.

A. aspersions B. criticisms C. doubts D. vilifications

4. Prescott will begin to reconstruct his relationship with both Gilchrist and the employers in the next
few days, unprepared to _______ the amount of cash the government will contribute to the deal.

A. account for B. allow for C. bargain on D. contemplate on

5. Why should we have to pay a lifetime of premiums, making some insurance company masses of
money, just on the _______ that one day we can make a claim?

A. fighting chance B. mischance C. off-chance D. perchance

6. Having _______ to urban illness and death in winter, prevention is directed at around 50000 excess
deaths that still occur annually in Britain in cold weather.

A. perception B. perspective C. reference D. regard

7. Recession is _______ in the minds of politicians and chief executives as they gossip at the
conference.

A. paramount B. predominant C. uppermost D. uttermost

8. Being revealed as a drug addict, one who illegally purchased drugs on the black market – many of
which are obtained by stealing from people who really need the medication – is _______ justice.

A. figurative B. flowery C. metrical D. poetic

9. He has often sought to justify repression on the _______ of threatened coups against his government.

A. guises B. ploys C. pretences D. pretexts

10. The standard Milky Way model comprised a thin disk of bright young stars surrounded by a
sparsely _______ halo of old stars.

A. colonised B. inhabited C. occupied D. populated

11. In any case, unfortunately, there is a _______ chance of finding alternative employment in this
despoiled area which to an untutored eye looks rich in natural assets.

A. big B. fat C. good D. huge

 12. From mass production clothing to managing factory lines to understanding the nature of different
fabrics, he kept _______ and that has brought him where he is today.

A. a millstone around his neck B. a sword in the stone

C. his heart of stone D. his nose to the grindstone

13. It was a dark, starless night and without a compass, we were left__________around for directions.

A. groping B. grabbing C. probing D. prodding

14. Filing may be a__________procedure, bit it is essential for the smooth runnign of the office.

A. strenuous B. tedious C. weary D. stuffy

15. The toll makes using the Panama Canal too costly for some__________vessels.

A. commerce B. profiteering C. business D. merchant

16. The Egyptian coast guard received a(n) __________signal from the ship at 11.34 last night.

A. distress B. anxiety C. stress D. disquiet

17. Most armies around the world use satellite technology to __________ orders.

A. emit B. impart C. release D. relay

18. It was imperative for the authorities to __________the epidemic.

A. succeed B. localise C.spread D.define

19. His efforts, though futile, are still__________.

A. refined B. intimidated C.pious D.commendable

20. He was reserved by nature, even__________ .

A. cordial B. morose C.amiable D. approachable

 TEST 2

1. His English was roughly ______ with my Greek, so communication was rather difficult!

A. levelled B. on a par C. equal D. in tune

2. Well, I’m sorry, that’s all I can offer you. ______ .

A. Take it or forget it B. Get it or forget it

C. Take it or leave it D. Leave it or take it

3. He promised me an Oxford dictionary and to my great joy, he ______ his word.

A. stood by B. stuck at C. went back on D. held onto

4. The police are ______ certain who the culprit is.

A. in some ways B. more or less C. here and there D. by and by

5. Employees who have a ______ are encouraged to discuss it with the management.

A. hindrance B. grievance C. disadvantage D. disturbance

6. Although the patient received intensive treatment, there was no ______ improvement in her condition.

A. decipherable B. legible C. discernible D. intelligible

7. The prospect of picking up any survivors is now______

A. thin B. narrow C. slim D. restricted

8. His happy–go–lucky attitude means that on the field he exhibits a ______ disregard for the rules.

A. required B. glaring C. permissible D. flagrant

9. He was selected to play despite a string of ______ performances.

A. satisfactory B. reasonable C. outstanding D. mediocre

10. Even the best medicines are not ______ .

A. infallible B. unfailing C. fail-proof D. falsified

11. I’m in a bit of a ______ as to what to wear to the party.

A. loss B. quandary C. problem D. trouble

12. His new play is not only interesting but also unique. It is really off the beaten ______ .

A. track B. road C. path D. route

13. Without written evidence, we don’t have a ______ on.

A. leg to stand B. foot to stand C. leg to lean D. foot to lean

14. Now’s a ______ time to tell me you’re going out this evening - I’ve spent the whole day preparing supper
for you.

A. suitable B. reasonable C. right D. fine

15. She hasn’t had an accident yet but she’s had a number of ______ shaves.

A. narrow B. near C. close D. tiny

16. As you are the strongest in the group, you can take the ______ .

A. lead B. head C. part D. way

17. Although she had never used a word-processor before, she soon got the ______ of it.

A. feel B. touch C. move D. hang

18. I overslept this morning and caught the last bus to school by the skin of my ______ .

A. mouth B. leg C. neck D. teeth

19. The sky got very dark and soon it began to ______ down.

A. roar B. bath C. bucket D. soar

20. If you want a flat in the center of the city, you have to pay through the ______ for it.

A. teeth B. back of your head C. nose D. arm

 TEST 3

1. I _______ my eyes around the room but could not see her.

A. flung B. tossed C. threw D. cast

2. I know we're told to shuck our routines and live spontaneously, but I’m _______ - it’s just easier when
you know exactly how each day will pan out.

A. a nasty piece of work B. a creature of habit C. a soft touch D. clock-watcher

3. Many modern refrigerators never need to be ________.

A. frosting B. frosty C. defrosting D. defrosted

4. Many old people don’t like change. They are very set in their _______.

A. lives B. habits C. routine D. ways

5. The river is just _______ in the dry season.

A. deep-knee B. knee-depth C. depth knee D. knee-deep

6. Although they hold similar political views, their religious beliefs present a striking contrast ________.

A. minor comparison B. interesting resemblance

C. significant difference D. complete coincidence

7. Just because we’ve had a good year, this does not mean that we cannot do better: we must not ______

A. have our head in the clouds B. bury our heads in the sand

C. count our blessings D. rest on our laurels

8. Owen's second goal was ________ because he was off-side.

A banned B. disqualified C. disallowed D. outlawed

9. Getting up at 8 o’clock was early by her ______

A. reasons B. standards C. limits D. levels

10. My father often does ________ with people from other countries in the region.

A. finances B. business C. affair D. economy

11. ______ with anger, Mr. Jensson stormed into the local tax office and demanded to see someone about
his case which had dragged on for nearly three years.

A. Brimming B. Pouring C. Stewing D. Seething

12. Hotel rooms must be ________ by 10 a.m, but luggage may be left with the porter.

A. vacated B. evacuated C. abandoned D. left

13. He is one of the founders of the company so he has the rules _________.

A. by his fingertips B. at his fingertips C. in his fingertips D. on his fingertips

14. The littlest thing tends to anger my mother, so I feel like I have to walk on __________ whenever I'm
at her house.

A. eggshells B. nutshells C. bombshells D. seashells

15. Mauritius was a British colony for almost 200 years, ___ the domains of administration and teaching,
the English language was never really spoken on the island.

A. barring B. besides

C. but saving for D. with the exception of

16. We’d been working hard for a month and so decided to go out and ______.

A. paint the town red B. face the music

C. read between the lines D. steal the show

17. Searching for one man in this city is like looking for a _________.

A. salt of the earth B. sand in the desert

C. needle in a haystack D. drop in the ocean

18. Medical privacy laws _______ of health care provides that they be careful with protected information.

A. conceive B. devise C. envisage D. require

19. We must be careful not to put the cart before the _______.

A. bull B. horse C. pony D. cabbage

20. Jimmy: “'What did Professor Spencer say when you asked him if the final exam could be postponed?

Kate: “He said that it was out of ________ because there's no time to reschedule the test.”

A. all proportion B. order C. the question D. reach

 TEST 4

1. Jack has egg ______ because he couldn't remember how to spell "Batman"!

A. on his teeth B. on his face C. on his shirt D. on his fingers

2. As the maestro lifted his baton the theater was so still you could hear ______ .

A. his heartbeat B. a pin drop C. bird wings D. the drum beating

3. I don't agree with you, but your idea certainly gives me food _____.

A. for fun B. for consider C. for thought D. for thinking

4. I think I understand the nuts and ______ of the operation.

A. screws B. hammer C. nails D. bolts

5. I'll be back in the twinkling of ______ .

A. an eye B. a lighting bolt C. a smile D. a laugh

6. Look, I will pay you back. Would you please call the ______?!

A. hunters off B. tigers off C. dogs off D. apes off

7. Ever since he married Jane, he's had a new ______ on life.

A. rent B. lease C. title D. loan

8. Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I guess I really put my ______ in my mouth.

A. foot B. hand C. elbow D. knee

9. You need to keep a stiff ______ no matter what! Don't get nervous!

A. nose B. right arm C. eyebrow D. upperlip

10. I think you can take what he says at ______ value.

A. real B. face C. true D. straight

11. I wish you'd be honest with me. Don't lead me down the ______ .

A. hiking path B. garden path C. hiking trail D. garden trail

12. I'd like to start the meeting and get down to ______ tacks.

A. silver B. brass C. copper D. gold

13. I've been working here for two months and have got into the ______.

A. swing of things B. groove of things C. rut of things D. swing of routine

14. I really wasn't ready for the presentation, but was saved by the ______ when Jack took over for me.

A. tone B. bang C. bell D. ring

15. We need to tighten our ______ and start saving some money.

A. shoes B. tie C. belt D. shoelaces

16. Bob's so stupid. He doesn't know enough to come in out of the _____.

A. rain B. snow C. wind D. sleet

17. I had to ______ the class all the answers to the test.

A. fork-feed B. knife-feed C. spoon feed D. happily feed

18. She needs to take a vacation. She's been working her fingers to the _____.

A. bone B. skin C. blisters D. nails

19. Ask Tom, he's got money to ______ .

A. throw B. eat C. burn D. cut

20. I told you not to tell her! Now you've let the _____ out of the bag.

A. dog B. mouse C. fly D. cat

 TEST 5

1. In these times of high unemployment everyone thought my giving up my job was________ madness.

A. sheer B. steep C. high D. deep

2. The weekend is over, so tomorrow morning it’s back to the________ .

A. grind B. labour C. drudgery D. toil

3. The project will be kept__________ until the new manager comes.

A. in order B. off and on C. on ice D. off the peck

4. It would set a bad_________ if we changed the rules just for one student.

A. precaution B. infringement C. precedent D. manifestation

5. To make a profit, we’ll have to add a few thousand new customers to our list, which is __________.

A. a piece of cake B. out of order C. out of our depth D. a tall order

6. I'm afraid we got our ______crossed. I thought my husband would be picking up the children and he thought
I was doing it.

A. wires B. purposes C. fingers D. minds

7. The problem with losing weight is that, if you succeed all your clothes need to be_________.

A. cut down B. taken in C. made down D. let down

8. I have to stress that the ______ is on you to bring up your own children.

A. duty B. charge C. onus D. responsibility

9. When several companies showed interest in buying the film rights to his novel, he knew he had
__________.

A. upped the ante B. scooped the bag C. caught the fat one D. hit the jackpot

10. As a _________, politicians and other public figures should avoid making direct statements that could be
used against them.

