Advanced English Vocabulary 2

feckless

Jake's ___________ performance led to his termination from the team. incompetent, ineffective, careless

philistine

Richard thinks he is a cosmopolitan, but he's really just a ____________. a smug, ignorant person

atone

Richard was anxious to ______ for his thoughtlessness. to do something to show that you are sorry for having done something wrong

eulogy

Richard was asked to give an ___________ for his fallen comrade. a formal speech or piece of writing in praise of sb

foremost

Rostropovich was long considered the world's _________ cellist. the best or most important

abound

Rumours ________ as to the reasons for his resignation. to exist in very large numbers

tip her hand

Rumours still abound about Saling's next project but the actress has so far refused to ____ her _____. to let other people know what you are planning to do

tycoon

Rupert Murdoch was an newspaper ________. person who is successful in business or industry and has become rich and powerful

upper crust

The _____ ____ often have at least one summer house. upper class

onus

The _____ is on the prosecution to provide proof of guilt. the responsibility for something

aperture

The __________ setting on a camera has to be set perfectly to ensure that pictures will have enough light. an opening or gap, especially one that lets in light

miscreant

The ___________ had eluded the police for months, but today he was finally captured. a villain, criminal

sundry

The ____________ items in her backpack reveal a great deal about her personality. various, miscellaneous

supplicants

The _____________ begged for forgiveness. a person who asks humbly for sth

bumptious

The _____________ man could not stop talking about himself or looking in the mirror. arrogant, conceited

obstreperous

The ______________ child refused to go to bed. noisily and stubbornly defiant

pertinacious

The _______________ journalist finally uncovered the truth about the factory's illegal disposal of toxins. holding firmly to a belief, purpose or course of action

felicitous

The ________________ turn of events during her promotional tour propelled Susan's book to the bestseller list. marked by good fortune

interwoven

The two themes are inextricably ___________ in the book. closely related or combined in a complicated way

quiescent

The volcano is ____________ at the moment, but who knows when it wil erupt again. inactive, dormant

repose

The wail of a police siren disturbed my _____________. calmness, tranquility, peace of mind

intermittent

The weather forecast is for sun, with ____________ showers. sporadic

longevity

The worms have a ________ of about two years. the amount of time that sth lives

intractable

The young colt was _______________, and training had to be cancelled temporarily. unmanageable, stubborn

doused

They heard his screams and ________ the flames before calling emergency services. to stop a fire from burning by pouring water on it

slaked

The deer ____________ its thirst at the river. to satisfy

incisive

The discussion wasn't going anywhere until her _________  comment allowed everyone to see what the true issues were. clear, sharp, direct

apprised

The district chairman was fully _______ of all the details. to tell or give someone information about something

go on the wagon

The doctor ordered her to ____ on the __________, and she hasn't touched a drop since. abstain from alcohol

salvage

They managed to ________ only a few of their belongings from the fire. to save something from an accident or bad situation

cold comfort

The doctor said only his legs are paralysed, not his whole body, but I think that will be ______ __________ to him. won't make him feel better

pinpoint

They need to _______ exactly what skills are necessary. to discover or explain exactly the real facts about something or the cause of a problem

leverage

Turkey has promised not to use its control of the rivers for political ________. influence that you can use to make people do what you want

perjury

Two of my employees were convicted for ________ as they lied to judge to protect me. the action of telling a lie in a lawcourt

detained

Two suspects have been __________ by the police for questioning. to officially prevent someone from leaving a place

superfluous

We're cutting out __________ layers of managers. more than needed

delineate

The survey will clearly ____________ where their property ends. to draw, outline, depict, portray

harrowing

The turbulent flight proved to be a _______________ experience for Jane. distressing, creating great stress or torment

carrying the torch

The columnist feels that he is _______ the _____ of liberalism in an age of conservatism. to carry on a cause

at sixes and sevens

Trying to cram for this math test has me all at _____ and ______. in a state of confusion or disorder

attenuate

You could never eliminate risk, but preparation and training could ____________ it. to reduce, weaken

ravine

A bus plunged 250 feet into a ________, killing thirty people. a deep narrow valley with steep sides

garnet

A mineral like _________, for example, has a number of varieties. a dark red stone used as a jewel

harassed

A number of black youths have complained of being ___________ by the police. to make sb's life unpleasant, for example by frequently saying offensive things to them or threatening them

oversee

A team leader was appointed to __________ the project. supervise

claret

And now for something completely different: cheap and cheerful ______. red wine from the Bordeaux area of France

overload

Be careful not to _________ the washing machine. to put too many things or people on or into something

sodden

Caught in an unexpected rainstorm, I was _____________ by the time I reached the bus stop. thoroughly soaked

sketchy

Details of the accident are still ________. not thorough, without enough details

dither

During a crisis, it's important to have a leader who will not ___________. to hesitate, be indecisive or uncertain

forcible

Elizabeth watched with fascinated horror the ____________ feeding practised on the poor children. done using physical force

surly

Emily received a _______ greeting from the normally cheerful receptionist. bad-tempered, gruff

a hair's breadth

Enemy forces are within a ______ ______ of the city. a very small distance or amount

incendiary

Five _____________ devices were found in her house. used to cause large fires

unrepentant

He remains ________ about his comments. not ashamed of your behaviour or beliefs, even though other people disapprove

keynote

He would be setting out his plans for the party in a _______ speech. the main theme

obviate

Hiring Magdalena would ___________ the need to hire a music tutor, for she is also a classical pianist. to get rid of

stand-up

If it came to a ____-____ fight, I wouldn't have a chance. one in which people shout loudly at each other or are violent

tremulous

If so, you are taking your own first _________ steps into fiction. shaking slightly, especially because you are nervous

paying down

If this trend continues, the government could start _______ _____ the national debt. to reduce the amount of money owed

raw deal

If you feel you've had a ____ ______, you can always sue me. unfair treatment

standpoint

Let's look at the questions from an economic _________. point of view

immanent

Love is a force _________ in the world. present everywhere

fell into step

Maggie ____ into _____ beside her. to start walking beside someone at the same speed as them

look before you leap

Proceed with caution and, at the risk of sounding like a tabloid astrologer, ____ before you ______. (it is sensible to think about possible dangers or difficulties of something before doing it)

prevaricating

Quit ______________ and tell me what really happened. to tell lies

head to head

Rather than go ___ to _____ with their main rivals, they decided to try a more subtle approach. to deal with or oppose someone in a very direct and determined way

leveraged

Reusable software is ___________ across many applications. to spread or use resources again in several different ways or in different parts of a company, system etc

overleaf

See the diagram _________. on the other side of the page

reticent

She's strangely __________ about her son. unwilling to talk about what you feel or what you know

standard-bearer

Sir Keith Joseph, the right's _______-________, blew it with an injudicious speech about the underclass. an important leader in a moral argument or political group

deranged

Small and thin, Terri was dressed, as usual, in the manner of a _________ Victorian governess. that behaves in a crazy or dangerous way, usually because they are mentally ill

see their way

Small companies cannot ____ their _____ to taking on many trainees to be able and willing to do something

interstices

Small plants were growing in the _________ of the rock. a small space or crack in something or between things

landfills

Some waste should be recycled rather than kept at _________. a place where waste can be buried

pearl of wisdom

Thank you for that ______ of ________, Jerry. Now do you think you could suggest something more useful? an important piece of advice

broke the ice

That joke really _____ the _____ at the conference; we all relaxed afterward. to remove the tension

ardor

The ______ Larry brought to the campaign made him a natural campaign spokesperson. fiery intensity of feeling

sinews

The _______ on his neck stood out like knotted string. a part of your body that connects a muscle to a bone

maladroit

The ___________ waiter broke a dozen plates and spilled coffee on two customers. clumsy, inept

venal

The ____________ judge was removed and disbarred. easily bribed or corrupted

dulcet

The chamber orchestra's ______________ tunes were a perfect ending to a great evening. melodious, sweet-sounding

in the toilet

The economy is rapidly going ____ the ________ and the country is in a mess. in a bad condition

over my head

The explanation went completely _____ my ______. to be too difficult for someone to understand

absolution

The jury granted Anna the ____________ she deserved. a formal declaration of forgiveness

pugnacious

The professor had been __________ and irritable. very eager to argue or fight with people

dogmatic

The professor's _____________ style of conversations was not very popular with his students. having ideas that you won't change

coerced

The rebels ___________ the villagers into hiding them from the army. to force sb to do sth they do not want to do by threatening them

makeshift

The refugees slept in __________ tents at the side of the road. made to be used for a short time only when nothing better is available

absolves

The report _________ the pilot from any blame for the crash. to state officially that sb is free of any blame

plain sailing

The roads were busy as we drove out of town but after that it was _____ _______ all the way to the coast. very easy

flash in the pan

The rock group that was all the rage last year turned out to be just another _____ in the _____. sth that promises great success but soon fails

untenable

The scandal put the President in an __________ position. one that has become so difficult that it's impossible to continue

pocket

The school governors are completely in the head teacher's ______. to do everything that sb wants you to do

deft

The songs demonstrate Costello's ______ wordplay. skilful

vituperation

The speeches were full of _________ and slander. angry and cruel criticism

dappled

The statue was ________ with light from a stained-glass window. to mark sth with spots of colour, light, or shade

evince

The teacher tried to __________ the complexity of the material to be covered in the exam. to show or demonstrate

eleventh hour

The water bombers arrived at the _______ _____ — just in time to prevent the forest fire from engulfing the town. the last minute

tinge

There was a ____ of sadness in her voice. a very small amount

bevy

There was a lively __________ of eager bingo fans waiting outside the bingo hall. a large group or assemblage

mélange

There was a very interesting ____________ of people at the party. a mixture or assortment

bellicose

There was little hope for peace following the election of a candidate known for his ____________ nature. eager to wage war, quarrelsome

tactful

There was no _________ way of phrasing what he wanted to say. not likely to upset or embarrass other people

gloom and doom

There's been so much ______ and ________ here, I think we should try to provide a smile. the feeling that a situation is bad and is not likely to improve

tenets

This pamphlet describes the _____________ of Amnesty International. a belief, principle held to be true

derisory

Unions described the pay offer as ________. so small that it not worth considering seriously

apex

Upon reaching the ________ of the mountain, the climbers placed their flag in the snow. the highest point

flippant

Ursula's ____________ remarks in front of her fiancé's parents were an embarrassment to us all. not showing proper seriousness

iconoclast

Using words as weapons, the well-spoken ___________ challenged religious hypocrisy wherever she found it. sb who opposes and destroys idols used in worship

castigate

When she was caught stealing for the second time, Maya knew her mother would _____________ her. to inflict a severe punishment on

refraction

You can see __________ of light in action by placing a drinking straw in a glass of water. bending of light rays when they pass from one transparent material to another

number

You can tell Cara *has his* _______. She knows exactly how to handle him when he's mad. (to understand something about someone that helps you deal with them)

