circuit breaker (n) = a short period during which laws are in place to limit people’s movements,

especially to require most people to stay at home in order to stop the spread of disease

Getting into the third round of 2022 World Cup is a real _____ for the Vietnam national team.

A coup B deed C epic D crusade

coup (n) = the fact of achieving something that was difficult to do

EPIC
a film, poem, or book that is long and contains a lot of action, usually dealing with
a historical subject:
It's one of those old Hollywood epics with a cast of thousands.
CRUSADE
a long and determined attempt to achieve something that you believe in strongly:
They have long been involved in a crusade for racial equality.
a moral crusade against drugs
stake out = to state your opinion, position, etc. on something very clearly
The old owners of the homestay are extremely hospitable and whenever I
travel to Dalat, I know there will always be a _____ welcome awaiting me.
A. princely B. heart-rending C. profound D. abstruse
princely (adj) = impressive or generous
HEARTRENDING
causing great sympathy or sadness:
a heartrending story
ABSTRUSE
not known or understood by many people:
an abstruse philosophical essay
scarf down = to eat something very quickly
factitious (adj) = not real but created deliberately and made to appear to be
true
moral fibre (n) = the inner strength to do what you believe to be right in difficult
situations
He was brought up in an educated family but hanging out with the street
children has turned him into a(n) _____ young man with bad manners.
A uncouth B profane C impious D stoic
uncouth (adj = (of a person or their behavior) rude or socially unacceptable
PROFANE
showing no respect for a god or a religion, often through language:
profane language
Funny, profane, and fearless, she has become one of
America's biggest television celebrities.
IMPIOUS
showing no respect, especially for God or religion
(political)clout (n) = power and influence
What this government is doing to its female citizens is clearly gender discrimination
under the cloak of religion.
A gown B coat C cape D cloak
cloak (n) = a thing that hides or covers somebody/something
pitched battle (n) = a fight that involves a large number of people
(snarf down/up)
to eat something very quickly in a way that people think is greedy:
He snarfed down the whole cake.
Slowly, she shed the ideological and emotional _____ of her upbringing in
her effort to become a more open and positive person.
A backpack B package C baggage D luggage
Baggage: the beliefs and attitudes that sb has as a result of their past experiences
Born in the Soviet Union during the 1930s, my father was so deeply influenced by the
contemporary sociopolitical context that socialism has become a(n)__ of faith with him.
A realm B article C element D clause
article of faith (n) = something you believe very strongly, as if it were a religious belief
The _____ of Skull and Bones, of which George H.W. Bush is a member, is
a secret society founded at Yale University in 1832.
A clique B order C assembly D stratum
order (n) = a secret society
I realize it myself, without _____, that I really have an extraordinary talent
for learning foreign languages!
A autocracy B egocentricity C conceit D tyranny
conceit (n) = the fact of being too proud of yourself and what you do
a holding pattern = a situation in which you cannot act because you are
waiting for the result of something
behind the eight ball = in a difficult situation
a fire in one’s belly = passion and determination
top banana big cheese
keep your shirt on = not get angry
neck of the woods = A neighborhood or nearby area; the area around where one lives.
I understand and would totally support you if you want to _____ of this
toxic relationship.
A sift out B bail out C churn out D blow out
bail out = to escape from a situation that you no longer want to be involved in
phenomenal success = very great or impressive success
rite of passage (n) = a ceremony or an event that marks an important stage in
somebody’s life
gale(s) of laughter = the sound of people laughing very loudly
personality clash [collocation] = a situation in which two or more people have very
different characters and are unable to have a good relationship with each other
study animal = someone who studies very hard or very often
hold your horses = be calm and patient
Although the matter was outside my ___ of responsibility, I still lent her a helping hand.
A bound B orbit C sphere D hall
sphere (n) = an area of activity, influence or interest; a particular section of society
sphere of responsibility
flaunt (wealth) (v) = to show something you are proud of to other people, in order to
impress them
The search for _____ between the two sides has appeared to be in vain
as none of the two companies was willing to compromise.
A moot point B the third way C middle ground D a safe passage
middle ground (n) = a set of opinions, decisions, etc. that two or more groups
who oppose each other can agree on; a position that is not extreme