A. show of hands B. word of mouth C. rule of thumb D. change of heart

11. I’m sure there’s a definite __________ of envy in her nasty comments about you.

A. factor B. ingredient C. component D. element

12. In the ___________ of just two days, her whole life changed.

A. interval B. space C. spell D. duration

13. The thieves took ___________ when they heard a police car approaching.

A. retreat B. flight C. escape D. getaway

14. Afterwards, when I ___________ on the events of that day, I could hardly believe what had happened.

A. contemplated B. reviewed C. reflected D. weighed

15. There was a huge ___________ of applause when the star of the show appeared.

A. bout B. stint C. round D. spate

16. As he accepted the award his voice ___________ with emotion.

A. quivered B. flinched C. cringed D. winced

17. Rose has always had a ___________ interest in matters to do with the environment.

A. fierce B. sharp C. grave D. keen

18. By the __________ of it, the economy will improve over the next few months.

A. face B. impression C. evidence D. look

19. Tim and Alan have never got on well and there is a lot of ___________ feeling between them.

A. cross B. adverse C. ill D. vile

20. Peter has now arrived late for work three days in a __________ .

A. line B. sequence C. series D. row

 TEST 6

1. As we entered the farmyard we were met with a(n) ____ of animal sounds.

A. alacrity B. cacophony C. depravity D. intermingling

2. It stands to reason that a touch of humor and optimism can work ____.

A. on all cylinders B. wonders

C. spectacles D. your fingers to the bone

3. Speaking about his long battle with his illness struck a ____________with the audience.

A. chord B. string C. rope D. wises

4. Mark decided to follow in his father’s ______ and become a dentist.

A. advice B. way C. road D. footsteps

5. They’re having serious problems. Their relationship is on the _________

A. cliffs B. rocks C. stones D. grass

6. In his _________ days he was quite dandy.

A. salad B. green C. fruit D. vegetable

7. No decision has been taken about the building of the new airport. The authorities are still _______.

A. beating about the bush B. comparing apples and oranges

C. sitting on the fence D. holding all the aces

8. Oil spills will _______ even the healthiest of marine ecosystem.

A. play havoc on B. break ground with

C. pay the consequences for D. take their toll on

9. Like more and more women, she believes marriage would _________ her style.

A. restricts B. impedes C. obstructs D. cramps

10. He's not nearly such a good writer as he's _________ up to be.

A. creased B. cracked C. lined D. valued

11. She had an unclear ________ of him in her mind although she knew he would be old.

A. sight B. picture C. vision D. figure

12. Those without the major studios’ huge spending ________ are not convinced by the argument that
marketing movies can double their budget.

A. force B. strength C. weight D. power

13. The outcome was a ________ circle whereby women's work, perceived as low status, was poorly rewarded
and therefore regarded as unimportant.

A. relentless B. vicious C. brutal D. merciless

14. The best travel books of this year fall into three main categories: __________ informational, narrative, and
anecdotal.

A. truly B. fully C. literally D. purely

15. People are dying for _________ of medical treatment.

A. need B. absence C. want D. shortage

16. With just a little preparation and regular feeding and watering, you can guarantee that you have a ________
of color throughout the summer.

A. disturbance B. riot C. demonstration D. rally

17. Congratulations on your success! How does it feel to be_______?

A. the man of the hour B. a word of honor

C. an egg on the face D. the top of the morning

18. They spend so much time arguing that, when it comes to the _______, decisions are often deferred.

A. crunch B. outcry C. panic stations D. uproar

19. The __________ were stacked against them but they survived their ordeal.

A. fates B. hopes C. odds D. chances

20. Tragedy __________ yesterday when a man was swept out to sea by a freak wave.

A. struck B. sparked C. hit D. came

 TEST 7

1. I knew my mother would ________ a face the minute she saw my new hair cut.

A. drag B. lift C. pull D. race

2. When she started borrowing my clothes without asking, I had to put my ______ down.

A. stamp B. show C. fish D. foot

3. If you are going to town, keep your eyes ________ for that book I was telling you about.

A. peeled B. clean C. wide D. fresh

4. He was a tall, intimidating person, with a firm tone of voice and a very short ______ .

A. fuse B. line C. patience D. temperament

5. Peter was ______ of revealing the company’s future plans to the reporter.

A. circumspect B. wary C. prudent D. cautious

6. I'd just met his parents for the first time so I was on my best ______ .

A. manners B. conduct C. behaviour D. demeanour

7. As his whole family were doctors, it was in his ______ to take up that profession

A. blood B. spirit C. soul D. heart

8. You've got a whole week to yourself and you can read to your heart's ________.

A. happiness B. content C. contentment D. delight

9. I hate the way Tony ________ around looking so self – important.

A. struts B. scampers C. slithers D. slinks

10. Let me take care of the invitations—you've enough ________ with the caterers.

A. on your hands B. in hand C. at her hand D. at hand

11. The Higg Boson become hot ____ talk following the release of a series of Hollywood movies based
loosely around the discovery of a so-called “Good Particle”.

A. common B. topic C. table D. subject

12. If the work-force respected you, you wouldn’t need to ________ your authority so often

A. assert B. affirm C. maintain D. inflict

13. The economic situation makes many people unwilling to take the ________and open their own businesses.

A. initiative B. bull C. plunge D. opportunity

14. Roy_________ the depths of despair when his wife left him

A. plumbs B. reaches C. fills D. achieves

15. The projects have progressed in ___ and starts due to a constant change in funding.

A. wits B. bits C. fits D. sits

16. It’s as if that silly argument we had has driven a ___ between us and we’ve lost all our old closeness.

A. ledge B. beam C. plank D. wedge

17. The country is an economic _____ with chronic unemployment and rampant crime.

A. lost cause B. false dawn C. dark horse D. basket case

18. I ____ and drew my foot out quickly. The bath water was so hot.

A. tingled B. ached C. writhed D. pained

19. We managed to ____ the last economical depression by cutting down our workforce.

A. surmount B. override C. float D. weather

20. The renewed in Elizabethan times is evident in the ____ of new Hollywood film set during that period.

A. transience B. spate C. hypocrisy D. demise

 TEST 8

1. We weren’t close friends but she ________ me well when I left college.

A. hoped B. boded C. wished D. bade

2. I don’t want to be too ________ on Alice, but I think I should tell her that her work isn’t good enough.

A. stringent B. stern C. strict D. hard

3. The management are making ________ to increase the company’s efficiency.

A. measures B. steps C. move D. deeds

4. There isn't a ______of truth in those rumors.

A. pinch B. grain C. trace D. speck

5. Every ______of emotion seemed to have drained from his face.

A. pinch B. grain C. trace D. speck

6. Son: “This herb smells horrible!”

Mom: “Be that as it may, it will do you a ________ of good” .

A. power B. wealth C. strike D. visit

7. A: ‘Oh, I’m exhausted! I’ve been doing homework all day.’

B: ‘Come and put your _______ up for 5 minutes and I’ll make you a cup of tea.’

A. hands B. hair C. heart D. feet

8. It was such a sad movie that we were all reduced ________ tears.

A. for B. with C. into D. to

9. She marched into the shops, as bold as ________, and demanded for her money back.

A. bass B. grass C. brass D. glass

10. Jane is out in the garden mulling________ a problem to do ________work.

A. over/ with B. away/ without C. in/to D. into/for

11. He was absolutely _______ with anger when he found that I had scratched his car.

A. burned B. carmine C. fickle D. livid

12. I don’t think Paul will ever get married — he’s the stereotypical _______ bachelor.

A. settled B. confirmed C. fixed D. determined

13. I cannot think who had_______ the gaff, but it seems everyone knows that Nicole and I are planning to get
married.

A. burst B. blown C. split D. banged

14. As we were in an urgent need of syringes and other medical equipment, the aid organization promised to
deliver them _______ the double.

A. at B. in C. with D. round

15. She was so ill that it was ________ whether she would live or not.

A. win or lose B. come and go C. touch and go D. on and off

16. “Have you got a copy of Gone with the Wind?”

“You’re ________ luck. We’ve just one copy left”

A. by B. with C. in D. on

17. When I got stuck in the elevator, I was scared out of my ________.

A. brains B. head C. wits D. nerves

18. The manager hesitated to assign the job to the newcomer as he was__________ .

A. wet behind the ears B. feeling your ears burning

C. ringing in your ears D. keeping your ears open

19. As he was running for a charity which was _____ to his heart, he felt even more determined to complete
the race.

A. warm B. near C. next D. close

20. James didn’t take _____ to your suggestion that she was mean with money.

A. kindly B. pleasantly C. cheerfully D. agreeably

 TEST 9

1. Money was short and people survived by ________ and saving.

A. scrimping B. scavenging C. scouring D. scrounging

2. You can try reformatting your computer, but once you open that ________, you’ll probably be working on it
for days.

A. apple of discord B. can of worms C. load of cobblers D. spot of brother

3. The luxurious office accentuated the manager’s position ________ in everything. Every detail is matched on
each side.

A. on the pecking pole B. at the nipping post

C. at the nipping post D. in the pecking order

4. The first ________ of the ladder is important in your career.

A. step B. grade C. push D. rung

5. Anyone who lies under oath will be charged with ____ the course of justice.

A. perverting B. inverting C. converting D. diverting

6. I’m really glad that pompous oaf lost his court case, may be that will bring him down a ____ or two.

A. step B. notch C. peg D. rung

7. The designer refuses to glid the ____, preferring clean, simple lines for his creations.

A. lily B. flower C. rose D. daisy

8. She ____ agreed to go with him to the football match although she had no interest in the game at all.

A. apologetically B. grudgingly C. shamefacedly D. discreetly

9. The number of people traveling by air has been growing ____ .

A. by leaps and bounds B. from time to time C. slow but true D. by hook and crook

10. The Red Cross is ____ an international aid organization.

A. intriguingly B. intrusively C. intrinsically D. intrepidly

11. Derek had no experience of white-water canoeing, so it was extremely_________of him to try and shoot the
rapids.

A. hazardous B. intrepid C. perilous D. foolhardy

12. Peregrine Thorpe_________the rewards of his hard work when he was given the chair of classics.

A. got B. obtained C. reaped D. collected

13. I can’t understand Juan’s Spanish, because he speaks a regional_________

A. dialect B. jargon C. accent D. slang

14. When the lift finally started moving, we were all packed inside like_________

A. fish B. anchovies C. sardines D. dates

15. The police accused the bank employee of_________, after financial irregularities were uncovered in his
department’s accounts.

A. fraud B. hoodwink C. swindle D. cheating

16. The news of the attack left us completely _________.

A. stirred B. stunned C. moved D. upset

17. -“They say that your wife tends to pry into other people private’s matters.”