Good grief

_______ _____, look at all this food! Are you feeding an army? I'm very surprised

outbound

_______ traffic moving away from you or away from a town, country etc

Momentous

________ events are taking place in the US. very important because it will have a great influence on the future

Shards

________ of glass have been cemented into the top of the wall to stop people climbing over. a piece of a broken glass, cup, container or similar object

grandiose

_________ buildings very large or wonderful

overladen

_________ buses filled with too many people or things

self-seeking

a ____-_______ politician doing things only because they will give you an advantage

vapid

a ______ TV announcer lacking intelligence, interest, or imagination

perched

a house ________ on a cliff above the town to be in a position on top of sth or on the edge of sth

blustered

'That's hardly the point,' he ________. to speak in a loud angry way that is not really very impressive

tearing my hair out

I've been _____ my _____ out trying to get the job finished on time. to be very anxious

went off the rails

He ______ off the ______ in his twenties and started living on the streets. to start behaving strangely or in a way that is not acceptable to society

abjured

He ________ his religion. to state publicly that you no longer agree with sth

outlay

For a relatively small ________, you can start a home hairdressing business. the amount of money that you have to spend

chunk of change

He's probably got enough money to buy a little ranch somewhere and still have a _____ of ________ left over. a large amount of money

off our hands

Once this problem is ___ our _____ we can relax for a while. you are not responsible for it any more

take the plunge

I've decided to _____ the ______ and start up my own business. to do sth that you've been thinking about doing for a long time

importuning

One can no longer walk the streets without seeing beggars _________ passers-by. ask for sth in an annoying way

connived

She had murdered or _______ at the murder of one of her lovers. to allow something bad to happen although you know about it

covenanted

6% of our profits are _________ to charity. to promise to pay a fixed sum of money regularly

go amiss

A cup of tea wouldn't ___ ______. used to say that something would be suitable or useful in a situation

instil

A manager's job is to _______ determination into his players. to teach someone to think, behave, or feel in a particular way over a period of time

negligently

A manufacturer _________ made and marketed a car with defective brakes. without realizing ones responsibilities

overhaul

A mechanic is coming to _________ the engine. to repair or change the necessary parts in a machine, system etc

self-assured

A woman's voice came on the line, firm and _____-_______. calm and confident about what you are doing

sedulous

After years of ___________ research, the researchers discovered a cure. diligent, hardworking

diffident

Alan's __________ nature is often misinterpreted as arrogance. lacking self-confidence, shy and timid

churlish

Alice's ___________ remarks made everyone at the table uncomfortable and ill at ease. ill-mannered, boorish, rude

mettlesome

Alice's ____________ attitude was infectious and inspired us all to press on. courageous, high-spirited

pedestrian

Although the film received critical acclaim, its ______________ plot has been overused by screenwriters for decades. commonplace, trite

droll

Although they're full of ______ talk and amusing mannerisms, they are still necromancers. amusing in an unusual way

field day

Any bacteria that may be in the food will have a _____ _____ and grow. to have a chance to do a lot of something you want

at the hands

Anyone who suffered ____ the ______ of care workers will be entitled to compensation caused or done by a particular person

dazzled

As children, we were _________ by my uncle's good looks and charm. to make someone feel strong admiration

burning the candle at both ends

Back in the twenties, the Millay sisters were known in New York society for _________ the candle at ____ _______. (to get very tired by doing things until very late at night and getting up early in the mornings)

simpered

Betsy ________ at him as she spoke. to smile in a silly annoying way

sullen

Bill sat in ________ silence and refused to eat his lunch. angry and silent, especially because you feel life has been unfair to you

providential

Blackwell's arrival at that moment was __________. lucky

inconsequential

Both stand for precisely the same ____________ things. not important

wily

Breen had a reputation for being a tough and ____ negotiator. cunning

odds

Briggs found himself at ______ with his colleagues. to disagree

ripple effect

Court rulings often have a ______ _______, spreading into areas of law that weren't part of the original cases. to affect something else, which then affects other things

simian

Creationists do not believe that humans have ____________ ancestors. of or like an ape or monkey

go to his head

Dave really let his promotion ____ to his ______. make them feel more important than they really are

undue

De Gaulle felt that America had ______ influence in Europe. more than is reasonable, suitable, or necessary

wince

Did I hurt you? - I thought I saw you ______. to show pain briefly and suddenly in the face, often moving the head back at the same time

ungainly

Ducks are _________ on land. awkward

exigency

Economic _______ obliged the government to act. the difficulties of a situation, especially one which causes urgent demands

toiled

Edmund _____________ for hours before solving the problem. to work laboriously

foothold

Extreme right-wing parties gained a ________ in the latest European elections. a position from which you can start to make progress and achieve your aims

specious

George didn't fool me with his _____________ argument. seemingly plausible but false

brim

He filled the jug to the _____. the very top edge of a container

hastily

I may have acted ______. perhaps too quickly

recast

In despair, the director ________ the leading role. change an actor

implacable

Some of the people who call the customer service desk are _____________. incapable of being appeased

hot potato

The abortion issue is a political ____ _______ in the United States. sth difficult or dangerous to deal with

concurrent

The exhibition reflected _________ developments abroad. existing or happening at the same time

wholesome

The food is fresh, _________ and imaginative. considered to have a good moral effect

equanimity

The hostage negotiator's ____________ during the standoff was remarkable. calmness of temperament

stymied

The negotiations were ___________ by yet another attack. to hinder, obstruct

fettered

The presence of two security guards ______________ the teenagers' plans to get backstage. to impede, restrict

sombre

The room was painted in ________ colours. dark and dull

proprietary

They have ________ rights to the data. relating to who owns something

provident

We have to be vaguely ___________, but no real sacrifices are demanded. careful and sensible in the way you plan things, especially by saving money for the future

surmised

When he came in, he didn't look up, so she _________ that he was in a bad mood. to guess that something is true, using the information you know already

scowled

When he said he didn't agree with her she _________ at him and left the room. to look at someone in an angry way

over the moon

When he sent me flowers and a note, I was ______ the ______. extremely happy

incredulity

When she told her family she was gay, they reacted with a mixture of shock and ____________. disbelief

observant

obeying laws, religious rules, etc.

dastardly

old fashioned: evil and wicked

verisimilitude

questions about the ____________ of the document the quality of being true or real

acme

the ______ of perfection the best and highest level

baker's dozen

thirteen of something

barren

The land was _________ and people couldn't grow any plants there. infertile

converged

Reporters ________ on the scene. come from many different places and meet together to form a large crowd

contemporary

He was a __________ of Freud and may have known him. a person alive at the same time

debonair

He was a handsome, ____________, death-defying racing-driver. confident, charming and well-dressed

daunt

The lightning did little to ______ local golfers. to make sb feel afraid or less confident

aided and abetted

His accountant had ______ and ______ him in the fraud. to help or encourage someone to do sth wrong or illegal

debunked

His claims were later ________ by fellow academics. to show that an idea or belief is false

far and wide

His fame spread ___ and ______. (over a large area)

agitating

His family are __________ to get him freed. to argue strongly in public for sth you want, especially a political or social change

byword

His name has become a _______ for honesty in the community. to be so well known for a particular quality that your name is used to represent that quality

inimitable

His performance on the tennis court was _________________. unmatchable

demagogue

Hitler was the most infamous __________ of the twentieth century. a leader who obtains power by appealing to people's feelings and prejudices

hard-nosed

Holbrooke has a justified reputation as a ____-_____ negotiator. not affected by emotions, and determined to get what you want

libel

Holt sued the newspaper for ______. when someone writes or prints untrue statements about someone so that other people could have a bad opinion of them

entrails

Hot liquid and ________ spilled over him, and he scrambled out from under the thing. the inside parts of an animal or person's body, especially their intestines

explicate

How can we best _________ 'King Lear' and understand it? to explain an idea or a work of literature in a lot of detail

self-styled

How could a ____-______ poet be so oblivious to taste? having given yourself a title or position without having a right to it

approbation

The local authorities issued an ___________ to close the street for a festival on St. Patrick's Day. approval

funereal

The local weather was always ________. sad, slow, and suitable for a funeral

underachiever

How do educators determine if a child is an ______________? sb who does not do as well at school or at work as they could do if they worked harder

piquant

The spicy shrimp saland is wonderfully ___________. pleasantly sharp in taste

maintenance

How much __________ does he pay to his children and ex-wife? money that a person has been ordered by a court to pay regularly to their former partner

gung-ho

The sporting opportunities here should suit the most ____-___ of tourists. very eager to do something dangerous or violent

all systems go

However, it was now __ ______ ___ for the future. used, sometimes humorously, to say that you are ready to do something or that something is ready to happen

dread

I ______ to think what will happen if they get elected. am afraid

mind of her own

I advised her to take the job offer, but she has a ______ of her ____, so I don't know what she'll decide. the ability to act or think independently

hit it off

I knew you and Mike would ____ it _____ straight away. to immediately have a good relationship with sb when you meet them for the first time

golden oldies

I listen to the Sunday morning show when they play all the ________ _______. a record that was very popular in the past and that people still know and like today

pungent

I love the __________ taste of a good, strong curry. having a strong, sharp taste or smell

near miss

I managed to brake just in time but it was a _____ _________. when an accident or unpleasant situation almost happened and was only just avoided

a hole in the head

I need this conversation like a ____ in my ______. you definitely don't want it

expedient

A quick divorce was an _____________ end to the couple's two-month marriage. appropriate for a purpose, a suitable means to an end

impediment

A speech ___________ did nothing to stop him from preaching. a physical problem that makes sth difficult

topple

A stack of plates swayed, and began to ______ over. to become unsteady and then fall over, or to make something do this

overpass

A train was going by on the ________. a structure like a bridge that allows one road go over another

from pillar to post

Abernathy couldn't stick to one project and was always dashing from _______ to _____. from one place or thing to another in rapid succession

conciliatory

Abraham Lincoln made ______________ gestures toward the South at the end of the Civil War. making concesions to reconcile or comfort

altercation

According to witnesses, the _________ between the two men started inside the restaurant. a loud argument or disagreement

feet of clay

After all, audiences want to be entertained, not see their idols with _____ of _____. if sb has faults and weaknesses that you did not realize they had

expunge

After finishing probation, juveniles can petition the courts to ___________ their criminal records. to wipe or rub out, delete

with their tails between their legs

After playing so badly for the entire game, the team walked off ____ their _______ between ____ _______. ashamed and embarrassed

penury

After ten years of __________, it's good to be financially secure again. extreme poverty

hair-raising

Driving through the mountains was a ____-_______ experience. frightening

out in the cold

He chose to favour us one at a time and the others were left ____ in the ______. to not include someone in an activity

fornicating

He denied __________ with his wife's best friend. to have a sexual intercourse with sb you're not married to

entrenched

In the small towns racial prejudice was deeply __________. (strongly established and not likely to change - often used to show disapproval)

disdainful

Grandfather was deeply indifferent to the future and __________ of the successes of his forgotten sons. showing that you do not respect sb, because you think that they are not important or good enough

rancor

Greg is full of _____________ towards his brother. a bitter feeling of ill will

fine kettle of fish

Gurnley usually managed to worm his way out of trouble, but this time he found himself in a _____ _____ of ______. a troublesomely awkward or embarrassing situation

turn a hair

He was expecting her to be furious but she didn't ______ a _______. to not show any emotion when you are told something bad or when something bad happens

grouch

I can't stand him - he's such an old ______. a person who complains a lot

condone

I cannot ________ the use of violence under any circumstances. to accept or forgive behaviour that most people think is morally wrong

bit my head off

I offered to help her, but she just ____ my ______ ___. to talk to someone very angrily with no good reason

lame duck

In under two years, it was transformed from a state-owned ______ __________ into a successful company. sb that is in trouble and needs help

self-indulgent

It feels _____-_______ spending so much on a pair of shoes. allowing yourself to have or do things that you enjoy but do not need

discoursed

Mrs. Hutchins __________ at length on the ignorance of the frontier people. to make a long formal speech about sth

hands down

Nigel always won ____ ____ in any argument. easily

fervent

Norman had a ___________ belief that aliens had already landed on earth. having or showing great emotion

overdressed

She felt _____________ in her smart suit. dressed in clothes that are too formal for the occasion

saw the light

She finally ____ the _____ and ended the relationship. to realize that something is true

perfunctory

She gave him a _________ smile. done quickly, only because people expect it

exiguous

She gulped it down, paid the __________ dispensing fee, and left the premises. very small in amount

inveigled

She had ____________ me into taking messages to her lover. to persuade sb to do what you want, especially in a dishonest way

hat trick

She pulled off a ___ _____ with her presentation to the committee. an outstanding performance by an individual, or a particularly clever or adroit maneuver

intern

She refused to be treated by an ______ and demanded to see a qualified doctor. someone who has nearly finished training as a doctor and is working in a hospital

inexhaustible

She seems to have ________ energy. that will always continue

starchy

She spoke in a rather _______ manner. very formal and correct in your behaviour

unabashed

She stared at him with ___________ curiosity. not ashamed or embarrassed

braced myself for

She told me she had some bad news for me and I _______ myself ___ a shock. to prepare yourself physically or mentally for something unpleasant

nettled

She was ________ by Holman's remark. to be annoyed by what someone says or does

orchard

a place where fruit trees are grown

arduous

an ________ climb difficult, tiring

impregnable

an __________ fortress so strong that it cannot be entered by force

sensuous

the ________ feeling of silk on her skin pleasing to your senses

hinterland

the rural _________ an area of land that is far from the coast, large rivers, or the places where people live

put it down to experience

-I'm so ashamed. I let him take advantage of me. -Don't be so hard on yourself. Just ____ it down ___ ________. when instead of being upset about something bad, you will learn from it