seating plan = A seating plan is a diagram or a set of written or spoken
instructions that determines where people should take their seats.
Although the _____ route I showed you is longer, it will actually take you a
shorter time as you can avoid traffic jams during the rush hour.
devious (adj) = a route or path that is not straight but has many changes in
direction; not direct
Although the famous singer dismissed the allegations as _____ and
innuendo, police investigation has shown the opposite.
A smudge B smears C amnesty D bedazzlement
smear (n) = a story that is not true about somebody that is intended to
damage their reputation
gussy up = to dress yourself in an attractive way; to make
somebody/something more attractive, especially in a showy way
bludgeon
to force someone to do something:
The managers bludgeoned us into agreeing to the changes.
Although it takes quite a bit of time at the beginning, once you have
acquired the basic knowledge, a quick learner like you will surely _____.
A forge ahead B plunge ahead C plough ahead D press ahead
forge ahead = to move forward quickly; to make a lot of progress quickly
be out on your ear = to be forced to leave a job or place, especially because
you have done something wrong
The Prime Minister’s attempt to bring in new legislation was met by a _____ of criticism
from the public.
A sleet B hail C clash D bind
hail (n) = a large number or amount of something that is aimed at somebody in order to
harm them
When someone brings up politics at a party, a casual conversation can quickly _____
into an ugly argument.
A warp B coerce C wring D morph
morph [+into] (v) = to change, or make somebody/something change, into sth different
Not only my family but seemingly everybody tends to _____ their spending during this
period of economic recession.
A trim in B drag down C rein in D belt up
rein in = to start to control somebody/something more strictly
belt up
used to tell someone to stop talking or making a noise:
Just belt up, will you! I'm trying to concentrate.
(US buckle up)
to fasten the belt that keeps you in your seat in a car or a plane:
Don't forget, belt up before you drive off.
Coming home with a broken heart, he sank back on his pillow and fell into a _____, not
noticing my talking to him.
A rabbit warren B bottomless pit C brown study D manhole
a brown study = a mood in which you are very involved in your own thoughts and not
paying attent
This used to be a toy store when I was still a kid, but several years ago they started
selling dried fruit and nuts and other _____ products.
A cogent B kindred C typical D cognate
kindred (adj) = similar/relatedion to anything else
eligible (adj) = an eligible person is not married and is thought to be a suitable
future marriage partner, especially because they are rich and attractive
If you say so much for a particular thing, you mean that it has not been successful or
helpful.
Without the Internet, I can’t imagine how _____ can speak up their opinions
when many governments try to restrict free speech.
A dissidents B protesters C proponents D debaters
dissident (n) = a person who publicly disagrees with and criticizes their government
squeeze out = to prevent somebody/something from continuing to do
something or be in business
make a point of = to always do something or to take particular care to do something
set your sights on sth
to decide to achieve something:
Jenny has set her sights on winning the competition.
wind up = to bring something such as a speech or meeting to an end
stop off
to visit or stay at a place for a short time when you are going somewhere else:
He arrived in Athens on June 21, after stopping off at Frankfurt.
scream your head off = to scream or yell very loudly and lengthily
Reuniting after 10 years, my best friend, who is now a successful
businessman, offered to _____ the drinks that night.
A fork out B deal out C do up D spring for
spring for = to pay for or buy something, often for someone else
fork out sth
to pay an amount of money, especially unwillingly:
I forked out ten quid for/on the ticket.
I couldn't persuade him to fork out for a new one.
abundantly clear = very obvious
Be realistic, your present Chinese level is not going to bring you a(n) _____ chance of
getting a translation job.
A oddly B boldly C briskly D earthly
earthly (adj) = (often used in questions and negatives for emphasis) possible
People from tropical countries may like this kind of climate, but not farmers like me, my
whole crop has been _____ by a late frost.
A blasted B groped C hailed D brooded
blast (v) = to destroy something such as a plant with disease, cold, heat, etc.
juggle frogs = trying to deal with many different tasks at the same time and
finding the situation difficult
be chasing your tail
to be busy doing a lot of things but achieving very little
weak in the knees = unsteady or flustered due to a strong emotional reaction to
someone or something.
byword (n) = a person or thing that is a well-known or typical example of a particular