- “ I don’t care. It’s no skin off my _______”

A. palm B. skull C. cheek D. nose

18. Take the doctor’s advice into consideration. He’s in ________ earnest about the epidemic.

A. mortally B. fatally C. gravely D. deadly

19. Steve used to be easy to work with, but since his promotion he’s begun to______ .

A. throw his weight around B. throw in the towel

C. throw him off balance D. turn up trumps

20. It’s important to keep your _____ about you when you are walking through the African bush.

A. wits B. heads C. brains D. minds

 TEST 10

1. Instead of gilding _______the photographs added atmosphere - a sense of history.

A. the rose B. the lily C. the daisy D. the jasmine

2. People _______ say that interest rates will have to rise again soon.

A. on the block B. in the bag C. on the level D. in the know

3. I can't think _______ of anyone who'd be able to help you.

A. on hand B. offhand C. in hand D. at hand

4. If the contract has not been signed by witnesses, it is considered _______.

A. null and void B. nook and cranny C. neck and neck D. nip and tuck

5. For that he was put to death and there was, in one respect, a _______ justice about it.

A. extreme B. rough C. severe D. tough

6. His future in the job is balanced on a _______.

A. cutting-edge B. razor-edge C. cliff-edge D. knife-edge

7. Take these to your stylist, safe in the _______ that your new look is going to suit you!

A. awareness B. recognition C. knowledge D. commitment

8. More spaces are needed at less cost not another ______ office block.

A. dark horse B. white elephant C. red herring D. brown bear

9. She _______ a raw nerve when she mentioned that job he didn't get.

A. touched B. drilled C. pulled D. knocked

10. One wall was filled to ______ with books.

A. overstepping B. overlaying C. overflowing D. overfilling

11. Most teenagers go through a rebellious _______ for a few years but they soon grow out of it.

A. stint B. span C. duration D. phase

12. I bumped into John in Athens and he _______ me before I had time to speak first.

A. accosted B. ajar C. brawled D. jolted

13. She was so infuriated that she found it difficult to _______ her temper.

A. contain B. abstain C. retain D. detain

14. My uncle pulled a few _______ and got me a job in the company where he works.

A. ropes B. threads C. strings D. chords

15. The room was _______ decorated in gold and silver; it was quite simply over the top.

A. ostentatiously B. tantalizingly C. tactfully D. benevolently

16. The class went to see the performance of Macbeth because it ______in well with the project they were
doing on Scottish history.

A. crammed B. stood C. tied D. booked

17. I was sitting in a train looking out of the window, when my mind suddenly ______back to that amazing trip
we made to India.

A. put B. flashed C. stirred D. associated

18. I always get _______ in my stomach before visiting the dentist.

A. worms B. butterflies C. crabs D. hedgehogs

19. Nobody wanted to tell Richard he wasn’t invited but I drew the short _______ so I had to do it.

A. straw B. stick C. pole D. rod

20. Living as a foreigner in such a(n) _______ place as this, it is hardly surprising that I get started at walking
down the street; I stand out like a sore thumb.

A. eminent B. convivial C. extraneous D. homogeneous

 TEST 11

1. In my opinion, people are getting their shorts in a ________ over this election.

A. screw B. knot C. tangle D. cluster

2. She's been speaking with her local parish priest every day since becoming bedridden so that she can pass
away in a state of ________.

A. grace B. love C. kindness D. charity

3. We're supposed to have nice weather this afternoon, so why don't we go to the beach and grab
some_______?

A. lights B. blazes C. rays D. flashes

4. The man made a_______ at me as I walked by, so I sprayed him in the face with pepper spray.

A. grab B. clutch C. grasp D. catch

5. The two candidates are so close in the polls that both are vying for something that will tilt the________ in
their favor.

A. balance B. equity C. harmony D. equivalence

6. The President laid out a new economic plan to try to balance the________ by increasing taxes on the
wealthy.

A. texts B. books C. writings D. novels

7. I need to balance the_______ and determine if I can afford to go on a vacation this summer.

A. reports B. tales C. accounts D. details

8. We'll have to weigh each applicant in the_______ before deciding who to hire, so it could be a couple of
weeks before we make our final decision.

A. balance B. harmony C. evenness D. equivalence

9. We aren't going to make a decision until everyone here has gotten their_______.

A. talk B. speak C. ask D. say

10. I'm a working mom of three, so I have lunch-making down to a _______- I put out all the pieces of bread,
add jelly to each one, and then do the same with peanut butter.

A. science B. system C. technique D. learning

11. Oh, I got you_______ the minute you walked in here scowling. You're going to sit right here, in the front
of the classroom.

A. wrapped B. roped C. taped D. tied

12. I'd like you to get your_______ in a new project that I'm developing.

A. tongues B. lips C. teeth D. noses

13. Dude, get your_______ together---1 trip over something of yours at least once a day!

A. good B. thing C. junk D. stuff

14. After a month of drinking and partying and totally neglecting my studies, I realized that I needed to get my
priorities_______ if I wanted to graduate from college.

A. direct B. clear C. sharp D. right

15. A: "I want him taken care of – he's become too much of a liability."

B: "I think I get your_______”

A. meaning B. context C. sense D. definition

16. I'm sorry I'm late. I thought we were getting here at 8---we must have gotten our_______ crossed.

A. lines B. lanes C. ways D. routes

17. Yeah, I heard that class sucks_______ balls, so I'm taking an Intro to Chemistry course instead.

A. horse B. mule C. donkey D. pony

18. Don't worry, we'll get in – I'm on a first-name_______ with the owner of the club.

A. basis B. base C. ground D. crux

19. We spend all day cooking their food and all we get to eat are their table_______.

A. scraps B. chunks C. grains D. lumps

20. By signing up with us, your website will get the royal_______ from our team of professional web
developers!

A. medication B. treatment C. medicine D. operation

 TEST 12

1. Waiting_______ table is a great job for someone fresh out of high school or college, but it's not something
most people want to do for the rest of their lives.

A. out B. off C. on D. in

2. If we could just get both parties around the_______. I'm confident we could reach an agreement.

A. desk B. bench C. table D. bar

3. Young lady, I will tan your_______ if you disobey me again!

A cover B. mask C. hide D. shelter

4. A: "This mystery novel really has Susie's_______ on it doesn't it?"

B: "Oh yeah, she loves spooky things."

A. brand B. flag C. name D. label

5. There wasn't a single theatre critic_______ of the name in the audience, judging by the totally biased copy-
pasted reviews the play received the next morning.

A. honest B. worthy C. decent D. true

6. Many expected the new tech company to fold straight away, but it's been able to keep going stride
for_______ against the major competitors.

A. tramp B. stalk C. stride D. march

7. Police say the man was walking down the street and then, without breaking_______ snatched the woman's
purse from her table.

A. stride B. stalk C. stomp D. traipse

8. The CEO strode_______ the office, cast her eyes around the place approvingly, then hurried out against just
as quickly.

A. off B. on C. at D. into

9. The CEO picked up her things and strode_______ of the office as soon as the meeting was over.

A. away B. out C. over D. along

10. Once you hit your_______ at your new job. I'm sure your boss will be very impressed with you.

A. belts B. straps C. leashes D. bands

11. We parted ways, but we left open the_______ of working together again sometime.

A. opportunity B. possibility C. probability D. achievability

12. We all sat into the seats of the roller coaster and began strapping_______

A. off B. out C. over D. in

13. The federal agency's plan – to name and_______ local criminals across the country with a published list of
their names and convictions – is being branded by some advocacy groups as a violation of privacy.

A. blot B. guilt C. shame D. smear

14. Everyone in class breathed a sigh of_______ after that horrible midterm exam was over.

A. comfort B. reprieve C. relief D. respite

15. I could tell the moderator was trying to provide a bit of_______ relief to keep the forum from being a total
snorefest, but it just wasn't enough.

A. light B. faint C. mild D. soft

16. The knights of the crusades committed many atrocities in their campaign, but they were absolved
from_______ by the heads of the church.

A. guilt B. regret C. remorse D. shame

17. John developed a guilt_______ after forcing his brother to move out.

A. compound B. network C. structure D. complex

18. We'd been walking for hours in the barren desert when a small town finally flashed into_______.

A. view B. look C. sight D. scene

19. You need to start closing the blinds in your room when you get changed – you're in_______ view of the
entire neighborhood!

A. big B. entire C. full D. large

20. I looked out the window and watched as the train station_______ from view.

A. vanished B. faded C. melted D. failed

21. Grandma doesn't care if you bring your boyfriend to Thanksgiving dinner. As far as she's_______ the
more, the merrier!

A bothered B. disturbed C. concerned D. troubled

22. Our small company has grown_______ leaps and bounds over the past year, thanks in no small part to our
aggressive new marketing campaign.

A. with B. in C. by D. between

23. Sadie has gotten her hopes_______ about going to the carnival tonight, so I think she'll be disappointed if
we don't go.

A. out B. off C. up D. in
 TEST 13

1. I can't believe he deceived thousands of people_________buying a faulty product!

A. of B. about C. around D. into

2. That house sure looks beautiful on the outside, but appearances______ be deceiving. What did the inspector
say about the foundation?

A. can B. could C. might D. may

3. A vacation is_______ the offing for me, and I couldn't be more ready for it.

A. on B. in C. of D. at

4. Ugh, the winters here are cold as a well digger's_______ – that's why I'm moving to Florida.

A. feet B. fingers C. teeth D. noses

5. I'm well______ of the risks involved with the surgery, but I still intend to get it.

A. alert B. aware C. awake D. wise

6. I keep my grandmother secret recipe under_______ and key so that no one can steal it.

A. bolt B. lock C. grip D. latch

7. Joe is really in touch_______ his emptions – he has no problem talking about how he feels.

A. of B. about C. with D. along

8. It's very handy having someone who can_______ a lock on the team

A. pick B. take C. mark D. elect

9. I hope you're enjoying your retirement because you are _______ out of the rat race, my friend.

A. strong B. well C. fine D. fit

10. I don't have the patience to be a kindergarten teacher, but you'll be great at it because you have a
really_______ touch.

A. easy B. simple C. smooth D. facile

11. You'll be well rid_______ that negligent tenant who never pays his rent on time.

A. off B. over C. on D. of

12. You should talk to my friend Ana, she's very______ versed in the ins and outs of income tax.

A strong B. fine C. well D. fit

13. This is a particularly volatile situation, so it will require a ______ touch to avoid becoming a public scandal

A. thin B. small C. light D. loose

14. You might have an impressive resume, but you'll never ______ the cut if you don't have excellent interview
skills.

A. take B. get C. have D. make

15. This is the total amount we made at the yard say, but I'm not sure how to cut the pie______ since we all did
different amounts of work

A down B. on C. up D. out

16. All right, everyone, let's______ the cackle and start brainstorming ideas for this new project.

A. make B. take C. cut D. keep

17. Don't try to cut a______ hog here – just do what you can.

A. big B. fat C. heavy D. large

18. Did Amanda leave? Boy, she really cut her______ – she didn't even say goodbye to me!

A. stick B. bat C. cane D. baton

19. My brother's______ for power in our company has created some deep and bitter divisions between him and
the rest of the family.

A. desire B. lust C. fervor D. greed

20. That CEO fell from______ once news of his scandal broke.

A. force B. power C. energy D. weight

 TEST 14

1. Are you going to go back to medical school or not? It's time to fish or cut________.

A. bait B. bribe C. lure D. trap

2. Go_______your peaches – I'll call you when I need your help.

A make B. take C. keep D. cut

3. We are looking for a reporter who will cut to the_______, not fluff their articles with unnecessary details or
asides.