inducted

18 new junior ministers were _________ into the government. to officially give someone a job or position of authority, especially at a special ceremony

self-confessed

A _____-_______ alcoholic, equally at home on stage and screen, he is starring in two top box office films. admitting that you have a particular quality, especially one that is bad

precocious

A ____________ child, she went to university at the age of 15. showing unusually early mental development or achievement

fastidious

A cat is a ____________ animal that washes itself frequently. very careful about small details in your appearance, work etc

on his shoulders

A district attorney has an awful burden ____ his _________. as a personal responsibility

upheld

A federal court has ______ legislative term limits in Maine. state that the decision was correct

bad name

A few badly behaved football fans give all football supporters a ____ _____. to cause people to lose respect for something or someone

maven

A food _______ could also be called a gourmet. someone who knows a lot about a particular subject

munificent

A former student has donated a __________ sum of money to the college. very generous

one step ahead

A good teacher is always at least one ____ _____ of his students. to be better prepared for something or know more about something than someone else

quashed

A hospital chief executive has ________ rumours that people will lose their jobs. to say or do something to stop something from continuing

bourgeois

A house in the suburbs, two children, two cars and three TVs are key indicators of a _________ lifestyle. typical of the middle class

bite the bullet

A lot of companies had to _____ the ______ and lay off a lot of their employees. to start dealing with an unpleasant or dangerous situation because you cannot avoid it any longer

hegemony

A military takeover in the impoverished country secured the ___________ of the Centrist Party in its bid for power. predominant influence or leadership

on location

A movie was shot ___ _______. away from the studio

incontinent

A person who is constipated may also be __________ of faeces because there is leaking around the hard mass. unable to control the passing of liquid or solid waste from your body

immolate

A suicide squad was formed of women ready to __________ themselves if the pageant went ahead. to kill sb by burning them

gravelly

After four weeks they still had not got used to the _________ voice and the song that seemed to lie in it. which has a low rough sound

convicted

After the trial McVeigh was _________ and sentenced to death. to prove or announce that someone is guilty of a crime

at his feet

All Paris was ___ his ______. used to say that people admire or respect someone very much

handlers

All food ___________ should be properly trained. sb who touches, carries or moves sth as their job

glib

All of those _______ egotistical talk show hosts annoy me. speaking easily but without thinking carefully

addled

All that drink has _______ his brains! to confuse someone so they cannot think properly

hackneyed

All those slogans we used to chant sound so __________ now. boring and without much meaning because it has been used so often

infractions

Alleged _________ would be referred to the County Attorney for prosecution. an act of breaking a rule or law

libertine

Although he is quite a ________ with the women, this particular President, I understand. someone who leads an immoral life and always looks for pleasure, especially sexual pleasure

take kindly

Americans don't ________ ______ to being told what to say. to not like sth that sb says or does

inlaid

An _______ piano-stool, went for £125 while two bedroom mirrors made £140. that has little pieces of another material set into its surface for decoration

imbroglio

An _____________ developed when the bus drivers went on, leaving thousands of commuters stranded on the bus station. a confused, difficult situation, usually involving disagreement

traverse

An estimated 250,000 cars ________ the bridge daily. to move across, over, or through something, especially an area of land or water

decimate

An extended period of neglect would eventually ____________ much of the housing in the inner cities. to destroy a large portion of

tawny

And it's only the _______ owl who goes tu-whit-tu-whoo. brownish-yellow in colour

kiln

And now I could feel my face getting hot, like I was working around a ______. a special oven for baking clay pots, bricks etc

slander

And that statement is not meant to ________ anybody. to say false things about someone in order to damage other people's good opinion of them

puerile

Andrew is a remarkably successful businessman for someone so __________. childish

reticent

Angela is very _____________, so don't expect her to tell you much about herself. tending to keep one's thoughts and feelings to oneself

bravado

Anne's __________ often got her in trouble with other kids in the neighborhood. false courage

on its head

Another basic political problem here is that the Dole message turns history ____ its _____. to make people think about something in the opposite way to the way it was originally intended

out of hand

Aromatherapy was dismissed ____ of ______ by traditional doctors. without even stopping to consider what someone has suggested, asked for etc

undercarriage

As he pushed the nose down for the final approach, he extended down the _________. the wheels of a vehicle and the structure that holds them

whiff

As she walked past, I caught a _____ of her perfume. a very slight smell of something

took to their heels

As soon as they saw the soldiers coming, they ______ to their ______. to run away quickly

hale and hearty

At 77 he is ______ and _____, getting up at six every morning to walk three miles. healthy and strong

infelicity

At best, her remark was an ________. not appropriate, not correct for a particular situation

hold water

At first I was persuaded by the politician's speech, but upon reflection, I decided her arguments didn't _____ ______. to seem logical and consistent

brazen

At first I was scared, but as I went on, I became more ________. not embarrassed about behaving in a wrong or immoral way

bewildered

At first she was _________ by all the noise and activity of the city. totally confused

overmuch

At his age, he didn't care _________ about impressing people. too much

inbound

At least 1,000 passengers were stranded at the airport as _______ flights throughout the day were diverted to Portland. arriving

underpaying

At one point Truitte realized that he had been __________ Alvin by a large amount. to pay someone too little for their work

leading the field

At the end of the second day's play, Ballasteros is _________ the ______. to be likely to win

the cold shoulder

At the party, Carl tried to talk to Suzanne, but she gave him ___ ______ ______. to ignore someone deliberately

tainted

Baker argues that his trial was ________ by negative publicity. it makes the person or situation seem bad

withering

Be prepared to question this if you want to, and do not retreat from any _________ looks. that makes someone feel stupid, embarrassed, or lose confidence

erratic

Billionaire Howard Hughes's reclusive behavior during his final years can easily be called ________. odd, eccentric

lugubrious

Billy looks like a fool, acting so ______________ over losing a silly bet. excessivery mournful or dismal

standby

Board games are a good _________ to keep the children amused if the weather is bad. sth which is always ready for use, especially if a regular one fails

came out swinging

Both candidates ______ out __________ in the televised debate Sunday night. to strongly defend yourself or something you believe in

larceny

Brook now faces probable jail after an indictment for ________. the act or crime of stealing

wrangles

Bureaucratic __________ were conspicuous at every level. a long and complicated argument

rangy

Burun's eldest son was a tall _____ man with a lot of muscle and sinew. with long thin strong legs

battening

Businesses are focused on survival - everyone's ________ down the hatches. to prepare yourself for a period of difficulty or trouble

inducements

Businesses were offered ____________ to move to the area. a reason for doing something, especially sth that you will get as a result

head and shoulders

But the surgery has given him confidence to stand _____ and _______ above the rest. to be much better than other people

pyre

But what if everything was burned on a _____ sixty years ago? a high pile of wood on which a dead body is placed to be burned in a funeral ceremony

interdict

By 1411 Hus had become so influential that Prague was laid under papal ________. an official order from a court telling someone not to do something

fever pitch

By the time the princess appeared on the balcony, excitement among the crowd was at _____ _______. when people's emotions have become so strong that they can only just control themselves

self-denial

By these standards, the monks' ____-______ seems tame. when you do not do or have the things you enjoy for moral or religious reasons

disingenuous

Car's __________ comments were not taken seriously by anyone in the room. insincere, calculating

slumped

Carol ________ back in her chair, defeated. to fall or lean against something because you are not strong enough to stand

extenuating

Caroline believed that Jack would be less upset about her lateness after he had heard the ___________ circumstances. to lessen or seem to lessen in seriousness by excuses

gratuitous

Certain scenes in action films are too violent and __________. unnecessary

sartorial

Certainly, 'hyperwhite' seems a good word for the _______ choices of paradigmatic nerds. relating to the making of clothes, usually men's clothes, or to a way of dressing

vitiate

Changes at this point may actually _________ the entire system. to make sth less effective

galumphing

Children were __________ around the stage. to move in a noisy, heavy, and awkward way

first-hand

Clara knew from ____-_____ experience that living in a foreign country would be difficult. experience etc that has been learned or gained by doing something yourself

voluble

Clarissa was extremely ________ on the subject of good manners. talking a lot or talking quickly

overlies

Clay __________ chalk in the southern mountains. to lie over sth

bolstered

Coach Edmond's speech ________ the team's confidence. to hearten, support

decidedly

Cole's style is _______ more formal than the previous manager's. definitely

chastised

Coleman _________ the board for not taking action sooner. to criticize someone severely

élan

Collins' story was filmed with real intelligence and _______. a style that is full of energy and determination

disparage

Comedians often ________ politicians as part of their comedic routines. to speak in a derogatory way

abeyance

Construction of the highway is in _____________ until we get agency approval. suspension

keep your head down

Do what you're told and ______ your ____ down. to try to avoid being noticed or getting involved in something

tag along

Do you mind if I _____ _______? I'd like to see the show at the museum too. to follow or go with sb when you were not invited

beating a dead horse

Do you think it's worth sending my manuscript to other publishers or I am just _______ a _____ ______? to waste time doing something that has already been attempted

impute

Doctors ____________ the reduction of cancer deaths to the nationwide decrease in cigarette smoking. to attribute to a cause

take it amiss

Don't ____ it ____ - I was just teasing. to feel upset or offended about something that someone has said or done

pugnacious

Don't be so ______________ - I don't want to fight. contentious, eager to fight, quarrelsome

peccadillo

Don't make such a big deal out of a little ___________. a trivial offense

wet behind the ears

Don't rely on his advice about girlfriends; he's still ____ behind the _____. immature, inexperienced and naive

brooding

Don't sit at home ________ all day. to keep thinking about sth that you are worried or upset about

*burning a *hole** in your *pocket*

Don't wait until the money's ______ a ______ in your ________, plan ahead. (you want to spend it as soon as you can)

obsequious

Donald acted like Susan's servant, obeying her every request in an _________ manner. excessively compliant or submissive

ran amok

Drunken troops ____ _____ in the town. to suddenly behave in a very violent and uncontrolled way

inchoate

During the _____________ stage of fetal growth, it's difficult to distinguish between a cow, a frog and a human. not yet fully formed, just begun

newsreels

During the communist regime government had __________ produced that cast a positive light on often unfair government policy. a short cinema film of recent event

refractory

Elena is a counselor for ____________ children in an alternative school setting. resisting control or discipline.

in great demand

Engineering and science graduates are ___ great _______ this year. needed or wanted

armhole

Entering the measurements is quite straight forward, except when it comes to the __________ measurement for set-in sleeves. a hole in a shirt, dress, jacket etc that you put your arm through

laudable

Equal pay for equal work is a _________ principle. deserving praise, even if not completely successful

disbarred

Estrada was fired from his job and ____________. to stop a lawyer from doing any legal work

surplus

Ethiopia has no _______ food. more than what is needed or used

vigil

Eva and Paul kept a constant ______ by their daughter's hospital bedside. a period of time, especially during the night, when you stay awake

stolid

Eva is a very ___________ person, so it's difficult to tell how she feels. not feeling or showing emotion, impassive

innocuous

Even seeming _________ words can be offensive if used in the wrong context. not at all harmful or controversial

indiscriminate

Even so-called 'tactical' nuclear weapons are _____________ in their effect. done without thinking about what harm it might cause

voluptuous

Everyone turned to look at Gordon and his ________ mistress as they entered the room. that has large breasts and a soft curved body

aghast

Everyone was _______ at the verdict. feeling or looking shocked by sth you have seen or just found out

full plate

Facing funding cuts and a lawsuit challenging the school's admissions policy, the university's new president has a _____ _____. a lot of work or problems

hand in glove

Far from being independent, the government and media work _____ in _____. closely connected with someone, especially in a bad or illegal activity

opinionated

Felix is too _________ to change his mind, even if he knows he is wrong. too sure of the rightness of one's opinions

derisive

Fenton's remark drew ________ laughs. showing that you think someone or something is stupid or silly

clout

Few companies have the ______ to handle such large deals. power or the authority to influence other people's decisions

mustered

Finally I _______ up the courage to ask her out. to get enough courage, confidence, support etc to do something, especially with difficulty

mercurial

Fiona is so _______________ that you never know what kind of reaction to expect. liable to change moods suddenly

hand over fist

Five years ago, the company was losing money _____ over ______. gain or lose sth very quickly

above the law

Football players can't be _______ the ______ just because they are so valuable to team owners. not having to obey rules