quality
My teacher is usually very tolerant, but after the fifth time in the week Tony
came late, she lost her patience and _____.
A bawled him out B mopped him up C hashed him out D boiled him down
bawl out = to speak angrily to somebody because they have done something wrong
mop up (something)
to finish the last part of a job after most of it has been completed:
The battle had been won, but two infantry units were left behind to mop up.
A huge fire _____ a food and beverage factory outside Bangladesh’s
capital last night, killing at least 52 people.
A tided over B smoked out C phased out D ripped through
rip through = to go very quickly and violently into or through somebody/something
smoke someone out
to force someone to leave a hiding place:
He didn’t just walk in and surrender, we had to smoke him out.
The leaders of the organization were determined to _____ the traitor after their secret
base had been discovered and attacked.
A head off B knuckle down C smoke out D cop out
smoke out = to take action to discover where somebody is hiding or to make a secret
publicly known
cop out
to avoid doing something that you should do or that you have promised to do because
you are frightened, shy, or you think it is too difficult:
She copped out of the parachute jump at the last minute with some feeble excuse.
alma mater = the school, college, or university that one attended or in which
one has studied
The scene on the street this morning was like an action movie in real life with cops
_____ of the bank robbers.
A near the knuckle B close to the bone C hot on the heels D down at the heels
hot on the heels = following closely behind sb
The blaze began Thursday night at the five-story factory in Rup Ganj, sending huge
clouds of black smoke _____ into the sky.
A hurling B forging C roaming D billowing
BILLOW (v) = if smoke, cloud, etc. billows, it rises and moves in a large mass
We used to have a _____ childhood together in a poor but cozy family
before everyone grew up and things started to go wrong.
A blistering B opulent C doleful D blissful
blissful (adj) = extremely happy
All members had to take a solemn _____ never to reveal the secrets of the organization.
oath (n) = a formal promise to do sth or a formal statement that something is true
take French leave = an absence or departure from some place or event without
ceremony, permission, or announcement
flash in the pan = a sudden success that lasts only a short time and is not likely to be
repeated
plough on = to continue doing something that is difficult or boring
keel over = to fall over suddenly
get clean away with sth
He was trying to _____ the complicated series of events that had led to
this situation but still couldn’t see where the mistakes lied.
A weasel out B crouch over C ravel out D bowl over
ravel out = to explain something that is difficult to understand or is mysterious;
to become clearer or easier to understand
weasel out (of sth)
to avoid doing something that you have agreed to do, especially by being dishonest:
Although they had signed the contract they tried to weasel out of the deal later.
know full well = be definitely aware of sth, although they may behave as if they are not
red in tooth and claw = behaving competitively or ruthlessly ( the nature )
Something that I would really enjoy as a child was to watch the buffaloes _____ in the
warerhole and rolling in the mud.
A twitching B stalking C strolling D wallowing
wallow (v) = (of large animals or people) to lie and roll about in water or mud,
to keep cool or for pleasure
After graduating from law school, my father got a job in the local jury office and was
responsible for _____ justice on the island.
A interrogating B dispensing C waiving D legitimizing
dispense (v) = to provide something, especially a service, for people
From the way John is speaking, I suspect he is _____ another piece of
cake for his girlfriend.
A angling for B alluding to C sticking to D attesting to
angle for = to try to get sth or a particular response from somebody, without directly
asking for what you want
If your heart or stomach flutters, you feel slightly uncomfortable because you are
excited or nervous
The detective pressed the doorbell and waited in the _____ for the front door to open.
A perch B threshold C porch D ridge
porch (n) = a small area at the entrance to a building, such as a house or a church, that is
covered by a roof and often has walls
set somebody back something = to cost somebody a particular amount of money
harp on (about sth)
to talk or complain about something many times:
He's always harping on about lack of discipline.
I know you want to go to Paris. Don't keep harping on (about it)!
My insomnia is so serious that even the background _____ of the air-
conditioning bothers my sleep.
A din B thud C blare D hum
hum (n) = a low continuous sound
Returning home and staying with your family during the holiday was so
comfortable that I sometimes wish this could continue _____ forever.
A UNBROKEN B unbridled C unabridged D unabated