A. crux B. center C. pith D. gist

4. I thought I had done a good job on the project, but my boss just________me to ribbons, pointing out every
little thing I had overlooked.

A. divide B. cut С. crop D. dice

5. Boys! Cut the_________ and focus on these math problems!

A. humor B. comedy C. sitcom D. farce

6. Man, this venture is going nowhere – I think we're better off_______ our losses than agreeing to rent this
space for another year.

A. making B. taking C. cutting D. keeping

7. She's always well-turned_______ so I'm sure she'll come to dinner in pearls and high heels.

A. off B. out C. over D. over

8. I'm not too well up_______the policy changes happening this year – Is there a reference guide I can consult?

A. in B. out C. over D. on

9. You only cut eyes_______that sign, so how could you possibly know what it says?

A. on B. in C. over D. at

10. I was hoping to reconcile with Mandy today, but when I approached, she just cut me_______.

A. dead B. losh C. tired D. extinct

11. I don't mind a cut and_______with Amy – she always has a unique perspective, even if we clash
sometimes.

A. thrust B. core C. fix D. pith

12. I think you should cut and_______ this section because it would fit better with the introduction of your
paper.

A. fasten B. paste C. fix D. patch

13. I know you're mad at your dad, but don't cut your own _______ here – running away is only going to make
your life harder.

A. lip B. throat C. tongue D. mouth

14. Don't leave those guys alone together – they've been known to cut up_____ when they disagree with each
other.

A. harsh B. rough C. rocky D. sharp

15. Our lawyer was able to cut through the_____ tape and get us an answer from the courthouse.

A. black B. white C. red D. blue

16. He's a brutal tyrant – that's how he came______ power.

A. off B. out C. into D. to

17. I'm not surprised that those two are arguing already – they're always at swords_______.

A. marks B. points C. dots D. sites

18. I only crossed______ with Danielle because we have different approaches to the experiment.

A. blades B. swords C. weapons D. bills

19. My mother-in-law is coming to town this weekend, so I better batten________the hatcher.

A. off B. out C. down D. up

20. Based on these consistently low numbers, it’s time to cut the_______ out of your department.

A. deadwood B. kingwood C. wormwood D. pinewood

21. Can you two stop measuring_______against each other? I'm sick of having to break up fights between you!

A. swords B. blades C. daggers D. weapons

22. Of course he's taking out his motorcycle in the pouring rain – he's always dicing with_______.

A. death B. grave C. demise D. loss

23. I love my mom, I truly do, but she used to call me five times a day! I had to ________ the cord.

A. take B. make C. keep D. cut

24. They claim that the tax overhaul was designed with lower – and middle – class earners in mind but nothing
could be further from the________ !

A. truth B. fact C. case D. dope

25. The senator has been criticized for measuring the_______ in the Oval Office with a month still to go before
the votes will be tallid.

A. drapes B. cloaks C. covers D. dresses

26. I know you think you don't measure_______ to your old man, but you're twice the police officer that he
ever was!

A. down B. up C. out D. off

27. After growing tired of Paul's constant complaining, Jana decided to tell him a few home______ about his
bad attitude.

A. truths B. facts C. cases D. principles

28. Prison inmates, especially those in solitary confinement, face an extraordinary pressure on their psyche
from being cut________ from the outside world for so long.

A. in B. out C. off D. on

29. Having only $20 in your bank account is cutting it________, if you ask me.

A. great B. smart C. fine D. solid

30. It's a symptom of the society we live in that we're all trained to cut each other's________ just to earn a little
bit more money.

A. mouths B. lips C. throats D. tongues

 TEST 15

1. I don't think the previous owners of this place ever cleaned their bathrooms properly. The______scum in the
bathtubs must have been an inch thick!

A. cleanser B. detergent C. soap D. lather

2. If you start rumors about other people, they'll eventually do the same thing to you._____ fair play, after all.

A. Walkabout B. Layabout C. Turnabout D. Runabout

3. The crowd chomped at the______ to see the unveiling of the new building.

A. bit B. jot C. lick D. dot

4. You don't have to try so hard to__ a better mousetrap – just design what interests you and see what happens.

A. form B. make C. build D. raise

5. A: "So you mean after nearly a year of hard work, all my profits are going to taxes? That's bull!”

B: “Yep, but that’s the ________it plays."

A. move B. form C. way D. step

6. Before going in, you should know that the______ of play in the facility is quite poor.

A .case B. form C. state D. shape

7. A: "Would you help me wash the dishes?" – B: "Sorry, no______. I've got somewhere I need to be.”

A. dice B. lather C. castile D. stud

8. A: "Did she flat-out say she was coming to dinner?" – B: "Well, words to that________.”

A. event B. issue C. end D. effect

9. With _______ effect, employees will no longer be able to take company computers home without the written
permission of a supervisor.

A. prompt B. immediate C. urgent D. actual

10. The candidate has been lashing out at the incumbent president's actions, but to ________ effect – he is still
trailing in the polls by nearly 25 points.

A. limited B. little C. meager D. slight

11. Dorothy keeps saying she can outrun anyone in our school, but she's talking_______ her hat if you ask me.

A. off B. over C. through D. out

12. My wife is all cuddles and kisses with the kids, then I have to play the_______ when they misbehave.

A. heavy B. huge C. large D. ample

13. The university is so fortunate to have a writer in______ of your unmatched intellect and ability.

A. apartment B. residence C. hall D. home

14. With so many manuscripts arriving daily, it's a challenge to______ the wheat from the chaff and spot the
really exceptional ones.

A. break B. detach C. separate D. disconnect

15. While we're staying with your grandparents, please don't say anything to_____ the horses.

A. agitate B. horrify C. frighten D. deter

16. The new government has vowed to bring several policies into_______, aimed at helping struggling citizens
get by.

A. event B. issue C. effect D. outcome

17. Our warnings were______ no effect, and he went ahead with the foolish investment.

A. with B. of C. on D. in

18. I think we should move on to another topic before we_______ this one to death.

A. flog B. flay C. cane D. hit

19. She was determined to play______ the game, even though she could barely see out of her right eye.

A. off B. over C. away D. out

20. My father and my uncle are engaged in a bitter business rivalry. If I can play them______ against each
other, I might be able to secure some sizeable investments for my own company.

A. out B. away C. over D. off

 TEST 16

1. After the boss resigned, everyone started playing ________ chairs in the company to figure out who would
take over for whom.

A. choral B. musical C. melodic D. operatic

2. This wonky Internet signal is raising______ with my work day.

A. hob B. fay C. elf D. bogie

3. The road closures have played________ with rush-hour traffic.

A. damage B. havoc C. chaos D. calamity

4. Sally is the most qualified candidate by far, so she's a dead_______ for the promotion.

A. belief B. cinch C. destiny D. cert

5. I've just had a________ of bad luck lately. After losing my job, I found out that I won't be entitled to any
social welfare payments while I look for work.

A. string B. cord C. rope D. strand

6. Mark is always harping on the same_________ about how little money he makes. I wish he would come up
with something new to talk about!

A. cord B. strand C. string D. twine

7. While many took offense at the rather unsavory theater piece, I can't help feeling like the whole thing was, at
heart, being played_________ laughs.

A. off B. out C. for D. away

8. I remember there being a lot of pressure when I played_______ chair for the university's chamber orchestra,
but I loved the thrill of the spotlight and the responsibility.

A. second B. first C. third D. fourth

9. I know these tabloids play________and loose with the truth, but they're such a guilty pleasure of mine!

A. quick B. swift C. fast D. easy

10. We need to play________ the presence of microtransactions in the game and focus more on the gameplay
itself in our marketing.

A. off B. down C. out D. over

11. Between her impressive résumé and the way she handled herself during her interview, I have to say that she
reflected a lot of______ on herself.

A. belief B. faith C. credit D. fame

12. Their team started playing________ as soon as they fell behind throwing sand into other players' eyes or
stepping on people's toes when the ref wasn't looking.

A. dirty B. dusty C. greasy D. grimy

13. The prosecution is much more interested in bringing down your boss – If you play_____ with them, they
said they'll reduce your sentence from 15 years down to three.

A. hop B. jump C. ball D. apple

14. We had to slog______ nearly a mile of swamp before we reached solid ground.

A. off B. out C. over D. through

15. There's nothing more disheartening than to slog your guts_______ on an assignment, only for the computer
to crash and delete all your work.

A. off B. on C. out D. over

16. A: "Did Tammy ask you about my date with Steve?"

B: “Yeah, but I played_______ about it. I just couldn't handle more of her drama today."

A. dumb B. quiet C. mute D. silent

17. You’re playing a losing________ if you think you can convince Sarah to go to college.

A. game B. sport C. fun D. joke

18. There's no penalty for guessing, so if you're not positive which answer is correct, just play a______ and
don't second-guess yourself too much.

A. clue B. notion C. hunch D. hint

19. Now that I have to work closely with the CEO on this project, I feel like I have a______ by the tail.

A. lion B. horse C. tiger D. wolf

20. Thank you for your praise, but every member of the team played their______ in making this project a
reality.

A. part B. factor C. section D. share

21. Jessie got so drunk that she actually took a________ at the statue on Main Street. I think she busted up her
hand, too.

A. shot B. slap C. bash D. punch

22. Let me know what you think of the story when you're done, and please, don't________any punches.

A. drag B. pull C. pick D. tear

23. I don't like spicy food so I hope this salsa doesn't________ a punch.

A. pack B. bind C. load D. bundle

24. Each refusing to compromise, the husband and wife entered into a_______ of wills as they attempted to
negotiate their divorce settlement.

A. clash B. war C. battle D. conflict

25. When we got a tip that the newspaper was about to_______ a bombshell about our candidate, we all
wondered what information they could possibly have.

A. drop B. fall C. slide D. tumble

26. Three standing ovations! Wow, your performance really went_______ well!

A. out B. over C. down D. through

27. Some aspects of my proposal didn't sit_______ with them, but I assured them that things could be changed
to accommodate their preferences.

A. good B. fine C. well D. right

28. As a small business owner, I know only too_________ how tough it is to succeed in this economy.

A. strong B. fine C. well D. right

29. A: "Who can we add to the team that won't mess up its chemistry?"

B:”How abut Melissa? She plays well ___________ others.”

A. to B. with C. over D. through

30. Do you remember last night at all? You were as drunk as a___________

A. skunk B. lion C. tiger D. mouse

 TEST 17

1. I take my hat________ to that organization for providing help when no one else does.

A. over B. away C. off D. out

2. Though opinion polls show the governor's approval ratings slipping in the rest of the state, she still enjoys
considerable support from________ hats in more rural areas.

A. hard B. strong C. tough D. solid

3. People by nature only care about an issue if it gets them where they_____.

A. endure B. pass C. move D. live

4. With all that evidence against you, I'd say the police have you by the________ and curlies.

A. small B. short C. low D. think

5. It is often a huge culture________ for American women traveling to the Middle East when they are expected
to wear head scarves and be accompanied by a man at all times.