escapism

For John books are a form of ________. an activity, a form of entertainment, etc. that helps you avoid or forget unpleasant or boring things

led the way

For women, a natural look in hairstyles _____ the ______ this spring. to be the most popular

keep their heads above water

For years they struggled to _____ their ____ above ______. to manage to live on your income when this is difficult because of financial problems

headway

Foreign firms have made little ________ in the U.S. market. to make progress towards achieving sth

reprieved

Fourteen people, waiting to be hanged for the murder of a former prime minister, have been ____________. to have the punishment delayed or cancelled

solecism

Frank's ___________ caused his debate team much embarrassment. violation of good manners or etiquette

extenuating

Fred claimed that _____________ circumstances forced him to commit forgery. that reduce the strength or lessen the seriousness of

dereliction

From her point of view, failure to act would be a ________ of governmental duty. when someone fails to do what they should do as part of their job

high-strung

George is too ____-_____ to be a pilot. in a tense state

old hat

Get with it, Murray; your methods are strictly ___ ____. obsolete, old-fashioned

woozy

Giving blood makes me feel really _____. feeling weak and unsteady

meal ticket

Gone are the days when a university degree was a ____ _________ for life. sth you use to get regular amounts of money for the rest of your life

meeting of minds

Government officials say there was a __________ of _______ between the two leaders during the six-hour talks in Pretoria. when two people find that they have the same ideas and opinions and find it easy to agree with each other

coup

Haiti's first elected president was deposed in a violent military _____. a sudden and sometimes violent attempt by citizens or the army to take control of the government

egalitarian

Hannah was moved by the candidate's ____________ speech. charactarized by the principle of equal rights for all persons

adulation

Harley wasn't prepared for the fame and _________ that came with being a star athlete. praise and admiration for sb that is more than they really deserve

get in my hair

Harry usually keeps the kids occupied so they don't ____ in my _____ while I'm cooking. to annoy sb, esp. by being near them for a long period

furnish

Having bought the house, they couldn't afford to _______ it. to put furniture and other things into a house or room

got the sack

He _____ the _______ when they found out that he'd lied about his qualifications. to lose your job

lavished on

He ______ attention ___ her. to give sb a lot of love, praise, money etc

stammered

He _________ an apology and left quickly. to say sth with a lot of pauses and repeated sounds

wavered

He _________ between accepting and refusing. to be uncertain or unsteady in movement or decision

downed

He _________ the tea in one gulp. to drink or eat sth quickly

abominates

He ___________ cruelty of all kinds. to hate something very much

harm a hair on her head

He adores the girl - he wouldn't _____ a _____ on her ______. to hurt someone

like clockwork

He arrived at 7 every evening, _____ _______. at regular times

deft

He assembled it in one fluid, ______ motion. quick, neat in action, skillful

two-timing

He doesn't know Claire's been ____-______ him. to have a secret relationship with someone who is not your regular partner

disquieting

He found Jean's manner __________. causing anxiety

collusion

He found no evidence of __________ between record companies and retailers. the secret activities of people who work together to do something dishonest

rendition

He gave a moving __________ of Lennon's Imagine. sb's performance, interpretation

craven

He had a ______ fear of flying. cowardly

virulent

He had developed a vaccine using _________ forms of polio. very dangerous and affects people very quickly

scruples

He had no _________ about selling faulty goods to people. a belief about what is right and wrong that prevents you from doing bad things

ululating

He had often dreamed of his grieving family visiting his grave, ________ as only the relatives of martyrs may. to cry out with a long high sound, especially because you are very sad or in pain

sank like a stone

He had published two novels, both of which ______ like a ______. to fail completely

recluse

He is a millionaire ________ who refuses to give interviews. a person who lives alone and avoids going outside or talking to other people

exuberant

He is energetic and ________. happy and full of energy and excitement

meticulous

He kept __________ accounts. very careful about small details, and always making sure that everything is done correctly

requisites

He lacked the moral __________ for marriage. sth needed for a particular purpose

hard stuff

He likes a drop of the ____ _______. alcoholic drink

captors

He managed to escape from his __________. sb who is keeping another person prisoner

as sharp as a tack

He may be old in years, but he's still ____ _______ as a ______ and knows what he's talking about. intelligent

wreak

He promised to _______ vengeance on those who had betrayed him. to do sth unpleasant to sb to punish them for sth they have done to you

parched

He raised the water bottle to his ________ lips. very dry

did a job

He really ____ a ______ on her, telling her how much he loved her and then leaving her. to hurt or damage

incriminate

He refused to answer questions for fear he might ________ himself. to make someone seem guilty of a crime

walk the walk

He says the team will be just as good without Groncki as they were with him, but we'll have to see if the team can _____ the _______. to show that sth is true through your actions

a hand

He scored one goal and had a ______ in two others. to influence or be involved in something

undercurrent

He sensed an __________ of resentment among the crowd. a feeling, especially of anger or dissatisfaction, that people do not express openly

imminent

He smiled in anticipation of her ________ arrival. which will happen soon

lifts a finger

He spends all day stretched out on the sofa and never ______ a ________ to help. to not help sb because you're lazy

snap

He tends to ______ at people when he's got a headache. to speak quickly, usually in an annoyed way

forbearance

He thanked his employees for the _________ they had shown during the company's difficult times. patience, forgiveness and self-control shown in a difficult situation

hovel

He thought of Hob dying in his _________, his wife frightened of the future. a small dirty place where sb lives, especially a very poor person

lurid

He told me in _______ detail what would happen to me. explicit

owned the place

He walked into the office on his first day as if he _______ the _______. to behave in an unpleasantly confident way

avenge

He wanted to _______ his brother's death. to do sth to hurt or punish sb because they have harmed or offended you

man enough

He was ___ ________ to admit he had made a mistake. brave enough to do sth

quick on the draw

He was ______ on the ________ answering the reporter's questions. able to react quickly to a situation

disconsolate

He was _________ after his divorce. extremely sad and hopeless

prime mover

He was a _____ ________ in developing a new style of customer-friendly bookshops in the UK. sb who has a lot of influence in starting sth important

forthwith

He was fined £40, with 28 days' imprisonment if the money was not produced _________. immediately

battering

He was found innocent of ________ his small child. the criminal act of treating sb violently or threatening them

standout

He was the _________ in last Saturday's game. much better than the rest

credible

He was unable to give a ________ explanation for his behaviour. deserving or able to be believed or trusted

repartee

He wasn't expecting such a sharp __________ from someone who was normally so quiet. a quick, witty reply

tribunal

He will be sentenced for his war crimes by an international ____________. a court of justice

rakish

He wore his hat at a ___________ angle. making you look relaxed, confident and stylish

undercover

He worked ___________ in Germany and Northern Ireland. secretly in order to catch criminals or find out information

dead certain

He's ____ ______ that Ming is the man who talked to him. very certain

querulous

He's a picky and _____________ old man, but I still love him. complaining, peevish

receptive

He's a very kind and _________ young man. willing to consider new ideas or listen to someone else's opinions

keeping a low profile

He's been _______ a ____ _______ at work ever since his argument with Jane. to avoid attracting attention to yourself

underhand

He's been involved in some __________ dealings. dishonest, done secretely

gluttony

Helen's fried chicken tastes so divine, I don't know how anyone can call ________ a sin. overindulgence in food or drink

golden boy

Henman is the ______ ____ of British tennis this season. sb who is succesful and admired

irascible

Her ___________ temperament caused many problems with the staff at the office. irritable

mellifluous

Her ____________ voice floated in through the windows and made everyone smile. sounding sweet and flowing

do great credit

Her achievements ___ great ________ to her parents. to bring praise and respect to sb for sth they have done

irreproachable

Her conduct throughout was _____________. without fault and therefore impossible to criticize

pouted

Her full lips ______ slightly. to push out your lower lip because you are annoyed or unhappy, or in order to look sexually attractive

infirm

Her grandmother is elderly and _______. weak or ill for a long time, especially because you are old

jaunty

Her hat was set at a _____ angle. showing that you are confident and happy

self-effacing

Her husband was a quiet, _____-_______ man who spent much of his time in his study. not wanting to attract attention to yourself or your achievements

swept the boards

Her latest film _____ the _______ at last night's cinema awards. to win all the prizes or votes in a competition or an election

relented

Her parents finally __________ and allowed her to go. to change your attitude and become less strict or cruel

beyond the pale

Her recent conduct is _______ the ______. unacceptable

brimmed

Her tears ________ over again as she started to speak. you start to cry

hovered

Her younger brother _________ in the background watching us. to stay nervously in the same place, especially because you are waiting for something or are not certain what to do

duly

Here are your travel documents, all _____ signed. in the proper or expected way

departed this life

Here lies Henry Stanford, who _________ this _________ January 13th 1867. to die

down on their luck

Here, parents who are ____ on their ____ can pick out toys for their children. to have no money because you have had a lot of bad luck over a long period of time

heart was in his boots

His ______ was in his ______ as he waited for news of the accident. to feel sad or worried

shoddy

His _______ research resulted in him failing his PhD. of poor quality

overbearing

His _________ personality makes him difficult to work with. frequently trying to tell other people what to do without regard for their ideas or feelings

forebears

His __________ had come to America from Ireland. a person in your family who lived long ago

edifying

His ___________ sermon challenged the congregation to devote more time to charitable causes. englightening with the aim of improving moral development

unbecoming

His conduct was totally _________ to an officer in the British armed services. shocking and unsuitable

imbued

His philosophical writings are _________ with religious belief. to make sb have a quality, idea, or emotion very strongly

anathema

His political views were _________ to me. something that is completely the opposite of what you believe in

overplayed

His role in the group's success has been ____________. to make sth seem more important than it is

derision

His speech was greeted with _________ by opposition leaders. when you show that you think sth is stupid or silly

long-winded

His speeches tend to be rather ____-______. continuing to talk for too long or using too many words in a way that is boring

disarmed

His tact and political skills __________ his critics. to make someone feel less angry or disapproving of you, and more friendly

false dawn

His victory in the French Open proved to be a _______ ______ after he failed to win another title for the next five years. sth which seems to show that a situation is improving when it is not

plumbed the depths

His wife left him in May and during the following months he _______ the _______ of despair. to experience extreme sadness

avail

How many schools _______ themselves of this opportunity each year? to accept an offer or use an opportunity to do something

twaddle

I don't believe in all that ________ about fate. nonsense

dead duck

I don't care how much skill he has. If he can't play under pressure he's a ____ _____. not competitive, not viable

credence

I don't give any ________ to these rumors. the acceptance of something as true

hair-splitting

I don't have very much patience with all this legal ____-_______. to argue about whether details that are not important are correct

live in each other's pockets

I don't think it's healthy the way those two ______ in ____ ______ ______. to spend too much time together

cavil

I don't think this is the time to ______ at the wording of the report. to make unnecessary complaints

elucidate

I don't understand. You'll have to __________. to explain or make clear

repartee

I enjoy listening to their witty ________. quick, amusing answers in conversation

liquid lunch

I had a two hour _____ _____ and nearly fell asleep at my desk in the afternoon. when you drink alcohol instead of having a meal

forgo

I had to ______ lunch. to not do or have something pleasant or enjoyable

make believe

I had to explain to Sam that it was only _____ _______ and that they weren't real monsters. imaginary or invented

fulminating

I had to listen to Michael ___________ against the government. to criticize strongly

hereafter

I have a feeling that life for me in Japan _______ will be quite different. from this time

flummoxed

I have to say that last question ________ me. to confuse someone so much that they do not know what to do

scourge

I just repeated the story about my speech on the ________ of gangsterism. sth that causes a lot of harm or suffering

blustery

I keep a firm grip on my hat and stare into the ________ abyss. very windy

tentative

I passed on my ________ conclusions to the police. not definite or certain, and may be changed later

overweening

I quit because I couldn't stand to work for such an _____________ boss. too proud and confident

needs must

I really don't feel like cooking for all these people tonight but ______ ____. you will do sth only because it is necessary

keeps me guessing

I really enjoy a good mystery story that ______ me _________ the whole time. to cause you to be uncertain

encroach

I resent it that my job is starting to _________ on my family life. to gradually take away someone's rights, to take control on sb's time

brush me aside

I saw this happen, and you can't just call me crazy and ______ me _______. to not give sth serious consideration

harbouring

I think he's ___________ some sort of grudge against me. to keep bad thoughts, fears, or hopes in your mind for a long time