unbroken (adj) = not interrupted in any way

During French colonialism, many Vietnamese workers were on the _____ to object labor
exploitation in factories and plantations.
A dole queue B picket line C back bench D assembly line
(on) the picket line = a line of people picketing a business, organization, or institution
fly by the seat of your pants
to do something difficult without the necessary skill or experience:
I had no idea how to do it – I was just flying by the seat of my pants.
accidentally on purpose
Protein and B2 in soybean help to metabolize amino acids, which _______ the skin.
A. rejuvenate B. recuperate C. overhaul D. reinvigorate
rejuvenate (v) = to make somebody/something look or feel younger, more lively or more
modern
fawn over/on sb
to praise someone too much and give them a lot of attention that is not sincere,
in order to get a positive reaction:
I hate waiters who fawn over you.
Aircraft production continued to _______ at an agonizingly slow pace.
plod along = to make very slow progress, especially with difficult or boring work
The road is packed with vehicles! That’s _______ at rush hour.
If a type of behaviour, event, or situation is par for the course, it is not good but it is
normal or as you would expect.
The city has _______ on the storage building permit, arguing that may not be
permissible under updated zoning requirements.
A. derided B. taunted C. faltered D. reneged
renege (v) to break a promise, an agreement, etc
Haiti’s first elected president was _______ in a violent military coup .
A. disbarred B. supplanted C. deposed D. subverted
depose = to remove someone important from a powerful position
old chestnut = an old joke or story that has been told so many times that it is
no longer funny or interesting
Until this evening, Hannah is still ________ away at her unfinished report.
A. hammering B. grinding C. whiling D. axing
grind away = work or study hard
It is a major _______ or social embarrassment to arrive at a party early or even on time.
A. idée fixe B. hoi polloi C. avant garde D. faux pas

FAUX PAS = an action or a remark that causes somebody to feel embarrassed

because it is not socially correct
A _______ headache can occur for many reasons, from temporary causes, such as a
hangover, to more severe or chronic forms of pain.
A. beating B. drumming C. hammering D. throbbing
An injury that’s throbbing with pain pounds with regular beats
measure up = to be as good, successful, etc. as expected or needed
The government has been _______ this issue for years, but the time has finally come for
us to do something about it!
A. pertaining to B. touching on C. delving into D. slurring over
slur over = to discuss, treat, approach, or deal with something in a very superficial,
careless, or evasive manner
Financial aid is being provided to the country _______ of the World Bank.
A. under the auspices B. by the book C. on the blink D. at the hands

UNDER THE AUSPICES = with the help and support of (someone or something)
Today, Einstein is _____ as an intellectual colossus who bestrode the 20th century like
no other.
A. enchanted B. venerated C. armored D. enamored
venerate = to have and show a lot of respect for somebody/something
The economic and political ________ of the civil war in Ethiopia is still being felt.
A. backfire B. backtrack C. backlash D. backwash

BACKWASH (n) = the unpleasant result of an event

full-length (photo) (adj) = showing the whole of a person’s body
have a dig at sb = to make a mocking, sarcastic, or insulting remark, gibe, or criticism at
someone’s or something’s expense
The starter motor was _______ again, which got on my nerves.
A. firing away B. playing up C. sounding out D. harping on
If a machine plays up, it does not work as it should.
stash sth away = to hide something; to set something aside for use at a later time
I tried to _______out of the room so that nobody would see me go.
A. strut B. scamper C. slither D. slink
slink (v) = to walk away from somewhere quietly so that you are not noticed
To save money for _______ purposes is altogether different from saving it for
economical purposes.