A. injury B. shock C. stroke D. trauma

6. She's gotten het______ waiting for the doctor to call with the test results.

A. off B. away C. along D. up

7. A: "It just really aggravates me that Tom thinks the book is stupid"

B: "Tastes_______, John. Just let it go."

A. alter B. vary C. differ D. modify

8. I got a lot of______from my parents over my decision to pursue a degree in art, rather than law or medicine.

A. stick B. bar C. bat D. cane

9. A: "I just love your new haircut, Mrs. Jones."

B: “_______ will get you nowhere, Jimmy – you're still getting a D in my class."

A. Adulation B. Flattery C. Cajolery D. Encomium

10. It took me a little while to_______ my bearings in the new office, but after a week. I felt as if I'd been
working there for years.

A. find B. asset C. boast D. catch

11. All right, all right – don't get your panties in a______. I'm sure we'll find a solution to this problem.

A. bunch B. band C. flock D. bundle

12. When I heard that a co-worker had stolen my idea and presented it as his own, all I could think was: "Don't
get mad, get_____.”

A. level B. equal C. even D. parallel

13. Being able to spend my birthday surrounded by my beautiful children, my gorgeous husband and so many
wonderful friends, I can truly say my cup runneth_______.

A. off B. away C. over D. along

14. This event is only for the culturally______ members of society, so you common folk are not welcome here.

A privileged B. advantage C. honored D. indulged

15. Her illness has gotten beyond a________ now – the doctors say she’s in critical condition.

A. joke B. prank C. laugh D. parody

16. Let me know if you'd like to get in________our party this Saturday.

A. off B. out C. away D. on

17. She started getting carried______ during her story, frantically describing every detail of what happened

A. out B. over C. off D. away

18. Look, we can sit here arguing over who screwed up all day long, but pointing fingers at each other will get
us_______.

A. somewhere B. nowhere C. widewhere D. eachwhere

19. With both houses of congress controlled by the opposing political party, the president is now facing
a______ play regarding the federal budget.

A. press B. squeeze C. wedge D. clasp

20. The boss is none too_____ with the way you handled the contract.

A. pleased B. contented C. satisfied D. charmed

 TEST 18

1. I think you're miserable because you have the_____ to please. Try doing what makes you happy instead.

A. disease B. plague C. stroke D. epidemic

2. A: "How was your dad when you told him the news?"

B: "Let's just say that he was less than______ “

A. gratified B. pleased C. contented D. satisfied

3. I'm sorry, headmaster, but I beg to______. Students at this school should have more access to financial aid
and scholarships, not less.

A. differ B. alter C. vary D. modify

4. After their discussion about politics intensified. Fred and Sue had to_____ to differ before it impacted their
friendship.

A. admit B. allow C. agree D. sign

5. I don't drink at all because I come from a long line of alcoholics, and I am determined to_ the cycle!

A. break B. crack C. crash D. shatter

6. The rookie goalkeeper had to enter the game after the starter went out with a hamstring injury, and he just
never had a chance to play himself_______ .

A. off B. over C. in D. away

7. If you continue to duck and______ at town hall meetings, your constituents' anger will only grow.

A. cover B. bury C. cap D. enclose

8. Jim was caught using a crib_______ during his test and failed the course as a result.

A. sheet B. page C. layer D. leaf

9. Lack of oversight allowed overzealous investment bankers to______ Old Harry with the economy

A. play B. joke C. romp D. caper

10. You can't just roll________ and play dead every time they try to take advantage of you like that. You need
to stand up for yourself!

A. off B. over C. out D. along

11. New drywall will cover a multitude of______ in the kitchen.

A. sins B. errors C. crimes D. evils

12. Since the shop announced its going-out-of-business sale, customers have been filing their ______ with
formerly overpriced homeware.

A. boots B. oxfords C. galoshes D. waders

13. This thesis will attempt to______ the waterfront of English Law from 1950 to the present.

A. cover B. seal C. cap D. bury

14. Mom said that Dad would punish us when he got home from work, so now we're just waiting for the other
shoe to______.

A. dumo B. drop C. fell D. flop

15. I’m sorry, Grandma, but shag carpeting went out with high-button__ - we really need to update your place.

A. shoes B. boots C. sneakers D. slippers

16. The band still puts on a great performance, even after all these years. I do wish, though, that they played
more of their new material and didn't just play to the_______ with their greatest his the whole night

A. crowd B. horde C. group D. mass

17. I know you feel unsatisfied with your life at the moment, but we all have to play the_______ we’re dealt
just keep working hard and things are bound to improve!

A. leg B. finger C. hand D. foot

18. You'd have better luck shoeing a______ than getting those flowers to grow on such rocky soil.

A. goose B. bird C. dog D. wolf

19. I know that certain people can come across as selfish or mean-spirited, but you should try______ a mile in
their shoes before you dismiss them too quickly.

A. running B. walking C. riding D. hiking

20. I hate to say it, but I think this new project is where the______ pinches---it's just taking too much of our
time with too little payoff.

A. boot B. shoe C. sneaker D. slipper

21. That's the last time you play______, mister! From now on, I'm dropping you to school every morning!

A. wag B. nod C. shake D. flutter

22. Oh, that idea from last week's meeting is______ and buried now that the CEO has vetoed it.

A. dead B. extinct C. gone D. erased

23. You can't be______ on her: she stole from the company and needs to be made an example of!

A. soft B. creamy C. silky D. thin

24. I didn't run for mayor expecting to find a______ berth – I'm prepared to fight for the changes I believe will
make this a better city!

A. comfy B. soft C. thin D. fine

25. The rogue had been playing the old lady______ for nearly a year, preying on her trusting nature to bilk her
out of her fortune.

A. winner B. fake C. wrong D. bogus

26. She played her_____ card during the debate by bringing up her opponent's earnings from investment firms
that contributed to the global recession just a few years prior.

A. winner B. fake C. wrong D. bogus

27. Unless you happen to be incredibly lucky, you have to play all the______ when you're an actor looking for
work.

A. angles B. corners C. edges D. slants

28. I know you're really upset over these accusations, but losing your temper with them now will only ensure
you lose your job. Remember – a_____ answer turns away wrath.

A. smooth B. gentle C. mild D. soft

29. My parents' relationship has been on the rocks for years. I just hope I'm out of the house when the_______
begins to play.

A. band B. club C. party D. gang

30. The government is trying to find a soft________ on tax reform that won't drive away businesses but won't
cost the state billions in lost revenue each year.

A. choice B. benefit C. option D. privilege

 TEST 19

1. A: "But what about all those times I took the trash out when you hadn't even asked me to?"

B: "That has nothing to do with why you're in trouble now, so stop______ at straws."

A. damping B. grappling C. clutching D. clasping

2. Our lawyer was able to cut through red_____ and get us an answer from the courthouse.

A. rope B. tape C. line D. band

3. When Bob purchased stock in that software company 10 years ago, he never expected it to become such
a__________ cow.

A. cash B. coin C. note D. change

4. You need to stop sweeping your problems under the________. Nothing will get resolved like that!

A. rug B. mat C. carpet D. tapestry

5. The former champion entered the competition looking to settle an old_______with the young player who
dethroned him two years prior.

A. count B. mark C. grade D. score

6. Unfortunately, I had the flu last week, so everything else around the house had to take a back_______.

A. bench B. seat C. couch D. chair

7. We'll have to go back to__________ one if the government pulls our funding on this project

A. square B. equal C. even D. fair

8. Annabelle practically______ a blood vessel cleaning the whole house and setting up all the guest rooms for
you guys, and you don't even appreciate it!

A. flares B. bursts C. rushes D. surges

9. Rob has been down in the ______________ever since Gloria broke up with him.

A. dumps B. holes C. swamps D. shacks

10. Oh, you can't compare those two companies, that's____________-.

A. apples to oranges B. motherhood and apple pie C. squeeze an orange D. apple of my eye

11. I think you'll offend her by asking such personal questions – _______ killed the cat, after all.

A. concern B. curiosity C. interest D. eagerness

12. A: "I'm really scared to tell Mr. White that I haven't finished my project. You know how he yells."

B: "Yeah, but barking______seldom bite. He'll get over it."

A. bears B. lions C. dogs D. boars

13. Jessica shed________ tears over the expulsion of her rival, Jacob.

A. donkey B. hippopotamus C. hound D. crocodile

14. Having all of you here for my birthday has really been wonderful, and this thoughtful gift is the cherry on
the________.

A. cake B. biscuit C. candy D. wafer

15. My sister has a_________ mind, only thinking about how something can further her career.

A. one-track B. sound C. sieve D. two

16. Pedal to the________, boys - we need to get these packages shipped by the end of the day.

A. alloy B. leaf C. metal D. ingot

17. We've all moved on from that problem, so there's no use beating a dead_______.

A. dog B.cat C. bear D. horse

18. Of course I have a vested_________ in how the board reacts to this proposal---if they like it, they might
promote me!

A. interest B. passion C. concern D. sympathy

19. The band had a hugely popular single in the '80s, but they fell off the_ soon afterward.

A. atlas B. radar C. globe D. plate

20. When I first met him, I knew he would_____________ my heart away. And he did.

A. abduct B. remove C. steal D. cheat

 TEST 20

1. Everyone was surprised that Janice led the meeting with confidence, as she normally seems afraid of her
own_________.

A. shadow B. shade C. cover D. shelter

2. A: "Do you know if that road is still closed?"

B: "No, so I guess we'll have to cross that_______ when we come to it”

A. road B. lane C. bridge D. street

3. Quick as_____ a Mary finshed her exam and raced out of the classroom.

A. rodent B. bunny C. buck D. hare

4. Ted's as_______ as a whip, so he'll find a solution to this problem.

A. agile B. bunny C. smart D. brilliant

5. Boy, this party is really coming apart at the_______. First, there was the issue with the caterer, and now half
the guests aren't coming.

A seams B. bonds C. hems D. joints

6. He’d have a real shot at winning the election if he didn’t keep_______ himself in the foot with such
inflammatory remarks.

A. hitting B. shooting C. cutting D. kicking

7. There are many parts of the environment that are now at death's______ due to the effects of pollution.

A. egress B. gate C. door D. entry

8. If she keeps______ her mouth at the referee, she's going to be ejected from this game.

A. dropping B. running C. going D. passing

9. You really left me_____ when you forgot to pick me up last night I had no way of calling or getting home!

A. high and dry B. bricks and mortar

C. body and soul D. armed and dangerous

10. This story goes deeper – there's definitely more than meets the________ with this one.

A. mind B. eye C. taste D. view

11. The project is off to a_______ start thanks to the generous grant from your foundation.

A. junning B. working C. functioning D. proceeding

12. In business negotiations, it's important that you don't_____ your cards right away, or you might risk losing
out on the best deal possible.

A. disclose B. expose C. reveal D. display

13. I told him not to say anything, and he said his lips are______ , so hopefully he'll be able to keep a secret
this time.