a bad taste in people's mouths

I think we all felt that he'd been treated unfairly and it left a ___ _____ in people's ______. left an unpleasant memory behind

catch a few rays

I thought I'd take my lunch outside and _____ a few _______. to lie or sit outside in the sun

castles in the air

I told him he should stop building _____ in ___ _______ and train for a sensible profession. extravagant hopes and plans that will never be carried out

got my *fingers* badly *burnt*

I tried a dating agency once, but got my _______ badly _____ - I'll never do it again. (to suffer the unpleasant results of something that you have done)

dissuade

I tried to ____________ them from painting their house yellow. to discourage from

inculcate

I try to ___________ a sense of responsibility in my children. to fix ideas, principles etc in sb's mind

brush-off

I wanted to speak to her, but she gave me the _____-____. a clear refusal to be friendly or to listen; rude dismissal

burning

I was _______ to know how he had got on in New York. (to want to do or find out something very much)

cottoned to

I was afraid Janet wouldn't like my brother, but she _______ ___ him immediately. to take a liking to someone or something

left on the shelf

I was afraid my daughter would never find a husband, that she'd be _____ on the ________. not married and people believe they are too old to get married

gawping

I was carried out on a stretcher, with everyone __________ at me. to look at sth for a long time, especially with your mouth open because you are surprised

ire

I was filled with ____ when Walter tried to take credit for my work. anger, wrath

sardonic

I was hurt by his __________ reply. sarcastic

sententious

I was looking for your honest opinion, not a __________ reply. full of maxims and proverbs offered in a self-righteous manner

sangfroid

I wish I had Jenny's _____________ when I find myself in a confrontational situation. composure, especially in dangerous circumstances

forsake

I won't _______ my conservative principles. to give up, renounce

rubric

I would put calculus under the __________ of college mathematics, not high school. a class or category

shift gears

I'd like to ________ _______ now and talk about a personal concern. to suddenly change what you are doing

on our hands

I'm afraid we have a murder __ our ______, Inspector. to have a difficult job, problem, situation etc to deal with

inopportune

I'm afraid you've called at rather an ________ moment. not suitable or good for something

in the market

I'm not ___ the ________ for a car at the moment. interested in buying sth

burn my boats

I'm really tempted to take up that job offer in Washington, but I don't want to ______ my ______ with this company. (to do something with the result that you will not be able to return to a previous situation again)

befuddled

I'm so tired, my poor ___________ brain can't absorb any more. confused

inveterate

I'm the first to admit that I'm an _________ cider drinker—I drink four pints a day. stubbornly established by habit

flagged

I've _______ the parts I want to comment on. to make a mark against some information to show that it is important

Dear John letters

I've always thought ____ _______ _______ a cowardly way of ending a relationship. a letter that you send to a man telling him you want to end a romantic relationship with him

tawdry

I've never seen such a ________ outfit as that prom dress! flashy and tasteless

push comes to shove

If _____ comes to ______, you can always sell the car. if a situation becomes very difficult or action needs to be taken

heads will roll

If the accident was caused by company negligence, then _______ will _______. when people will lose their jobs as punishment for making serious mistakes

up a tree

If the insurance company won't pay for the damage, I'll be ____ a _____. in a difficult situation

pay through the nose

If you visit any major city these days, you had better be prepared to ____ through the ______ for a hotel room. to pay unreasonably high prices

look the part

If you want to get a job as a fashion buyer, it helps if you ______ the _______. to appear to be suited to a particular type of work

in over your head

In business, start small and don't get ___ over your _______. to be or get involved in something that is too difficult for you to deal with

common-law

In many countries ______-____ wives have the same rights as official ones. person living with his/her partner for a long time but not married to him/her

greasing the palms

In many countries you can't get anything done without _______ the ______ of officials. to bribe somebody

buoyant

In science class, the children tried to identify which objects on the table would be ______________. able to float

hue and cry

In the 1980s, there was a great ____ and ____ for educational reform. a loud clamor or protest intended to incite others to action

ensuing

In the ________ fighting, two students were killed. happening after a particular action or event, especially as a result of it

imprecation

In the book I'm reading, the gypsy queen levies an _____________ on the lead character. an invocation of evil, a curse

behoves

It __________ us to think of these dangers. it's right, necessary or useful to do it

self-evident

It is _____-_______ that childhood experiences influence our adult behaviour. clearly true and needing no more proof

afflicts

It is an illness which __________ women more than men. to make people suffer

transpires

It now ________ that he kept all the money for himself. to become discovered

spur

It provided the ____ to further research. (a fact or event that makes you try harder to do something)

reactionary

It should be an interesting marriage - he's a ___________ and she's as liberal as they come. a person who favors political conservativism

playing fast and loose

It sounds like a good deal, but I hope that real estate agent isn't just _______ ____ and ______ with me. to behave dishonorably; to make a promise and fail to deliver on it

onus

It was Clark's idea, so the ___________ is on hime to show us that it will work. duty or responsibility of doing sth

trenchant

It was a ______________ argument, and it forced me to change my mind about the issue. clear-cut, sharply defined

gargantuan

It was a _______________ supermarket for such a small town. gigantic, huge

consigned

It was a decision which _________ him to political obscurity. to make sb be in a particular situation, especially a bad one

see the last of them

It was a relief to ____ the _____ of them. to not see someone or something again, especially someone or something you do not like

tumultuous

It was another ____________ day for the stock market, and fluctuating prices wreaked havoc for investors. creating an upproar, disorderly, noisy

luck of the draw

It was by the ____ of the _____ that I got a corner office. the result of chance rather than something you can control

inscrutable

It was completely ______________ how the escape artist got out of the trunk. baffling, unfathomable

broach

It was hard for Tessa to ___________ the subject of her mother's weight again. to bring up, introduce in order to begin a discussion of

opprobrious

It was inappropriate to make such ___________ remarks in front of everybody. expressing contempt

noisome

It was not, of course, merely the ________ aspect which needed to be dealt with. very unpleasant

colluded

It was suspected that the police had __________ with the witnesses. to act together secretly or illegally in order to deceive or cheat sb

partial

It will be difficult to find a judge who is not ________. showing special favour to one person, side etc, especially in a way that is unfair

fallacy

It's a common ___________ that a neutered dog will become fat and lazy. a false idea or belief, especially one that a lot of people believe is true

cachet

It's a good college, but lacks the _______ of Harvard. a quality which marks someone or something as special and worth respect and admiration

close the sale

It's an easy job — just bring out the shoe the customer chooses, and then _____ the _______ with a thank you. to succeed in selling sth to sb

teeming

It's been _______ down all day. to rain very heavily

best of all

It's clean and well-located, but ____ of ___, it's affordable. even better than the other good things

sinuous

It's dangerous to drive fast on such a ________________ road. winding, serpentine

got your head down

It's time you got your _____ ____ and did some revision to start working in a quiet determined way

fallback

It's wise to have an extra video player as a _________. sth that can be used if a supply fails

underemployed

Its wealth was largely non-industrial and it contained an enormous pool of __________ and unemployed people. working in a job where you cannot use all your skills

august

Jackie Kennedy's __________ dignity in the days following her husban's assasination set a tone for the rest of the nation as it mourned. majestic, venerable

on pins and needles

Jackie was on ____ and _______ waiting to hear about her job application. in a state of anxiety or tense expectation

equivocate

Jake tried to ______________ when explaining why he came home after his curfew. to use unclear or ambiguous language in order to mislead

outgoing

Jamie is a friendly, __________ woman. that likes to meet and talk to new people

plaintive

Janice's _______________ voice made me decide to stay and comfort her longer. expressing sorrow

breathed her last

Jay made the trip north to be with his mother when she ______ her ____. to die

get a jump

Job listings are updated continuously on our website, so you can ____ a ______ on your competition. to get an advantage by doing sth before sb else

lurched

Joe __________ drunkely into the room. to move suddenly in a way that is not smooth or controlled

gregarious

John was a ________________ fellow who always had fun at social events. tending to form a group with others of the same kind

gave notice

Jones _______ _____ in October that he planned to leave at the end of the school year. to warn your employer that you will stop working

jocund

Julie's ____________ nature makes it a pleasure to be near her. merry, cheerful

sliver

Just a _______ of cake for me, please. a very small thin piece

substantiate

Katzen offered little evidence to __________ his claims. to prove the truth of sth that sb has said, claimed etc

forthcoming

Keep an eye on the noticeboards for _________ events. one that has been planned to happen soon

seaward

Keep to the _______ side of the path. facing towards the sea

ostracized

Kendall was _______________ after he repeatedly stole from his friends. to reject, cast out from a group

punctilious

Kira is as _____________ in her personal affairs as she is in the workplace. very conscientious and precise

dates

Knowing that song ______ you. It was popular in the 1950s. tells your age; when you were born

turn their hand

Larry's one of those men who can _____ their ______ to anything. to do something well, even if it is the first time you have tried

burning the midnight oil

Lawmakers were _________ the midnight ____ last night, as the debate continued. (to work or study until late at night)

felony

Leach was charged with sexual assault, which is a _______ in Connecticut. a serious crime

by leaps and bounds

Lifeboat technology has advanced by ______ and ______. very quickly

ad nauseam

Look, we've been over this ___ _______. I think we should move on to the next item. so often that it becomes annoying for other people

salutary

Losing money in this way taught young Jones a _________ lesson. which is unpleasant but teaches you something

undermine

Losing the witness will seriously __________ the government's case against Jones. to gradually make sth less strong or effective

without a murmur

Louise was so tired that she went to bed _______ a _________ for once. without complaining

festooned

Malaga was _________ with banners and flags in honour of the king's visit. to cover something with flowers, long pieces of material etc, especially for decoration

chauvinist

Male ___________ believe that women are inferior to men. a person who believes in the superiority of his own kind

afflictions

Malnutrition is one of the common ___________ of the poor. sth that makes you suffer

impecunious

Many ____________ immigrants in the United States eventually were able to make comfortable lives for themselves. having little or no money

xenophobia

Many atrocities have been committed because of ____________. a strong dislike, distrust or fear for foreigners

ingenious

Many fish have ________ ways of protecting their eggs from predators. which works well and is the result of clever thinking and new ideas

ambivalent

Many members were ____________ about the process. not sure whether you want sth or not

verged

Many of Lewis's activities ________ *on* the illegal. (to be very close to a harmful or extreme state)

infringes

Many people think that censorship __________ on their freedom. to limit

elope

Many young people _______ because their parents wouldn't let them get married. to run away with somebody in order to marry him secretly

non sequiturs

Marcus's argument started off strong, but it degenerated into a series of ____ _______. a conclusion that doesn't logically follow from the evidence

efficacious

Margaret's _____________ approach to her job in the collections department made her a favorite with the CEO. acting effectively, producing the desired effect

defiant

Mark smashed a fist on the desk in a _______ gesture. clearly refusing to do what someone tells you to do

ignoble

Mark was an __________ successor to such a well-respected leader. lacking nobility

in the pink

Marsha has recovered from the flu and is feeling ___ the ______ again. in good health

grafts

Martha had to have several skin _________. a piece of healthy skin or bone taken from sb's body and put in or on another part of their body that has been damaged

antithesis

Martin's liberal parenting style is the _____________ of my conservative style. the direct or exact opposite

platitudes

Matthew offered me several ___________ but no real advice. a trite or banal statement

quintessence

Maura is the ___________ of kindness. the perfect example or embodiment of sth

derive

Medically, we will _______ great benefit from this technique. to get something, especially an advantage or a pleasant feeling

obtruded

Memories of her grandmother's judgements _________ themselves and she closed her mind against them. to become noticeable when it's not wanted

run-in

Michael got drunk and had a ____-___ with the police. an argument or disagreement, especially with someone in an official position

at the ready

Military police leapt out of the car, their weapons ___ the ______. ready for use

agitate

Mix the two solutions together and _________ the bottle. to shake or mix a liquid quickly

quailed

Mona __________ as soon as Richard, the class bully, entered the room. to draw back in fear

overkill

More television coverage of the election would be ___________. more than is necessary or desirable

replenish

More vaccines are needed to __________ our stocks. to put new supplies into something, or to fill something again

opulent

Morishita leads an ________ lifestyle. very rich, spending a lot of money

larger than life

Most characters in his films are somewhat ________ than ______. more exciting or interesting than ordinary people