A. AVARICIOUS B. dolorous C. pugnacious D. ominous

avaricious (adj) showing an extremely strong wish to get or keep money or possessions
Her letter contained several outrageous _______ on her former colleagues.

A. blots B. SLURS C. stains D. drags

slur (n) = a remark that criticizes someone and is likely to have a harmful effect on their
reputation
Just by a glance, everybody can realize John is _____ by his desirable results in the test.
A captivated B intoxicated C aroused D extracted
intoxicate (v) = to make sb excited, happy, and slightly out of control
sitting duck = sth that is unprotected and vulnerable to an easy attack.
Ever since Kyle became a teenager, he’s turned into a real _____, and it’s impossible to
anticipate his mood at any given time.
A X-factor B Vicar of Bray C Jumping Judas D Jekyll and Hyde
Jekyll and Hyde: A person whose personality drastically changes between good and bad.
shore up = to help to support something that is weak or going to fail
After the fraud scandal, the famous singer had to make great efforts to__ his reputation
A reinforce B leverage C regenerate D salvage

SALVAGE (v) = to try to make a bad situation better

If her accusations are false, she is making a lot of _____ remarks about a lot of people
and will have to compensate quite a lot.
A tarnished B spurious C irascible D slanderous

SLANDEROUS (adj) = (of a spoken statement) false, and intended to damage the good
opinion people have of somebody
She is described as an elegant girl with brown eyes and a(n) _____ smile always on her
face.
A irksome B blushing C winsome D blistering

WINSOME (adj) = charming and attractive in a simple way

Sadly, I don’t have the discerning ____ necessary to fully enjoy such expensive dishes.
A appetite B epitome C tongue D palate

PALATE = the ability to recognize and/or enjoy good food and drink
a strong-arm tactic/method = a method or a type of behaviour that involves
using force and threats to make people do what you want

COME OUT IN THE WASH = used to tell someone that problems will be solved in the
end
dice with death = to do something extremely dangerous and silly
Exhausted after 4 periods, I was _____ at the back of the class when the
teacher called my name.
A drowsing B flaking C swooning D boozing
drowse (v) = to be in a light sleep or to feel as though you are almost asleep
Every time we go to the shop, the kids _____ my mother to buy them
candy but she never gives in for the sake of their health.
A badger B interject C vitiate D peruse

BADGER (v) = to put pressure on somebody by repeatedly asking them questions or

asking them to do something
All five men were _____from entering France for three years after being caught
shoplifting expensive fashion items in a mall.
A debauched B debarred C perverted D jettisoned

DEBAR (v) = to officially prevent somebody from doing something, joining sth, etc.
When you grow up, become an adult, go through failures and betrayal, your life may
have fewer parties and more quiet time to _____ on the meaning of life.
A dilate B expatiate C admonish D cogitate
cogitate (v) = to think carefully and seriously about something
hail of criticism
The President has gotten used to being _____ by his political opponents whenever a
new policy is proposed.
A blasted off B ripped off C zonked out D sniped at

SNIPE AT = criticize
factitious (adj) = not real but created deliberately and made to appear to be true
princely welcome
It is high time we canceled our marketing campaign as it hasn’t helped to _____ in sales
for months.
A move the needle B beat the drum C tip the scales D change tack
move the needle = to cause a noticeable change in something.
It is hard to understand what led to a prejudicial attitude and _____ hatred of women in
a person brought up in a progressive family like him.
A foul B obnoxious C pathological D innocuous

PATHOLOGICAL (adj) = not reasonable or sensible; impossible to control

With a record of 22000 flying hours, Callaghan proved to be an _____ and shrewd pilot
for these storms.
A inimitable B imperturbable C impermeable D unshakeable

IMPERTURBABLE (adj) = not easily upset or worried by a difficult situation; calm

article of faith (n) = something you believe very strongly, as if it were a religious belief
Despite _____ efforts by our physiotherapists, my hamstring did not recover in time for
the race.
A staunch B valiant C intrepid D vigorous