A. closed B. enclosed C. sealed D. shut

14. Our department needs to pare our spending to the_____ this quarter.

A bone B. cartilage C. skin D. membrane

15. I had to go to the doctor on Monday because I was as sick as a____ all weekend.

A. puppy B. pup C. dog D. doggy

16. Grandpa got all riled_______ as soon as Uncle Ned mentioned the local election.

A. on B. off C. up D. over

17. Ever since George nearly lost his life savings in a drunken poker match, his husband started keeping him
on a tight_______.

A. rope B. leash C. strap D. tether

18. He splashed mud all over his car and clothes to lend__________to his story about being in the mountains
all weekend.

A. color B. paint C. glow D. hue

19. Though I quit smoking years ago, I still get a yen______a cigarette from time to time.

A. over B. at C. off D. for

20. Taking a role on a soap opera has helped many aspiring actors____ a toehold in the entertainment business

A. bring B. get C. have D. obtain

21. At first I was repelled by the thought of eating bugs, but they're a common snack in this country, and I got a
taste_______ them eventually

A. through B. for C. on D. in

22. Do you remember last night at the bar at all? You guys really got a can______!

A.on B. in C. off D. over

23. Anyone who wishes to______ their last respects to my husband is welcome to do so at the viewing this
Saturday, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

A. offer B. pay C. give D. grant

24. Wow, Anna has really come out of her_____lately. I remember when she wouldn't even talk to anyone, and
now she's likely to be voted "Most Talkative."

A. shell B. case C. crust D. husk

25. I was going to suggest that idea to the boss today, but unfortunately one of my co-workers beat me to
the_______.

A. belt B. punch C. plunk D. bite

26. I think I'll stay home. I'm afraid that since everyone knows about my recent diagnosis, I will be
the_________ at the feast.

A. demon B. devil C. ghost D. phantom

27. Stay away from the boss today, he's in a bad mood. Just a word to the__________.

A. poise B. acumen C. prudence D. wise

28. You're________ to the converted here – we all have kids and understand how busy life with kids is.

A. preaching B. teaching C. delivering D. talking

29. I don't know how people can take advantage of others like that. If it were me, I'd be racked
with_________for doing something so heinous.

A. disgrace B. guilt C. regret D. shame

30. He's just standing over there, looking like a______ - you should go talk to him.

A. snack B. lunch C. cake D. candy

 TEST 21

1. Did you hear that Jamie's best friend stole money from his bank account? What_______ grass!

A. bug B. bee C. fly D. snake

2. You should trust your_______ in making your own decision.

A. Intuition B. belief C. aura D. misfortune

3. My wife is pregnant with twins. The babies are_______ in mid - May

A. due B. come C. here D. launched

4. Many people believe the completely _____claims about coronavirus myths they read on the internet, and
never actually research the issue.

A. impossible B. unfounded C. malicious D. untrusted

5. The company has been forced to ______ a statement about yesterday's accident.

A. declare B. issue C. transmit D. imply

6. Coronavirus battle is a______ for disaster as the pandemic has already taken a heavy toll on health care
employees, workers.

A. list B. budget C. recipe D. task

7. I’m a_______ fan of 1D - they're my all-time favorite band even though they announced their hiatus in
2016.

A. permanent B. forever C. perpetual D. lifelong

8. He has been a______ admirer of Bono and his philanthropic work since he was a child.

A. great B. big C. large D. hard

9. I have a few favourite restaurants that I tend to go back to, but I'm always_______ to new suggestions.

A. tight B. neat C. open D. closed

10. The princess has been_______ of a healthy baby boy.

A. delivered B. supplied C. charged D. settled

11. Mr. Wilson______ a plea of not guilty but the judge is not likely to look favourably on his plea.

A. entered B. committed C. confessed D. requested

12. Dad_______ an instant dislike to my new boyfriend from the moment he opened the door.

A. got B. took C. caught D. made

13. The critics had given our TV show_____ reviews in all the papers, describing it as an outstanding
performance.

A. warm B. rare C. rave D. harsh

14. A referendum was______ on the question of whether the U.K. should remain a member of the European
Community.

A. made B. had C. held D. kept

15. The search for truth is beginning to_______ fruitful results.

A. run B. take C. yield D. open

16. He_____ a back muscle early in the game and had to retire.

A. pushed B. paused C. posed D. pulled

17. The government has_____ liberties with the facts in order to support their case.

A. given B. taken C. made D. brought

18. You have been awfully quiet all day - a _____for your thoughts.

A. penny B. money C. piece D. pony

19. I was late and to add______ to injury, forgot my keys.

A. assault B. stick C. glue D. insult

20. She'd purchase her expensive bracelet at the drop of a____ and worry about how she would pay for it later.

A. belt B. hat C. top D. suit

 TEST 22

1. In an effort to get______on the right foot this semester, I've already begun to research for my thesis.

A. off B. out C. in D. through

2. The kids complained and complained when we refused to get a puppy, but we had to put our_____ down.

A. hand B. heart C. foot D. head

3. I've been working on this book for over a year, and I'm getting nowhere with it. I think I'm ready to throw in
the________.

A. squeegee B. swab C. sweeper D. towel

4. In Los Angeles, waiters trying to become famous actors are a______ a dozen.

A. coin B. dime C. copper D. nickel

5. Why does it seem like everyone in the office_____free with the food in the fridge? It's clearly labeled!

A. makes B. takes C. has D. sets

6. I've always wanted to be a musician, but my stage _always kept me from pursuing it seriously.

A. horror B. scare C. panic D. fright

7. Oh sure, our science teacher is a real barrel of_____, especially when he's the detention monitor.

A. fun B. enjoyment C. joy D. laughter

8. I wish the band played more of their new materials and didn't just play _____ the gallery with their greatest
hits the whole night

A. to B.in C. on D. at

9. We can't win against the robber unless we_____ up on him.

A. troop B. knot C. gang D. herd

10. You'll never get_______ with cheating – one of your teachers is bound to figure it out

A. troop B. up C. out D. herd

11. The manager is considered to have the________ touch of turning anyone she works with into a huge star.

A. silver B. bronze C. golden D. iron

12. Don't shove Johnny unless you want a bloody nose - that kid gives as_________ as he gets

A. good B. well C. great D. large

13. That guy just gets my______ every time he opens his mouth.

A. billy B. goat C. buck D. large

14. After she found out about his latest relapse with drugs, she decided it was best to leave him for _.

A. forever B. goat C. permanent D. kid

15. The asking price for that house was indeed too good to be___ the bank made a mistake when they listed it.

A. true B. genuine C. honest D. truthful

16. l have worked my fingers to the____ to renovate this house, and I'm glad to say that it has all been worth it.

A. bone B. skin C. eye D. arm

17. Deep V-necks are becoming the______________thing for wedding dresses lately.

A. in B. out C. off D. over

18. It was a ______ action movie - fine to kill a couple hours, but nothing special.

A. run-of-the-mill B. run-of-the-plant

C. run-of-the-shop D. run-of-the-manufactory

19. The political candidate knew the issue was a hot______, so he deferred to his chief of staff, who directed
questions to the committee chairperson.

A. tomato B. potato C. onion D. apple

20. Even as an adult, I still________ a kick out of building sandcastles at the beach.

A. give B. get C. make D. have

 TEST 23

1. You should apologize to Phil before he gets bent out of_______.

A. shape B. body C. model D. format

2. I hope that someone will give me a_________ with these bags – there's no way I'll make it to the fifth floor
on my own.

A. finger B. hand C. elbow D. heart

3. I thought I was going to fail the test, but it turned out to be a ______of cake!

A. slide B. half C. piece D. dole

4. We need to _____ back to the drawing board on this project. I think it had some fundamental flaws from the
start

A. go B. move C. return D. replay

5. I have to say, our lawyer really went the ______mile in making sure every aspect of our case was watertight.

A. additional B. extra C. further D. added

6. I got a crash_______in answering the phones before the receptionist went on vacation.

A. method B. curriculum C. lecture D. course

7. I feel as if I need to always be on the______; life's too short to be idle!

A. go B. progress C. way D. drive

8. Ellen's been in high_______ ever since she found out she got the lead in the school play.

A. energies B. hearts C. moods D. spirits

9. Come on, the project was not a total failure - keep your______ up!

A. thin B. heart C. neck D. eye

10. I think it will be easier to become comfortable driving now that I've___the ball rolling with driving lessons.

A. gotten B. taken C. had D. set

11. Watching my daughters______of age has been the biggest joy of my life.

A. enter B. get C. reach D. come

12. She will________ in for him while he's at the conference.

A. fill B. get C. come D. take

13. After so many years as an accountant, doing taxes is as easy as______ for me.

A. cake B. bread C. tart D. pie

14. Doctors are notorious for poor penmanship, but the_______ scratch jokes are getting old.
A. cat B. dog C. chicken D. bird

15. Being laid off was a_______ in disguise - within a month I got a much better job.

A. miracle B. benefit C. blessing D. boon

16. None of us has any money, so we're all in the same______.

A. canoe B. ship C. barge D. boat

17. After dating a series of boring men, Sarah found Peter's adventurous nature to be like a breath of_____ air.

A. fresh B. natural C. new D. extra

18. You need to keep your_______ on the soup so that it doesn't bubble over.

A. head B. nose C. eye D. ear

19. I'm so impressed by your grades, honey – you really kept your______ to the grindstone this year, and it
paid off!

A. pose B. eye C. heart D. ear

20. You've been awfully quiet tonight, honey - a_____ for your thoughts?

A. penny B. cent C. coin D. dime

21. To be honest, you're better off leaving well _____ at this point. She's so angry that anything you say will
just make things worse.

A. solo B. sole C. single D. alone

22. Tell me about your first day at the new job - I'm all_____!

A. hearts B. noses C. eyes D. ears

23. Unfortunately these layoffs are out of our control. I hope there is no____ feelings.

A. tough B. heavy C. hard D. terrible

24. We're______ out of oranges, would you like an apple?

A. blank B. fresh C. clear D. neat

25. I have________ feelings about starting college this fall: on the one hand. I can't wait to start the next
chapter in my education, but, on the other, I will be so sad leaving my friends and family behind

A. blended B. mixed C. different D. varied

26. I gave writing my best_______, but I just don't think I can make a career out of it.

A. attempt B. effort C. shot D. endeavor

27. It says a lot about our society that teachers get paid next to______ while some celebrities do next to
nothing and get paid millions.

A. blank B. nothing C. void D. nobody

28. Please, save my husband at all_____ I can't live without him!

A. values B. prices C. costs D. charges

29. Right now, we are exploring all________to catch the perpetrator of this heinous crime.

A. avenues B. roads C. ways D. charges

30. I'm so glad that my assistant is always on the______because I'm too scatterbrained to manage my schedule
on my own.

A. ball B. ways C. house D. go

 TEST 24

1. She was as pleased as_______ about the news.

A. Judy B. Punch C. Baby D. Constable

2. After their opponents' star striker left the match with an injury, the home team smelled blood in the______
and brought on their attack with everything they had.

A. water B. rain C. ocean D. sea

3. I'm not going to dance too much at the party because I don't want to make a_____ out of myself in front of
my coworkers.