takes advantage

Mr. Smith often _______ ________ of my friendship and leaves the unpleasant tasks for me to do. to use sb's weakness to improve your own situation

sagacious

My ___________ uncle always gives me good, sound advice. having or showing good judgement

shiftless

My _____________ roommate has failed all of his classes. lazy and inefficient

all smiles

My boss has been ____ ________ lately, but I keep wondering why! very happy

morose

My daughter has been _____________ ever since our dog ran away. gloomy, sullen

light of my life

My daughter is the _____ of my ______. sb you love most

prophet of doom

My father is convinced that this venture will fail, but then he's always been a _______ of ______. sb who always expects bad things to happen

squelched

My hair was dripping and my shoes _________ as I walked. to make a sucking sound by walking or moving in something soft and wet

in the middle

My mother and sister are always yelling at each other, and I find myself caught ___ ____ ______. to experience the influence of opposing groups in a disagreement

fretting

My mother is always _________ over something. to be continually worried or dissatisfied about small or unnecessary things

go far

My salary doesn't ___ very ____ these days. (you cannot buy very much with it)

pernicious

Nancy's opponent started a _____________ rumor that destroyed her chances of winning. deadly, harmful, destructive

disabuse

Natalie needed to __________ Charles of his belief that she was in love with him. to correct a false impression or erroneous belief

forswear

Natasha had to ______________ her allegiance to her homeland in order to become a citizen of the new country. to give up, renounce

sentiment

Nationalist ________ has increased in the area since the bombing. a thought, opinion or idea based on a feeling about a situation, or a way of thinking about something

urbane

Neil was _______, witty, direct, and honest. behaving in a relaxed and confident way in social situations

grafted

New elements are being __________ onto our traditional form of government. to add smh very different to sth, so that it becomes part of it

overlook

Nobody could __________ the fact that box office sales were down. fail to notice

squirmed

Nobody spoke for at least five minutes and Rachel _________ in her chair with embarrassment. to move from side to side in an awkward way because of nervousness, embarrassment or pain

toed the line

Not everyone was happy with the plan, but most of us _____ the ______. to do what you are ordered or expected to do

inception

Not long after their ________, the welfare programs were under attack. the start of an organization or institution

misery guts

Of course, your father, old _______ _____, wanted to come home after half an hour because he was bored. sb who complains all the time and is never happy

decoy

Officer Langley acted as a ________ to catch the rapist someone or something that is used to trick someone into going somewhere or doing something, so that you can catch them, attack them etc

dire straits

Officials in Washington say the peace process is in ______ _______. in extreme danger or difficulty

staple

Oil is Nigeria's _______ export. forming the greatest or most important part of something

fell into place

Once I discovered that the woman I had seen him with was his daughter, everything ____ into ______. to make sense

corralled

Once at the airport, we were herded to the gate and __________ into a small room. to keep people in a particular area, especially in order to control them

undercut

Online bookstores can _________ retailers by up to 30%. to sell goods or a service at a lower price than another company

vacant

Only a few apartments were still _____. empty and available for someone to use

self-reliant

Our aim is to teach our son to become an independent, ______-________ adult. able to do or decide things by yourself, without depending on the help or advice of other people

end of the line

Our marriage had reached the ____ of the _____. (the end of a process, activity, or state)

foolproof

Our security system is absolutely _________. not capable of going wrong or being wrongly used

pageant

Parents came to see their children in the annual Christmas _________. an organized public show, often performed outdoors

apprise

Part of Sue's job as a public defender was to ___________ people of their legal rights. to inform, give notice to

quotidian

Pauline took her ____________ dose of medicine. daily

left and right

People are complaining ______ and _________ about the new parking regulations. everywhere, without any plan or pattern

retribution

People are convicted that all criminals should get a ___________ for their deeds. severe punishment that is deserved

allegiance

People of various party _________ joined the campaign. a continued support for a political party, religion, ruler, etc

mobster

People say that a famous and dangerous _________ rules this part of our city. member of an organised criminal group

vengeful

Personally they are petty, self-indulgent and _________ to a degree that suggests galloping megalomania. very eager to punish someone who has done something bad

incorrigible

Peter, you are an __________ flirt! bad in a way that cannot be changed or improved

remuneration

Petitions to the Admiralty for ___________ for his discovery brought nothing. the pay you give sb for sth they have done for you

gainsay

Petra would ___________ all accusations made against her. to deny, contradict

transient

Phoenix has a very _________ population. working or staying somewhere for only a short time

insulating

Pipes may need ________ against the cold. to cover or protect something with a material that stops electricity, sound, heat etc from getting in or out

mince

Please don't ________ your words - just tell me what you want to say. say sth more delicately or indirectly for the sake of politeness

funnelled

Police at the barriers ___________ the crowd into the arena. to direct sth through a narrow opening

counterfeit

Police have warned stores to look out for ________ $50 bills. made to look exactly like something else, in order to deceive people

disperse

Police used tear gas to _________ the crowd. make people go away in different directions

upheavals

Political __________ are very common these days. a great or complete change involving disturbance, confusion, trouble

vent their spleen

Politicians used the press conference as an opportunity to ______ their _______ on reporters. to express anger

demur

Polly hated to _________, but she didn't think adding so much garlic was a good idea. to raise objections

iota

Professor Carlton is unpopular because he doesn't have one _______ of respect for his students. a very small amount

engender

Professor Sorenson's support worked to __________ Samantha's desire to pursue a Ph. D. to produce, bring into existence

play it by ear

Rather than plan an elaborate strategy, Andy decided to _____ it by _____. to improvise

personable

Sandra is ____________ and well-liked by her peers. pleasing in appearance or manner

irresolute

Sarah is still _______________, so if you talk to her, you might help her make up her mind. feeling or showing uncertainty

progeny

Sarah with her numerous _______. offspring

peripheral

Science is ____________ to the debate on the sanctity of human life. not very important compared with other activities or issues

boor

Seeing Chuck wiping his mouth with his sleeve, Maribel realized she was attending her prom with a classic ________. a crude, ill-mannered person

pellucid

Senator Waterson's ____________ argument made me change my vote. very clear, easy to understand

contravention

Sending the troops was a __________ of the treaty. violation

bystanders

Several innocent ________ were killed by the blast. someone who watches what is happening without taking part

golden handcuffs

Share options are offered to top executives as _________ _________. financial arrangements given by a company to an important employee in order to influence them to stay with the company

lining his pockets

Sharp resigned after allegations that he had been ________ his ________ during his time as company director. to make a lot of money in a way that is not fair or honest

recast

She _______ her novel as a musical comedy. to change the form of sth

embezzled

She _________ $10,000 by falsifying the accounts. to steal money from the place where you work

wheedled

She _________ him into taking her with him. to persuade by pleasant but insincere behaviour or words

remonstrated

She ___________ with him but he would not listen. to tell sb that you strongly dissaprove of sth they have said

pampers

She ____________ her dog with the finest steak and salmon. to treat sb in a special way by making them as comfortable as possible and giving them whatever they want

adamant

She begged me to change my mind, but I remained ___________. determined not to change your opinion or a decision that you have made

mane

She brushed her long hair into a shining _____ and arranged it carefully around her shoulders. a person's long thick hair

coy

She gave him a ____ smile. shy or pretending to be shy in order to attract people's interest

scintilla

She has not one ________________ of doubt about his guilt. a trace or particle

old guard

She has tried to resist attempts by the ______ ______ to halt the reform process. a group of people who have worked in an organization for a long time and do not want it to change

sabbatical

She took a long __________. a period when sb, esp. someone in a university job, stops doing their usual work in order to study or travel

poring over

She was ______ ____ a book. to read or look at something very carefully for a long time

livid

She was absolutely ______ that he had lied. furious

capricious

She was as ____________ as her mother had been. likely to change your mind suddenly or behave in an unexpected way

riddance

She was awful. Good ________ to her, I say! a rude way of saying you are glad someone has left

stand-offish

She was cold and _____-______. unfriendly and formal

browbeat

She was determined to _________ everyone into believing her. to try to make sb do sth, especially in a threatening way

clemency

She was granted _________ after killing her violent husband. forgiveness and less severe punishment for a crime

not a hair out of place

She was immaculate as ever, ___ a ____ out of ______. with a very tidy appearance

bombastic

She was shocked that a renowned humanitarian could give such as a ________ keynote address. speaking pompously, with inflated self-importance

jibes

She was tired of his cheap ______. an unkind remark intended to make someone seem silly

and a half

She was trouble ____ __ ______, an unpredictable child you'd have to watch all the time. a great deal more than sth

number

She was wearing a chic little _______. (a black, elegant etc dress or suit, especially a woman's)

senile

She worries about going _______. mentally confused or behaving strangely, because of old age

for a price

She'll do any kind of redecorating you need, ___ a _____. for a lot of money

clearance

She'll race if she gets medical _______ from her doctor. the process of getting official permission or approval for something

bad-mouthing

She's always ____-_____ her colleagues. to say unpleasant things about sb, esp. to spoil other people's opinion

nattering

She's been __________ on about the wedding for weeks. to talk continuously about unimportant things

risible

She's been making _________ attempts to learn the trumpet. not impressive, ridiculous

deigned

Shelly finally __________ to join us for lunch. to agree to sth that you think you are too important to do

on the dot

Shops in this part of the city shut at 5.30pm ___ the ____. exactly on that time

dogma

Some find the __________ inherent in religion a comfort, whereas others find it too restrictive. a prescribed doctrine

contravene

Some portions of the bill may __________ state law. violate

make waves

Some workers felt it was not the time to ____ _______ by organizing a union. to change an existing situation in a way which causes problems or upsets people

desecrated

Someone _____________ the local cemetery by spray-painting graffiti on tombstones. to violate the sacredness of

hold the fort

Someone had to stay at home and ____ the _______ while my mother was out. to be left in charge of sth when sb is away

imperious

Stell was relieved with her new job transfer because she would no longer be under the control of such an _____________ boss. overbearing, bossy

enervate

Stephanie's cutting remarks managed to ___________ Harry. to weaken

made headlines

Stephen King ____ _________ by electronically distributing his novella. to become an important news story

hedging

Stop ________ and tell me what you really think. to try to avoid giving an answer or taking any action

malingering

Stop ____________ and give me a hand with this job. to pretend to be ill in order to avoid work

standstill

Strikers brought production to a __________. a situation in which there is no movement or activity at all

treacherous

Strong winds and loose rocks made climbing ___________. particularly dangerous because you cannot see the dangers very easily

safeguards

Stronger legal _________ are needed to protect the consumer. sth that is designed to protect people from harm, risk or danger

rife

Surprisingly, the teacher's writing was _____ with spelling errors. abundant

deposition

Symington's _________ was taken as part of a lawsuit between the City of Tucson and the Metropolitan Water District. a statement written or recorded for a court of law, by someone who has promised to tell the truth

burned

Take things slowly this time - you don't want to get ________ again. (to be emotionally hurt by someone or something)

lucrative

Teaching isn't a very ___________ career. profitable

opaque

Technical jargon is all to often ________. difficult to understand

irked

Teenagers are continually ____________ by their parents. to annoy, vex

attrition

Terrorist groups and the government have been engaged in a costly war of _____________ since 1968. the gradual weakening and destroying of sth

once in a blue moon

That company puts on a good performance only _____ in a ______ ______. very rarely

ace in the hole

That fifty dollars is my ____ in the _____. something that you keep secretly to use when you need it

backlash

The 1970s saw the first __________ against the emerging women's movement. a strong negative reaction by a number of people against recent events

retaliated

The British government __________ by breaking off diplomatic relations. to do sth bad to sb because they have done something bad to you

allay

The CEO's remarks did not ________ the concerns of the employees. alleviate

fatuous

The Chief was left speechless by this _______ remark. complacently stupid, silly

chef d'oeuvre

The Decameron is widely regarded as Boccaccio's _____ ______. an artist's or writer's best piece of work

setback

The December elections were a major ________ for the party. a problem that delays or prevents progress, or makes things worse than they were

override

The EU commission exercised its power to ___________ British policy. change someone else's decision

grapple

The Government has to _________ with the problem of unemployment. to try hard to deal with or understand something difficult

mother lode

The Sharper Image catalog is a ______ ____ of men's gadgets and toys. a place where you can find a lot of a particular type of object

landmark

The Supreme Court issued a ________ decision in January 2001. one of the most important events, changes, or discoveries that influences someone or something