VALIANT (adj) = very brave or determined, especially when things are difficult or the
situation gives no cause for hope
How sad it is to see with your own eyes the squalor and poverty that lay behind the
glittering _____ of Dubai.
A facade B antenna C masquerade D camouflage

FACADE (n) = the way that somebody/something appears to be, which is different from
the way somebody/something really is
wipe the floor with sb = to beat sb easily
Harry and his friends spent hours in the library _____ through hundreds of heavy old
books to find information about the Philosopher’s stone.
A sifting B poring C sieving D meshing

SIFT THROUGH (v) = to examine something very carefully in order to decide what is
important or useful or to find something important
After volunteering in the SOS village for the orphans in Ben Tre, I now
understand how lucky it is to be able to live in the _____ of your family.
A center B bliss C oasis D bosom

BOSOM (n) = a situation in which you are with people who love and protect you
a backhanded compliment = a comment that seems to express approval but could also
be understood as expressing a poor opinion of somebody/something
moral compass = a natural feeling that makes people know what is right and
wrong and how they should behave
Please tell Severus to come to my office should you see him, I need him to help me
_____ the applications that have no chance of succeeding.
A make out B sift out C leaf through D muddle through

SIFT OUT = to separate something, usually sth you do not want, from a group of things
Despite his fame and talent, the well-known rock star’s reputation was seriously
damaged by the _____ factor.
A plague B smugness C haul D sleaze

SLEAZE (n) = dishonest or immoral behaviour

Marriage is a big and long-term gamble in which _____ is dubious in defiance of all
oaths and promises.
A jubilation B winnings C felicity D swoon
felicity (n) = happiness

JUBILATION (n) = a feeling of great happiness because of a success

Returning home after a bad exam, I just wanted to sleep and _____ all the
disappointment and worries.
A bliss out B winnow out C blot out D clock out

BLOT OUT = to deliberately try to forget an unpleasant memory or thought

gale(s) of laughter = the sound of people laughing very loudly
If you desire some practical lessons before your start-up, there are clear _____ to be
drawn from the failure of these companies.
A cheeks B chapters C morals D policies

MORAL (n) = a practical lesson that a story, an event or an experience teaches you
The bullet, luckily, just _____ his shoulder, thanks to which his life
A crouched B rasped C browsed D grazed
graze (v) = to break the surface of your skin
Nature is rational, simple and orderly, and it acts in accordance with _______ laws.
A. ineluctable: unavoidable B. inscrutable bí hiểm khó hiểu
C. immutable D. implausible: ko hợp lý
immutable (adj) = that cannot be changed; that will never change
I apologized unreservedly for the offending remarks I had made but he turned a cold,
_______ gaze on me.
A. amphibian B. draconian C. mammalian D. reptilian
reptilian (adj) = used to describe an unpleasantly strange and unfriendly person or type
of behavior
Draconian laws, government actions, etc. are extremely severe, or go further than
what is right or necessary:
draconian laws/methods
He criticized the draconian measures taken by
the police in controlling the demonstrators.
be in/on the firing line = to be in a position where people can criticize or blame you
in the pipeline
being planned:
The theatre company has several new productions in the pipeline for next season.
down the road/line/track
in the future:
Cars that drive themselves are in development now, but a marketable product is
a long way down the line.
When the cost was ________ the advantages, the scheme looked perfect.
A. set against B. pit against
C. counted against D. weighed up against
set something (off) against something = to judge something by comparing
good or positive qualities with bad or negative ones
China’s car market exploded in 2009, _______ an ailing global industry and relegating
the U.S. to the second spot.
A. propping up B. ticking over C. wading through D. forging ahead
prop up = to help something that is having difficulties
Judges already have substantial latitude to limit _______ arguments that might mislead
jurors; they could use it more often.
B. intramural B. extramural C. extraneous D. outbound
extraneous (adj) = not directly connected with the particular situation you are in or the
subject you are dealing with
Unfortunately, we ran out of time during tonight’s show and had to _______ our
musical guest off.
A. sag B. write C. dust D. bump
bump sb off: unexpectedly remove someone from something, often a list or schedule
It is a(n) _______ fact that governments rise and fall on the state of the economy.
A. axiomatic B. pragmatic C. chromatic D. enigmatic
axiomatic = evident without proof or argument
With the economy in the worst recession for thirty years, it was scarcely the most
_______ time to start up a company.
A. pernicious B. parsimonious C. precipitous D. propitious
PROPITIOUS (adj) = likely to produce a successful result
Throw the book at sb: punish someone severely
The game turned into a _____ when Harry caught the golden snitch, with the Gryffindor
winning by 180 to 40.
A rout B shutout C fit D bash
rout: a situation in which somebody is defeated completely in a battle or competition
a pie in the sky = something good that is unlikely to happen
pitched battle (n) = a fight that involves a large number of people
Temporarily, the number of COVID-19 cases has ceased to increase, but I can see more
problems _____.
A carrying the day B coming down the pike
C arriving on the scene D drifting with the tide
come down the pike = to happen; to become easy to notice
drift with the tide
to agree with other people and not make your own decisions
The authority seems powerless to _____ of violence across the city after the new law
was implemented.
A beat the air B hold the fire C stem the tide D step off the curb
stem the tide = stop something from increasing or continuing
step off the curb: die
The needs of today’s children cannot be met by the traditional _____ of education we’re
using, in which emphasis is placed solely on theoretical knowledge.
A prototype B paradigm C emblem D epitome