A. jerk B. fool C. nerd D. boob

4. They showed open_____ to their new neighbours.

A. antipathy B. enmity C. hostility D. resentment

5. He began to think himself the most wonderful person in the world and he got a tremendous_______complex

A. dominance B. excellence C. perfection D. superiority

6. His youngest daughter was the______of his eye.

A. orange B. banana C. apple D. pear

7. He's never made an effort to keep______with current events.

A. out B. off C. through D. up

8. I hope the production company is______ the bill for all of this air travel.

A. handing B. fingering C. footing D. hearting

9. What's wrong? I thought you'd jump for_______ when I told you the news.

A. joy B. amusement C. cheer D. bliss

10. I used to think that being 40 meant you were over the_______, but I still feel as youthful as ever.

A. hillside B. hilltop C. hill D. highland

11. Nothing puts a_____ on my face like watching my children play together at the park.

A. beam B. smile C. laugh D. grin

12. She was in one of her_______moods today.

A. white B. black C. grey D. brown

13. With the recent reductions in staff, my boss has been_______my feet off lately!

A. dashing B. running C. rushing D. shooting

14. We can't be late for the dentist, so quit______ your feet and get in the car!

A. creeping B. crawling C. delaying D. dragging

15. "You'll get what's coming to you one of these days." Janet muttered under her______.

A. breath B. exhalation C. inhalation D. insufflation

16. Though she'd been acting for years, it was after her role in last summer's blockbuster that she finally hit
the_______time.

A.big B. huge C. enormous D. considerable

17. Her warm greeting really set the___ for the dinner party, which was one of the loveliest!

A. feel B. tone C. mode D. manner

18. I don't know how you keep on an______keel while trying to manage so many different things at once.

A. even B. equal C. balanced D. square

19. It's strange – even though it wasn't on my_____, I still feel partly responsible for the robbery.

A. alertness B. attention C. watch D. gander

20. Yes, I did have surgery a few months ago, but I'm as______as a fiddle now.

A. competent B. robust C. slim D. fit

 TEST 25

1. I don't have a(an)_____ to grind here - I just want to know the truth.

A hammer B. axe C. scoop D. trowel

2. On his 21st birthday, Jeff's friends took him to every bar in town until he was three _____to the wind.

A. layers B. surfaces C. sheets D. pieces

3. I think she really_____ the ball when she decided to quit that promising internship.

A. dumped B. dropped C. left D. stopped

4. That burger really hit the _____ - I didn't realize how hungry I was.

A shot B. blemish C. spot D. blot

5. When the economy crashed thousands lost their jobs, their homes, and their pensions in one_______fell.

A. swoop B. dive C. plummet D. plunge

6. We've been trying to mind_____around the kids. They're at the age now where they'll start repeating
everything we say!

A. accent B. speech C. expression D. language

7. She really went out on a_______with that hypothesis – the facts don't support it at all.

A. limb B. wheel C. stem D. wing

8. This consultant has sold us on some pretty radical ideas, but it remains to be seen whether he can walk
the______.

A. amb B. stem C. expression D. wing

9. I am in two_____ about whether or not to go to the party tonight. I'm sure it will be fun, but I have a lot of
work to do too.

A. minds B. brains C. heads D. souls

10. Between video games, television, and the Internet, kids these days are______for choice when it comes to
their entertainment.

A. spoiled B. impaired C. harmed D. tarnished

11. We can't hold the company barbeque today — it's raining_____and hammer handles!

A. pitchdarks B. pitchforks C. pitchblacks D. tarnished

12. This is a fancy event, so you need to look good from_____to toe. Schedule a haircut and shine your shoes.

A. head B. tiptop C. top D. lead

13. You can't have peanut butter without jelly - they just go_____!

A. hand in hand B. eye to eye C. top to toe D. nose to nose

14. Take time to form your response to the interviewer – don't just blurt out the first thing that crosses your___.

A. brain B. mind C. head D. sense

15. Once you've watched the triplets for an entire day, then you'll have_______ your spurs as a caretaker, as far
as I'm concerned.

A. acquired B. earned C. derived D. gained

16. You're forehead feels pretty warm to me; let me______ your temperature and see if you're running a fever.

A. take B. collect C. grab D. hold

17. Try to be in the here and ______ instead of focusing so much on what the future may bring.

A. today B. moment C. now D. once

18. The bulk of the work is behind us now - were on the home____!

A. straight B. away C. direct D. straightaway

19. I heard from a very reliable source that this company is about to close - you can take it to the_____.

A. store B. bank C. storehouse D. depot

20. I always try to drop Janet a_____around her birthday so that she knows I'm thinking of her.

A. sign B. mark C. note D. notice

21. I'm glad she finally came to her____ and decided against those hideous bridesmaids dresses.

A. minds B. senses C. brains D. thoughts

22. If you______it on the line, maybe then they'll be able to understand how serious this situation is.

A. set B. leave C. lay D. put

23. If you keep living beyond your______, you'll deplete your bank account before you know it.

A. finances B. savings C. means D. earnings

24. I avoid the______ of malls and shopping centers whenever I can.

A hustle and bustle B. life and times C. pros and cons D. ups and downs

25. I'd love to come out with you guys after work, but I'd better check in with my______ half to make sure we
don't have any plans for this evening,

A. bigger B. greater C. better D. healthier

26. A: "Do you mind if I order another glass of wine?" B: "Not at all - be my_______”.

A. caller B. guest C. customer D. patron

27. When my neighbors surprised me with homemade chocolate chip cookies, it really made my _____.

A. light B. day C. time D. term

28. Would it kill you to make up your______ in the morning? It only takes a couple minutes!

A. cot B. bed C. seat D. bunk

29. I've never had a green______ - everything I try to grow dies!

A. thumb B. claw C. hook D. hand

30. Discrepancies in the yearly budget report brought to____ corruption in the company.

A. glow B. lamp C. light D. flash

 TEST 26

1. That computer is on its last____. It still works, but it takes 20 minutes to start up, and it crashes all the time.

A. legs B. ankles C. knees D. arms

2. I'm having second_______about my plan to go to university next year. Obviously, it would help my career,
but I'm not sure if I'll have enough money!

A. beliefs B. thoughts C. reflections D. concepts

3. They are really helpful. They always______ the extra mile to help us.

A. put B. raise C. have D. move

4. I don't want to______ on your parade but I think you've made a huge mistake in your thesis.

A. rain B. pour C. come D. take

5. The estate agent advised us to______ tight and neither buy nor sell.

A. come B. take C. sit D. lead

6. When she passed away, investigators were called in and soon_______ a rat.

A. smelt B. set C. tasted D. lent

7. You need to_______ to your guns and stop listening to what he says!

A. stick B. run C. lay D. rise

8. It's time to address the_______ in the room. We're going bankrupt.

A. banana B. monkey C. snake D. elephant

9. I have never gone skiing before but I'll______ it a whirl.

A. send B. lend C. give D. take

10. I've tried my best to be friendly with your dad, but every time I talk to him he gives me the cold______.

A. shoulder B. shower C. bath D. soak

11. We have raise $3000 for the freshmen party. Now the ball is in your_____to schedule it.

A. table B. yard C. square D. court

12. I threw caution to the_______ and gambled away all of my savings.

A. rain B. wind C. storm D. sky

13. I love the new baseball coach. He's got great ideas for making us better players. He's like a_______of fresh
air for the team.

A. gasp B. breath C. pant D. sniff

14. John wanted to show his teacher that he understood math so he made a ______ of solving complex
equations.

A. point B. spot C. dot D. view

15. My father totally_______his lid when I told him I had failed physics.

A. raised B. showed C. blew D. moved

16. John doesn't have any original ideas. He just____ on the bandwagon and does what everyone else is doing.

A. jumps B. takes C. comes D. lands

17. Right now this technology seems useless, but down the _____ it could be very important.

A. street B. path C. Road D. strip

18. We have to______ be up to the nines at this event tonight - a lot of famous people will be there.

A. dressed B. worn C. torn D. met

19. I can't believe that guy is dating a female singer-she is totally out of his_______!

A. league B. union C. club D. alliance

20. I'm so glad I don't have to go to the big family reunion. My parents let me off the________.

A. blame B. liability C. hook D. responsibility

 TEST 27

1. As a kid, I really didn't like the sport and my dad never tried to_______ my arm to get involved even though
he was a coach and owned his own club.

A. twist B. spin C. cycle D. ride

2. The company really________the ball when it decided to break off negotiations about a takeover.

A. let B. set C. fell D. dropped

3. She's going to_______ the axe if the manager find out that printing error was her fault

A. receive B. spread C. pass D. get

4. The investment scheme looked a good one, but I_______ a rat when the adviser could not answer a few of
my questions satisfactorily.

A. felt B. tasted C. smelt D. took

5. I'm sure she's leaving. I heard it straight from the horse's_______ . She told me herself.

A. mouth B. leg C. nose D. ear

6. It's difficult to know what John likes or dislikes. I have no idea about what his interests are – he's a hard nut
to_______.

A. bend B. break C. crack D. blow

7. Fortunately, I realized years ago that my colleague was a_______ in sheep’s clothing – she’s nice but always
highlights my faults and tells the family about every mistake I make.

A. wolf B. fox C. dog D. nail

8. I_______ red when they made fun of my friends in front of people.

A. took B. came C. fell D. saw

9. Dennis had a full business plan and he was sure his idea would work. The one_______ in the ointment was
money. He didn't have any.

A. worm B. butterfly C. lotus D. fly

10. Walking through the graveyard late at night gives me the________.

A. creeps B. crawls C. scuttles D. bulls

11. John didn't care for that roller coaster, but everyone else liked all the loops, so he decided to go with
the______.

A. speed B. stream C. flow D. street

12. Don't build_____ in the air, just find some work to earn money.

A. skyscrapers B. landmarks C. castles D. mansions

13. Residents are up in______ about the closure of the local factory.

A. arms B. legs C. knees D. heads

14. I hired an excellent assistant last month. It didn't take her long to know the_____.

A. lines B. ropes C. tracks D. strings

15. Nothing you've said so far_______water.

A. stands B. holds C. leads D. links

16. Since I got a salary increase, things are looking _.

A. up B. down C. in D. out

17. Davis is a bit_ the times- he doesn't know how to use a computer, much less a smartphone!

A. under B. back C. behind D. before

18. I have worked my fingers to the_____ completing this task, and I'm glad to say that it has all been worth it.

A. leg B. skin C. back D. home

19. When I was 15, my family moved away from Ha Noi to a village in the_______of nowhere.

A. middle B. center C. space D. sky

20. When it comes to the negotiations over job cuts, management______all the aces.

A. comes B. grasps C. grips D. holds

21. Now, I'm not pointing the_______ at anyone in particular, but someone here has been stealing food from
the communal refrigerator.