self-restraint

The UN appealed for both sides to exercise _____-_______. the ability to stop yourself doing or saying something, even though you want to

svelte

The ______ actress glided around the room in her elegant gown. slender and graceful

upshot

The ______ was that after much argument they all agreed to help her. the final result of a situation

genteel

The _________ host made sure that each entrée was cooked to each guest's specifications. elegantly polite, well-bred, refined

enormity

The _________ of Jeffrey Dahmer's crimes will never be forgotten. excessive wickedness

impudent

The _________ young woman looked her teacher up and down and told him he was hot. casually rude, insolent, impertinent

nexus

The __________ between the lobbyists and the recent policy changes is clear. a connection or series of connections within a particular situation or system

ethos

The __________ of their group included a commitment to pacifism. the spirit, attitude, characteristic beliefs

asperity

The __________ that Mark brought to the weekly meetings usually resulted in an early adjourment. harshness, severity

renegade

The ___________ soldier decided to join the guerilla fighters. a deserter, sb who rebels and becomes an outlaw

loquacious

The ___________ woman sitting next to me talked the entire time. talkative, garrulous

recalcitrant

The ____________ child was sent to the principal's office for the third time in a week. disobedient, unruly

perfidious

The ____________ knight betrayed the king. treacherous, dishonest

fervor

The ____________ of the fans in the stands helped propel the team to victory. zeal, ardor

ostensible

The _____________ reason for the meeting is to discuss the candidates, but I believe they've already made their decision. seeming, appearing as such, pretended

piqued

The article really ________ my interest in wildlife preservation. to arouse, provoke

vets

The author ______ every script for the new TV series. to check a report, speech etc carefully to make sure it is acceptable

royalty

The author of a very famous article published in the New York Times was paid high ________. a payment made to a writer

cold feet

The backup quarterback was called into the game, but he got _____ _____ and refused to go in. to be too fearful to undertake or complete an action

pillaged

The barbarians _____________ the village before destroying it with fire. to forcibly rob of goods, especially in time of war

sacrilegious

The book was criticized by the church for being ______________. disrespectful or irreverent towards sth sacred

inconsolable

The boy was ____________ after the death of his dog. so sad that it is impossible for anyone to comfort you

immobilized

The broken limb must be ___________ immediately. to prevent sth from moving

dead-cat bounce

The broker said, It was a ____-____ ______. Stocks remain low. very little recovery after a loss, not coming up again

careened

The bus __________ off the road and plunged into a river. to move forwards quickly, going from side to side

self-supporting

The business will soon become _____-_________. able to earn enough money to support yourself

circumspect

The captain was __________ as he guided the boat through the fog. cautious, wary

partiality

The chairman must avoid any appearance of ________. unfair support of one person or one group against another

assay

The chief engineer wanted a laboratory to _________ the steel. to try, put to a test, examine

proclivity

The child showed no _________ towards aggression. a tendency to behave in a particular way

upbraided

The child was _________ for misbehaving during the ceremony. to reprove, reproach sharply

teeming

The city is __________ with tourists this summer. to be full of

undercharging

The city is grossly __________ companies to use the land. to charge less than the correct amount of money for something

unsavoury

The club has an ________ reputation. unpleasant, morally unacceptable

go far

The coffee won't ___ ___ if everyone wants a cup. (be enough)

communal

The college has __________ dining rooms, nurseries and clinics. shared by a group of people

rejoinder

The comment immediately drew a sharp __________ from a friend. an answer or reply

overreached

The company ___________ itself financially. to try to do more than you have the power, ability, or money to do

breaching

The company accused him of ________ his contract. to break a law, rule, or agreement

across the board

The company is proposing to cut spending right ________ the ______. in every part or area

covenant

The contract contained a restrictive _________ against building on the land. a formal agreement, a promise

segued

The conversation _______ into banter about the Cup Final. to move smoothly from one song, idea, activity, condition etc to another

lacklustre

The corporation's profits increased dramatically this year, after a rather _________ performance last year. dull

on the boil

The corruption scandal is being kept ____ the ______ by a series of new revelations. very strong or active

vaunted

The country's _______ educational system is not as good as once thought. praised or talked about too much and in a way that is too proud

mollified

The crying child was quickly ______________ by her mother. to soothe the anger of

tenuous

The cultural and historical links between the many provinces were seen to be very __________. unsubstantial, weak

undulated

The curtains ___________ in the breeze. to move in waves or in a wavelike fashion

contagion

The danger of ________ is very small. a situation in which a disease is spread by people touching each other

clandestine

The doctor was arrested after she was named as a member of a _________ socialist movement. done or kept secret

timorous

The dog was ____________, and it took a great deal of coaxing to get him to come near the car. fearful, afraid

conclave

The double agent had a ___________ with the spy he was supposed to be observing. a private, secret meeting

making passes

The drunk kept on _______ ______ at her. to try insistently to pick sb up

eradicate

The exterminator said he would _____________ the vermin from the house. to root out and utterly destroy

indictment

The fact that these children cannot read is a damning _________ of our education system. a very clear sign that sth is very bad

traded down

The family ________ _____ to a smaller house, cutting their mortgage payments in half. to exchange sth expensive for sth that costs less

desultory

The family became concerned listening to their grandmother's ___________ ramblings. done without any particular plan or purpose

got to the bottom

The family finally ____ to the ______ of why their daughter was killed. to discover the truth about sth

closure

The firm is threatened with ________. the permanent closing, e.g. of a business

next of kin

The form must be signed by your ____ of _____. your closest living relative

every inch

The general stood straight and tall at the podium, looking _____ ____ a soldier. sb whose appearance seems perfectly fitting to their profession or status

leeway

The government does not have much ________ in foreign policy. freedom to do things in the way you want to

intemperate

The governor said he would not be provoked into _________ action. not controlled and too extreme and violent

palliate

The governor tried to _____________ his malfeasance. to make sth less severe

malfeasance

The governor tried to palliate his _____________. illegal activity, especially by a government official

impeached

The governor was _________ for using state funds improperly. to be formally charged with a serious crime in a special government court

exculpated

The grand jury ____________ local authorities for their handling of the riots. to prove that sb is not guilty of sth

coeval

The growth of personal computers and CD players was __________ during the twentieth century. of the same period

precepts

The headmaster reviewed the _____________ of the school with the students. a rule establishing standards of conduct

disenfranchise

The independent monitors were at polling locations to ensure neither party tried to ______________ incoming voters. to deprive of the rights of citizenship, especially the right to vote

sideshow

The initial conflict was a mere _________ compared with the World War that followed. an event that is much less important or serious than another one

legacy

The invasion left a ______ of hatred and fear. something that happens or exists as a result of things that happened at an earlier time

multifarious

The job requires the ability to handle _____________ tasks. occuring in great variety

pundits

The journalist consulted several legal ____________ before drafting the article. a learned person or scholar

mirth

The joyous wedding celebration filled the reception hall with _____ throughout the evening. great merriment

firing line

The judge found himself on the ______ ____ from women for remarks he made about discrimination in the workplace. in a situation that attracts criticism

hit the dirt

The kid next door threw a rock at him, but Ted _____ the ________ and the rock didn't hit him. to fall to the ground suddenly to avoid danger

proscribe

The king ___________ the worship of idols in his kingdom. to prohibit, forbid

regaled

The king ____________ his guests until the early morning hours. to delight, entertain with a splendid fest

extorting

The landlord tried to cover his losses by _________ high rents from tenants. to illegally force sb to give you money by threatening them

for the birds

The last scheme you came up with was really ___ the ______. worthless

numbers

The last thing we want is *teaching by* _______. (in a basic way by following a set of simple instructions - used to show disapproval)

purports

The letter ______________ to express your opinion on the matter. to be intended to seem

dismal

The main part of the hospital is pretty _________ but the children's ward is really lively. sad and depressing

lying through his teeth

The man's ________ through his ______. He never said anything of the sort. to tell someone something that you know is completely false

put a lid

The mayor wants to ____ a _____ on spending. stop sth from increasing

incursion

The media was criticized for its thoughtless ____________ into the domestic grief of the family. the sudden arrival of sth into where they aren't welcome

hide-bound

The men are ______ and reactionary. having old-fashioned attitudes and ideas

impasse

The negotiations with management reached an _____________. a deadlock, stalemate

resonant

The new announcer at the stadium has a wonderfully _______________ voice. echoing, resounding

vestiges

The new law removed the last __________ of royal power. a small part or amount of sth that remains when most of it no longer exists

incongruous

The new theatre looks utterly ___________ in its setting. strange, unexpected, or unsuitable

obviates

The new treatment ________ the need for surgery. eliminate

mouthpiece

The newspaper has become the official __________ of the opposition party. a person, newspaper, etc. that informs the public about the opinions of a group of people or political organization

put our heads together

The next morning, we all _____ our ______ together to decide what should be done. to discuss a difficult problem together

skirts

The old footpath _____ around the village. to go around the outside edge of a place or area

ill at ease

The old gentleman obviously felt ____ at _______ while he waited to have his hair cut. worried and uncomfortable

nullify

The opponents wanted to _____________ the bill before it became a law. to make null, invaliade

enjoined

The organisation has been _________ to end all restrictions. to order or try to persuade sb to do sth

truculent

The outspoken congresswoman gave a _______________ speech arguing against the proposal. bitterly expressing opposition

free reign

The owners gave the chef ______ ______ to create a new menu. to allow sb complete freedom

coercive

The police may have used ___________ tactics to get confessions. using threats or orders to make sb do sth they do not want to do

imputed

The police were not guilty of the violence _________ to them. to say, often unfairly, that sb is responsible for sth bad

malapropism

The politician's ____________ may make us laugh, but they will not win our votes. a comical misuse of words

creature comforts

The poor frequently lack the _______ ______ the rest of us take for granted. the basic physical things that make life pleasant — good food, warm clothing, etc

without number

The potential applications are almost ______ _____. there are so many of them that no one could count them all

petulant

The pouting and sulking child could only be described as ______________. peevish, unreasonably irritated or annoyed

proxy

The president appointed a ___________ to handle business matters during his absence. a person or agent authorized to represent or act for another

immovable

The president is _______ on this issue. impossible to change or persuade

sycophants

The president is surrounded by ______________, so how will he really know if his ideas have merit? a person who tries to win the favor of influential people through flattery

reprisal

The president promised a swift __________ for the attack. the practice of using political or military force without actually resorting to war

hit home

The president's message seemed to ____ ______ with most people who watched him on TV. to be understood completely and have a strong effect

die a death

The principle of free health care for everyone is likely to _____ a ______ in the next ten years. to fail and end

intertwined

The problems of crime and unemployment are closely ____________. closely related to each other

erroneous

The report of your beheading was apparently __________. based on or containing error; mistaken; wrong

divulge

The reporter refused to ___________ her source. to disclose

outrage

The response to the jury's verdict was one of ________. a feeling of great anger and shock

backdrop

The sea made a splendid _________ to the garden. the scenery behind sth

fulminate

The senator was prone to ____________ when other legislators questioned her ideology. to speak angrily about sth

underfed

The servants were overworked and ________. not given enough food to eat

titillating

The sex scandal is ________ the American public. to make sb feel excited or interested, esp. in a sexual way

oligarchy

The small governing body calls itself a democracy, but it is clearly an ___________. form of government in which the power is in the hands of a select few

ambush

The soldiers were killed in an _______. a sudden attack on someone by people who have been hiding and waiting for them, or the place where this happens

appropriate

The state legislature will _____________ two million dollars from the budget to build a new bridge. to take for one's own use

unabated

The storm continued __________ throughout the night. without becoming any weaker

moot

The students continued to discuss the ______ point, even after class was over. debatable, undecided

denouement

The students sat at the edge of their seats as they listened to the ____________ of the story. the resolution of the plot at the end of a narrative

cue

The studio manager will _____ you when it's your turn to come on. to give someone a sign that it is the right moment for them to speak

nebulous

The term cyber-culture is _________ and seems to mean many different things to many different people. vague and difficult to define

purloined

The thief ______________ a sculpture worth thousands of dollars. to steal

red

The thought of Pierre with Nicole had made her see ___. to become very angry

hair stand on end

The thought of jumping out of an aeroplane makes my _____ _____ on _____. to make someone feel very frightened