PARADIGM (n) = a model of sth

Newspapers _____ tributes to Professor Albus Dumbledore after his heroic sacrifice in
the battle against the evils.
A bristled with B hedged in C plucked at D talked into

BRISTLE WITH = to have a large amount of something, or to be full of something

My parents thought the costs of the trip would only remain in their calculations, but
unexpected additional expenses later _____ their budget.
A drank in B gobbled up C harped on D copped out

GOBBLE UP = to use something very quickly

Scout decided that her brother Jem needed some time to _____ after a terrible night so
she tried to keep some distance from him.
A cry off B drill down C come off D simmer down

SIMMER DOWN = to become calm after a period of anger or excitement

the epitome of sth
the typical or highest example of a stated quality, as shown by a particular person or
thing:
Even now in her sixties, she is the epitome of French elegance.
wake up and smell the coffee = to tell sb to start to be more realistic andaware of what
is happening around them
John keeps himself so closed off that I’ve never understood the _____ of his thoughts.
A rock bottom B bare bones C think tank D uncharted waters
uncharted waters = sth that has not been visited or investigated before
put one’s foot on the gas = to do something more quickly or with more effort and
determination
The _____ language in your essay does nothing to address the problem but only
unnecessarily lengthens the piece of writing and causes confusion for readers.
A convoluted B elasticated C sentimental D dowdy
convoluted (adj) = convoluted sentences, explanations, arguments, etc. are
unreasonably long and difficult to understand
I can’t believe you really dared to _____ $400 for that BlackPink lightstick
while having yet paid off your debts.
A bunk down B plunk down C crack up D blast away
plunk down = to spend an amount of money on something
crack (sb) up
to suddenly laugh a lot, or to make someone suddenly laugh a lot:
I took one look at her and cracked up.
There's something about that guy's face that just cracks me up.
bunk down
to sleep:
We were able to bunk down in the spare room for the night.
He claimed he had been _____ his job by jealous colleagues but we all knew it was just
because of his ineptitude.
A dragged from B dealt out of C hounded out of D bashed down from
hound out of sth = to force somebody to leave a job or a place, especially by making
their life difficult and unpleasant
The battle was aimed to overthrow the dictator’s sovereignty and establish a new
democratic government - or at least, that was the _____ reason according to what they
said.
A convenient B ostensible C conspicuous D blatant
ostensible (adj): seeming or stated to be real or true, when this is perhaps not the case
ungodly hour = very early or very late and therefore annoying
My mother didn’t let me learn Taekwondo at first, but I _____.
A twisted her arm B broke her back C gave her the eye D chew her ear off
twist sb’s arm = to get someone to do what you want by making it very difficult for
him or her to refuse
break your back
to work extremely hard:
He broke his back to get the project done on time.
give someone the eye 1

to look at someone in a way that shows you are sexually attracted to them

You see that guy over there – I’m pretty sure he was giving me the eye.