A. finger B. leg C. bone D. nail

22. Her new boyfriend is a real_______in the neck-he never stops talking.

A. loss B. pain C. hurt D. harm

23. I owe my mother a great_______ of gratitude for her support and encouragement while I was writing the
novel.

A. debt B. loan C. sum D. scale

24. This contest is really tough, so I'll give it my best_____.

A. gun B. part C. shot D. blast

25. Getting a poor performance review was a bitter______ to swallow, but it made me a better worker.

A. pill B. bill C. medicine D. tablet

26. You will buy nothing but trouble if you buy that house,_____ my word for it.

A. come B. lend C. give D. take

27. I cannot________the plug on this project because it is quite important to me.

A. raise B. pull C. give D. lay

28. Before departing, we _______our word that we would return in a year's time.

A. gave B. made C. left D. brought

29. The scheme has finally been_____ the green light

A. given B. made C. launched D. set

30. Surprisingly, Dennis can list the capital cities of all 50 states off the top of his______.

A. back B. head C. mind D. soul

 TEST 28

1. At first I was repelled by the thought of eating bugs, but they're a common snack in this country, and I got a
taste_______ them eventually.

A. on B. in C. over D. for

2. The giant supermarket chain has gotten a______ Iately over allegations that they've been threatening local
shops and markets.

A. roasting B. baking C. blistering D. blazing

3. My boss's incompetence is astounding. It truly____ all belief.

A. askers B. beggars C. rustlers D. borrowers

4. My mother always preaches______ drugs and drinking, so I've never wanted to try them.

A. on B. over C. off D. against

5. My mother always preaches______ the dangers of drugs and drinking, so I've never wanted to try them.

A. on B. in C. at D. about

6. Gary felt so guilty after taking the money out of Bill's wallet that he confessed and returned it a day later. A
guilty______ needs no accuser.

A. shame B. censor C. conscience D. compunction

7. A: "But didn't the judge already decided the case in our favor?"

B: "No, he dismissed it, but without_____so the other party has the right to open another lawsuit against us.

A. bigotry B. ageism C. prejudice D. antipathy

8. You broke the law and in the interest of_____, I must punish you accordingly.

A. justice B. authority C. code D. integrity

9. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our offices. Let's got the meeting_____, shall we?

A. booming B. drumming C. rolling D. rumbling

10. Don't leave those guys alone together - they've been known to cut_____ rough when they disagree with
each other.

A. off B. on C. up D. in

11. In a surprise turn of events, it seems that the environmentalist group is looking to smoke the_____ pipe
with the largest lobbying body of the oil industry.

A. harmony B. peace C. quiet D. rest

12. You can't just live in Mom and Dad's basement playing video games forever - you need to go out and
_______ a life.

A. take B. keep C. throw D. get

13. We've got to get a hurry_____ if we want to finish this project by the end of the week.

A. up B. down C. on D. off

14. The doctor told me that I have to get a shot, so let's get it______ and done with.

A. off B. over C. out D. in

15. She really gets a______ out of doing wheelies on her motorcycle in front of an audience.

A. buzz B. murmur C. whisper D. hum

16. You need to get your______ together and finish packing so that we can leave for the airport on time
tomorrow morning.

A. gear B. stuff C. junk D. tackle

17. The telecom giant has launched a legal campaign against the new service in an effort to prevent it from
poaching on its_______.

A. domain B. region C. territory D. terrain

18. I haven't spoken to my brother for nearly three years because of a falling______ we had over our late
father's estate.

A. off B. on C. out D. over

19. His political agenda is a thing of_____ and patches – a bizarre assembly of fancy contradictory elements
that is really just a vehicle for his inflammatory rhetoric

A. shreds B. specks C. ounces D. crumbs

20. I wouldn't get too attached to Katie, she's just Ralph's______ of the month – they'll break up in no time.

A. essence B. flavor C. tone D. savor

 TEST 29

1. You thought you could fix the washing machine on your own, so you just started pulling it apart? I swear,
sometimes you are______ than a bag of hammers.

A. dumber B. dense C. mousy D. mute

2. Defeating an incumbent president is no______feat, but we feel confident that our candidate has what it
takes.

A. balance B. mean C. center D. median

3. A: "Do people always pay extra to get the combo meal?"

B: “_____times out of ten.”

A. Ten B. Seven C. Eight D. Nine

4. A: "I reset the breakers. Is the power coming back on?" B: "Yep, that did the____!”

A. trap B. trick C. bluff D. stunt

5. That place is all the way out in the _____ - It'll take us hours to get there.

A. braddocks B. boondocks C. chaddocks D. shaddocks

6. My opponent has been making outlandish claims about my track record so as to foment distrust in the
public, but I assure you, he is offering great cry and little_______.

A. fleece B. fur C. wool D. hair

7. You think I can't get an A in this class, but I'll make you eat______ when we get our report cards!

A. dirt B. soil C. mud D. slime

8. I'll go to the pub with you guys, but I'm not drinking to_______ tonight - I have to be up early tomorrow.

A. waste B. excess C. surplus D. balance

9. We could see death on a________scale if this infectious disease turns into a full-blown pandemic.

A. biblical B. doctrinal C. scriptural D. theological

10. When you're on call, you need to be available to come in on_____ notice.

A. short B. brief C. little D. small

11. The night before I flew to America, the entire town came out to give me a rousing_____ at the local pub.

A. send-off B. send-out C. send-in D. send-over

12. It's about time someone knocked Sarah off her_______. Her snotty, rich-kid arrogance is intolerable!

A. pedestal B. podium C. base D. bottom

13. Sorry, Janet,_____ that thought-I'm getting a call on the other line.

A. stay B. remain C. hold D. apply

14. A: "My grandma was such a jolly, kindly woman. Always as robust in health as she was in good spirits."

B: "Laugh and_______ fat, eh?"

A. grow B. raise C. rise D. gain

15. Some may_____ at the sight, but blood and gore has never bothered me in the slightest. I suppose it's part
of the reason I got into forensic pathology.

A. recoil B. waver C. blink D. blanch

16. Don't worry, you'll score a goal eventually. It's just the_____ of averages.

A. law B. case C. decree D. order

17. He may have eluded us for now, but he won't escape the long_____ of the law for long.

A. foot B. arm C. leg D. hand

18. I made a crib______ of everyday Japanese phrases so I would know how to say at least a few things while
in Tokyo next week!

A. sheet B. piece C. layer D. leaf

19. I know you feel unsatisfied with your life at the moment, but we all have to play the______ we're dealt.
Just keep working hard and things are bound to improve!

A. leg B. foot C. hand D. arm

20. The foreman's sure got a______ job, don't you think? We're the one's breaking our backs, he just tells us
what to do!

A. soft B. smooth C. thin D. fine

21. I didn't run for mayor expecting to find a soft_______ - I'm prepared to fight for the changes I believe will
make this a better city!

A. berth B. wharf C. dock D. spot

22. Oh, if we had money to play_____, I definitely would have replaced the hideous flooring in here already.

A. on B. in C. with D. off

23. The government is trying to find a soft_______ on tax reform that won't drive away businesses but won't
cost the state billions in lost revenue each year.

A. option B. choice C. privilege D. advantage

24. Before going in, you should know that the______ of play in the facility is quite poor.

A. state B. event C. nature D. shape

25. At the height of the economic boom, investment bankers were playing with loaded______ by using sub-
prime mortgages with falsified credit ratings to make as much money as possible.

A. dice B. cube C. bone D. crap

26. Rather than acting in a way that best suits the role and the play as a whole, he prefers to play to the_____
and soak up the spotlight when he can.

A. gallery B. exhibit C. museum D. showroom

27. Can't anyone else see that all her tears and wailing are just an act to play on people's_____.

A. latchstrings B. heartstrings C. checkstrings D. superstrings

28. We're prepared to play____with the company if it means we'll be paid the appropriate amount for our work.

A. softball B. hardball C. fireball D. cornball

29. Their team started playing______ as soon as they fell behind throwing sand into other players' eyes or
stepping on people's toes when the ref wasn't looking.

A. dirty B. dusty C. filthy D. greasy

30. It turns out that the supposed alien visitors that people had been seeing were just a bunch of teenagers
playing_____ on the entire town.

A. tricks B. traps C. gimmicks D. devices

 TEST 30

1. The______ screen was once acting's highest stage, but television has become the new destination for many
A-list stars.

A. silver B. golden C. bronze D. iron

2. My boyfriend has been drooling_____ those fancy speakers at the store.

A. off B. on C. over D. away

3. He always threatens to call the police if I don't stay off his lawn, but he's all_____ and no bite.

A. growl B. howl C. bark D. roar

4. He's got two strikes against him for coming into work late; three______ and he's out.

A. strikes B. attacks C. beats D. drives

5. I know your family has been bugging you lately, but I'd______ mine with you any day.

A. swap B. switch C. trade D. bargain

6. It's a bad sign that they've had to swap their goaltender______ after just the first ten minutes of play.

A. off B. on C. out D. in

7. This afternoon, we'll have to_______ notes on the applicants we've interviewed so far.

A. contrast B. consider C. compare D. examine

8 He's such a_________clogs. There is no questions we can't answer.

A. gifted B. clever C. brilliant D. skillful

9. The investment banking sector has been tightly reined in by the government after the______practice that
went unchecked for so many years and cost so many people their life savings.

A. sharp B. abrupt C. extreme D. intense

10. I hope you realize you got________light. If your uncle - the senator - hadn’t intervened, you’d be in jail
right now.

A. out B. off C. in D. over

11. If everyone shares______ the work, we'll be finished cleaning the house in an hour or two.

A. on B. out C. in D. from

12. John is always ______ a snit with his girlfriend over the silliest things.

A. on B. in C. off D. over

13. If you don't know who really runs the show around here, you need to get clued________and fast!

A. on B. in C. out D. away
14. It's easy to forget that the technology we take for granted today would be a marvel to__________ just a few
years ago.

A. inhold B. behold C. uphold D. unhold

15. I'm excited for our trip, but whose brilliant idea was it to start the first______ with a 4 AM flight?

A. leg B. foot C. hand D. finger

16. The company's environment felt like a rat________ - employees were constantly sabotaging each other to
climb the corporate ladder.

A. race B. chase C. dash D. marathon

17. He'd better______ lost before I come down there and give him a piece of my mind.

A. have B. make C. take D. get

18. I've never been one to get my_____ from running - I find a long, hot bath much more enjoyable.

A. kicks B. boots C .punches D. snaps

19. Okay, we've heard from the editorial and marketing staff. Ms. Smith you and the financial department are
at_______.

A. sock B. bat C. bang D. crack

20. In this game, you put on a blindfold while someone whirls you_______ then you try to pin the tail on a
picture of a donkey on the other side of the room.

A. around B. off C. away D. over

21. For all the build up to Christmas each year, I find that it always goes by in a_______and is suddenly over
before you know it.

A. whirl B. swirl C. circle D. flurry

22. A: "Do you want to try driving my car, to see how you like it"

B: "Yeah, sure, I’ll _____ it a whirl."

A. make B. have C. take D. give

23. Well, I technically_____ higher than Sarah, but we operate more like equals in the office.

A. rank B. rate C. align D. list

24. Come on, let's get started on our hike we're burning_____just standing around here!

A. skylight B. fanlight C. daylight D. airtight

25. You have gotten into some bad______these days, Bill, and if you get arrested, I am not bailing you out!

A. company B. group C. party D. team