talk turkey

The time has come to ____ _______ about our national debt. to discuss in a straightforward manner

stupendous

The towers were jammed together so tightly, he could feel the mass and ________ weight. magnificent

resettled

The tribesmen were forcibly ___________ by the government. to go to live in a new country or area, or to help people do this

burgeon

The tulip bulbs beneath the soil would _________ in early spring. to begin to grow and flourish

propinquity

The two scientific elements demonstrate a remarkable ________________. affinity, similarity in nature

breakwaters

The zigzag of harbour walls and ___________ below the cliff were deserted. a wall built out into the sea to protect the shore from the force of the waves

cadge

Their dog would _______ at my feet, hoping I would throw him some table scraps. to beg

ineluctable

Their failure, though __________, shocked everybody. impossible to avoid

on the ball

Their staff seems to be really ____ the _______, able to get projects done on time. active and aware of things

respite

Their teacher was away, so they had a day's __________ before their essays were due. a pause or rest from something difficult or unpleasant

straws in the wind

There have been a few ____ in the ______ suggesting things might be getting a little better. a sign of what might happen in the future

divergence

There is a _________ of opinion on the benefits of technology. a difference between two or more things

complacency

There's no room for _________ if we want to stay in this competition! a feeling of calm satisfaction with your own abilities or situation that prevents you from trying harder

ruminative

These speeches had to be rich in literary illusion and ________ aphorism. thinking deeply and carefully about something

fallible

These surveys are often a rather _______ guide to public opinion. able to make mistakes or be wrong

struck it lucky

They ______ it _______ with their second album which became an immediate best-seller. to suddenly have good luck

pedestrianizing

They are __________ the town square. to make an area into one where vehicles are not allowed to go

bilking

They are charged with __________ investors out of millions of dollars. to get money from sth in a dishonest way

glitches

They can't manufacture the device till they've ironed out all the production ________. a small fault in the operation

poseurs

They can't sing. They're just a bunch of ____________ with guitars. sb who puts on airs to impress others

slush fund

They created a _____ ____ to bribe influential officials. a fund of money used for illegal purposes

rescinded

They have ___________ their offer, so we must find another buyer. to repeal or cancel

pop the question

They have been going out for so long; I wonder when he'll ____ the ______. to propose marriage

encroach

They have promised that the development will not ________ on public land. to gradually cover more and more of an area of land

blight

They still don't know what caused the ___________ that destroyed half of the trees in the orchard. sth that impairs or destroys

exemplar

They viewed their achievements as an ________ of progress. sth that is considered to be so good that it should be copied or imitated

fomenting

They were accused of _________ rebellion. to cause trouble and make people start fighting each other or opposing the government

adroit

They were remarkably _______ in their cultivation of the foreign press. clever and skilful, especially in the way you use words and arguments

head for heights

They were seated by one of the windows, and Paige was glad she had a ______ for _______. the ability to look down from high places without feeling ill or nervous

conjoined

Third, his anxieties about homosexuality were _________ with class antagonism. to join together, or to make things or people do this

vacuous

This TV show is yet another ____________ sitcom. empty, purposeless

sordid

This _____________ establishment should be shut down immediately. morally degraded

defamation

This article is a _________ of an honest politician. a lie about sb that damages one's reputation

see the light of day

This decision will ensure that the Pentagon Papers never ____ the ____ of ____. to be brought out so that people can see it

standalone

This program can be used as a __________ application or from within Microsoft Frontpage. not being part of sth else

melts in your mouth

This sponge cake just _____ in your ______. to be soft and taste very pleasant

death wish

To challenge the Mafia would be a ____ _____. saying you want to die, inviting death

complaisant

To preserve family harmony, Lenny became very ____________ when his in-laws came to visit. tending to comply, obliging, willing to do what pleases others

salutary

To promote better health, I've decided to move to a more _____________ climate. producing a beneficial effect

did a number

Tod really ____ a _______ on the old house. I don't envy the new tenants. (to hurt or damage someone or something badly)

spur-of-the-moment

Today its message seemed less equivocal, and the accompanying note no more than one of Cameron's _____-__-__-______ enthusiasms. (made or done suddenly without planning)

repudiated

Tom made a strong case for an extension of his curfew, but his mother __________ it with a few biting words. to reject, refuse to accept

dissemble

Tom needed to __________ his goal of taking his boss's job by acting supportive of his boss's planned job change. to disguise or conceal one's true motives

confirmed bachelor

Tom was 54 and not married which meant he was a ________ ________. a man who is not likely to get married

inured

Trisha had become ___________ to her boss's criticism, so it no longer bothered her. accustomed to, adapted

mutable

Truth is a _________ commodity, even among its purveyors. able or likely to change

civil

Try at least to be ______. polite in a formal but not very friendly way

on the double

Two doctors arrived ____ the _______ to treat the victims of the accident. very quickly

led down the primrose path

Unable to enjoy his newly acquired wealth, he felt he was being _____ ____ the _______ _____ that leads to destruction. encourage sb to live an easy life that is full of pleasure but bad for them

shunned

Victims of the disease found themselves __________ by society. to deliberately avoid someone or something

auspicious

Victoria believed it an ____________ beginning when it rained on the day that she opened her umbrella store. favorable

feigned

Walter _________ illness to avoid attending the meeting. to pretend

pristine

Washing machine for sale - only two months old and in ________ condition. in its original condition

implacable

Watch out: once you shun Grandmother's cooking, she is totally __________. incapable of being appeased or mitigated

sloshing

Water was _________ about in the bottom of the boat. move about in an uncontrolled way

endeavor

We always _____________ to please our customers. to try very hard

assemblage

We are not just an ________ of chemicals or a mindless machine. a group of things collected together

complacent

We can't afford to become __________ about any of our products. feeling so satisfied with your own abilities or situation that you feel you do not need to try any harder

on the level

We doubted that the offer could be genuine, but it turned out to be ___ the _______. honest, without deception

keep pace with

We get regular pay raises that are supposed to ___ ____ _____ inflation. to stay at the same level

chinwag

We had a good _________ over a bottle of wine. a long and pleasant conversation between friends

at the crack of dawn

We had an early flight so we were up ___ the _______ of ________. very early in the morning

rigmarole

We had to go through a great deal of ___________ to get this approved. a complicated, petty procedure

run dry

We have been told the Social Security trust fund will _____ _____ in a few more years. to be all used up

desist

We hope that the military regime will _______ from its acts of violence. to stop doing something

exacerbate

We should have known that splashing salt water on the wound would _____________ the pain. to make worse

lavish

We were always _________ with financial aid in times of crisis. very generous

buy time

We were quickly running out of money but managed to ____ ______ by getting a small loan. to obtain a longer period before something happens

insouciant

Wendy's ______________ attitude toward her future concerned her father. unconcerned, carefree

silent majority

What does the _______ _________ expect from a new Labour government? the large numbers of people in a country or group who do not express their opinions publicly

self-preservation

What seems to motivate Congress is ____-________ - a desire to get re-elected. protection of yourself and your own life in a threatening or dangerous situation

hit the ceiling

When Corey found out someone had stolen his CD player, he really ____ the ________. to become extremely angry

shut up like a clam

When I asked him about his trip to Korea, he ____ ____ like a ____. to suddenly stop talking and to refuse to say any more

burnish

When Kate began to _________ the old teapot, she realized that it was solid silver. to polish, rub to a shine

ends meet

When Mike lost his job, we could barely make ____ _____. (to have only just enough money to buy the things you need)

face the music

When the missing money was noticed, he chose to disappear rather than _______ the ________. to accept criticism or punishment for sth that you have done

thumbs

Where plumbing is concerned, Walter is all ______. clumsy, awkward

epicurean

While on vacation at a posh resort hotel, Joan became a true ____________. a person devoted to the pursuit of pleasure

gunning

Why is he ________ for me? to be trying to find an opportunity to criticize or harm someone

have a bash

Why not _____ a _____ at windsurfing? to try to do something, especially when you are not sure that you will succeed

roiled

Wild swings in prices _________ the stock market. to make sb feel nervous and annoyed

cabal

With Andrew as their leader, the members of the unit readied themselves to begin the __________. a scheme or conspiracy

curt

With a ____ nod, he turned away and sat down. using very few words in a way that seems rude

epitome

With his ten-gallon hat, western shirt, and rugged jeans, Alex was the _____________ of the American cowboy. a representative example

meretricious

With its casinos and attractions, some people consider Las Vegas the most ________________ city in the country. showily attractive but false or insincere

out of the picture

With the national government ____ of the __________, local leaders will have to work out a solution. no not be involved in a situation

underdressed

Without a pinstripe, you'd be ___________. wearing clothes that are too informal for a particular occasion

ado

Without much _____, she completed her book report. fuss, trouble, bother

relegated

Women tended to be ________ to typing and filing jobs. to give someone or something a less important position than before

dross

Work crews immediately began the task of cleaning the _______ at the abandoned plastics factory. waste product

on tap

Working in a library, I have all this information ___ _____. available and ready to use

eke out

Working two jobs enabled Tom to _____ ___ a living wage for his family. to succeed in getting the things one needs to live

acquitted

Yesterday all the petty criminals were _________! to decide officially that someone is not guilty of a crime

rogue

Yesterday, that ___________ hid all of my cooking utensils! a mischievous person

bet your life

You ______ your ________ there are a lot of politicians who are more interested in getting elected than they are in solving problems. to be certain that sth will happen or be true

tutelage

You can attend embroidery classes under the ________ of Jocelyn James. when you are taught or looked after by someone

baleful

You can be certain to find at least one __________ character in a Stephen King horror novel. harmful, sinister

retain

You have the right to ________ possession of the goods. to keep something or continue to have something

train of thought

You interrupted my _______ of ________ - Now I can't remember what I was going to say. a series of connected thoughts

dilatory

You might expect politicians to smooth things out when civil servants are being __________. slow and causing delay

malleable

You should be able to convince Andrea quickly - she's quite a ___________ person. easily controlled or influenced

deride

You shouldn't ________ their efforts. to make remarks or jokes that show you think sth is silly or useless

watch your step

You'd better ____ your ____ - he's the boss here. to be careful about what you say or how you behave

elbow grease

You'll need to use some ______ _____ to get that floor clean. hard work and effort, especially when cleaning or polishing something

intransigent

Young children can be _____________ when it comes to what food they will eat. unwilling to compromise

Up-to-the-minute-news

___-__-___-______-_____ is provided by 24 hour channels like Sky News or CNN. news having or including the most recent information possible

By degrees

____ ________ the country began to question the decisions their leaders were making. in small stages

Day in, day out

_____ ___ _____ ____, she walked to work. I saw her every morning. every day

Bereaved

________ family members are demanding more information about the plane crash. having lost a close friend or relative because they have recently died

Breathe new life

________ new ______ into a tired old bathroom with a coat of brightly coloured paint in this season's exciting colours. to make sth seem interesting again

savoir faire

_________ ______ is essential if you want to be a successful diplomat. knowledge of the right thing to do or say in a social situation

infantile

_________ jokes childish

Matrimony

__________ has completely changed his attitude towards life. the state of being married

Relinquishing

___________ the quest for revenge has given him release. to stop having or doing something

wry

a ____ comment showing that you find a bad or difficult situation slightly amusing

phoney

a _______ American accent false or not real, and intended to deceive someone

reconditioned

a _________ engine to repair something, especially an old machine, so that it works like a new one

tumbledown

a ___________ cottage old, beginning to fall down

peremptory

a ____________ demand for silence that is not polite or friendly and shows that the person speaking expects to be obeyed immediately

mettle

a crisis which will test the prime minister's _________ courage and determination to do sth even when it is very difficult

blight

a disease which, though not fatal, can _____ the lives of its victims to spoil or damage something, especially by preventing people from doing what they want to do

escrow

a property that is being held in ________ money, land, or a written contract, etc that is held by someone who is not directly involved in an agreement while the agreement is being achieved

tributary

a stream or river that flows into a larger river

self-willed

a wild and _____-______ child very determined to do what you want, whatever other people think

sallow

a woman with dark hair and a ________ complexion that looks slightly yellow and unhealthy

affidavit

a written statement that you swear is true, for use as proof in a court of law

equable

a young man with a naturally __________ temperament that remains calm and happy and does not often get annoyed

sweltering

the _________ summer sun extremely hot

inextricable

the ____________ connection between language and culture about things that are closely related and affect each other