In the past, comets were feared _____ of important historical events, including
invasions and major disasters.

A prophets B prescience C trailblazers D harbingers

harbinger = a sign that shows that something is going to happen soon, often sth bad

You must live happily and get richer so that your ex-husband will _____ the day he
divorced you.

A seize B ruin C rue D name

rue the day = to bitterly regret a point in time

long in the tooth = a bit too old to do something

What’s so much to be surprised about, it’s still the usual _____ rock star tale of drugs
and overdoses.

A giddy B frivolous C squalid D sturdy

squalid: (of situations or activities) involving low moral standards or dishonest behavior

frivolous
behaving in a silly way and not taking anything seriously:
I think he sees her as a frivolous young woman.
giddy
feeling silly, happy, and excited and showing this in your behaviour:
She was giddy with excitement.
Born a Christian, he ___ elements of oriental mysticism from the years he spent in India.
A engrossed B inherited C imbibed D solicited
imbibe (v) = to receive and understand ideas or information
solicit
to ask someone for money, information, or help:
to solicit donations for a charity
It is illegal for public officials to solicit gifts or money in exchange for favours.
part of the furniture = sb has been somewhere for such a long time that it is
hard to imagine that place without them.
buck the trend = to succeed in doing something, even though there is a
general tendency for this not to happen
the going rate = the usual amount of money paid for goods or services at a
particular time
The dynamic environment in this school provides _____ ground for creativity and
innovation.
A arable B lucrative C fallow D fertile
fertile (ground) (adj) = that produces good results; that encourages activity
cooked/ done to a turn = cooked for exactly the right amount of time
put the wind up sb = to make sb feel worried about their situation
After what she has contributed to the organization, she has finally obtained the
recognition she _____ deserved.
A utterly B truthfully C richly D merely
richly (deserve): in a special or valuable way, or in a way that is greater than usual
If you are at/on the receiving end of something unpleasant that someone
does, you suffer because of it
keep sb dangling = to keep somebody in an uncertain state by not telling them
something that they want to know
My friend tried to create a perfect image of his class by boasting about their
achievements but at the same time _____ their internal conflicts.
A shoring up B closing on C glossing over D branching out
gloss over = to avoid talking about something unpleasant or embarrassing by not dealing
with it in detail
During the last years of the decade, when the Internet started to get more
popular, many companies _____ the idea of putting advertisements online.
A tripped up B latched onto C stooped to D tried on
latch onto = to understand an idea or what somebody is saying
latch onto something
(esp. of living things) to become firmly attached to someone or something:
Antibodies latch onto proteins on the surfaces of the virus.

Someone who latches onto an idea accepts it with enthusiasm:

In 1991, the company latched onto the idea of using its software to drive video-
arcade games.
After a trip to this so-called “violent” region, I realize this is barely a(n) _____
controversy surrounded by weak allegations made up by the media.
A obnoxious B revolting C unsubstantiated D inauspicious
unsubstantiated (adj) = not proved to be true by evidence
obnoxious
very unpleasant or rude:
Some of his colleagues say that he's loud and obnoxious.
When she's in a bad mood she's obnoxious to everyone.
inauspicious
showing signs that something will not be successful or positive:
After an inauspicious start, Scotland went on to win the match.
revolting
extremely unpleasant:
a revolting smell of rotting cabbage
Picking your nose is a revolting habit.
Picasso _____ most of his paintings and sculptures to Spain and France.
A bequeathed B bereaved C berated D entrusted
Bequeath: to arrange for money or property to be given to somebody after your death
berate
to criticize or speak in an angry manner to someone:
Doctors are often berated for being poor communicators, particularly when they have
to give patients bad news.
entrust
to give someone a thing or a duty for which they are responsible:
He didn't look like the sort of man you should entrust your luggage to.
Two senior officials have been entrusted with organizing the auction.
bereaved
having a close relation or friend who has recently died:
a bereaved widow