TEST 1 management and the Union.

(STRUCK)
The management ………………………………………… the Union over
1. What he told me made me very curious to hear the rest of the story. working conditions.
(APPETITE) 17. We can’t possibly imagine how we are going to afford a new car.
What he told me ............................................................................ (REMOTEST)
2. I knew the project would not succeed from the start. (DOOMED) We ………………………………………………………………… about
I knew the project .......................................................................... how we are going to afford a new car.
3. The politician tried to find people who were willing to back up his 18. Mike has a more complex personality than you may think. (DEPTHS)
campaign to help the homeless. (DRUM) Mike has …………………………………………………………… you
The politician tried to find people who were willing to ................ may think.
........................................................................................................ 19. 19. The government received many criticisms concerning their new housing
4. Digging in the garden gives me an outlet for my frustrations. (VENT) policy. (FEW)
Digging in the garden allows me to .............................................. The government ……………………………………………………
5. She was miserable when her mother made her give away all her childhood concerning their new housing policy
toys. (PARTED) 20. Tom teased Alice about her new hairstyle. (POKED)
She was miserable ......................................................................... Tom ………………………………………………………… Alice’s new
6. By leaving Mary alone, I am sure she will finish the project on time. hairstyle.
(DEVICES)
If Mary ..........................................................................................., I am sure
she will finish the project on time.
7. Martin cannot go higher in his career. (PINNACLE) TEST 1 – KEY:
Martin ............................................................................................in his 1. whetted my appetite for the rest of the story
career. 2. was doomed to failure
8. He suddenly realized that she was never coming back. (DAWNED) 3. drum up support for his campaign to help the homeless.
It suddenly …………………………………… she was never coming back. 4. vent my frustrations
9. You‘ve been looking miserable all day. (MOON)
5. to have parted with all her childhood toys.
You have been ……………………………………………………………
6. was left on her own devices
10. She‘s only happy when somebody does all her jobs for her. (DANCES)
7. reached the pinnacle
She is only happy when somebody ..............................................................
8. dawned on him that
11. Ray’s good work record enabled him to get promotion. (STRENGTH)
9. doing nothing but moon about
Ray …………………………………………… his good work record.
10. dances attendance to her
12. The company tried unsuccessfully to secure a bank loan. (AVAIL)
The company’s effort ………………………………………… to secure a 11. was on the strength of
bank loan 12. was to no avail
13. They remain close friends despite having had many arguments. (FALLEN) 13. fallen out with each other so much
They remain close friends despite ………………………………………… 14. crossed your mind
14. Have you ever thought of changing jobs? (CROSSED) 15. have gone off
Has it ever …………………………………… that you would change jobs? 16. struck up the idea with
15. I’m sick of that program because I’ve watched it too often. (OFF) 17. do not have the remotest idea
I …………………………………………… that program because I have 18. more depths to him than
watched it too often. 19. came in for a few criticisms
16. A new arrangement over working conditions has been made between the 20. poked fun at
 management and workers meeting. (CROPPED)
The subject of productivity bonuses has ……………………………………
TEST TWO at every management and workers meeting.
1. How would you deal with such a challenge? (PRESENTED) 15. My husband and I had a row about buying a car. (WORDS)
What would you do if you ……………………………………… such a I ……………………………………… my husband about buying a car.
challenge? 16. Rick’s boss says he thinks Rick is doing a wonderful job. (PRAISES)
2. Seeing the damage to his car, Jerry became furious. (BESIDE) Rick’s boss ………………………………… Rick with his wonderful job.
Seeing the damage to his car, Jerry ………………………………………… 17. When he made friends in the new place, Ron became less shy and reserved.
3. I happened to see James as he walked past the door. (CAUGHT) (SHELL)
I ……………………………………… James as he walked past the door. When he made friends in the new place, Ron ………………………………
4. You must do anything you can to make the negotiations successful. 18. He‘s a pleasant man socially, but he’s a tough businessman. (BARGAIN)
(STOPS) He is a pleasant man socially, but he ..………………………………………
You must …………………………………… to make the negotiations 19. The lease on my flat is valid until the end of the year. (RENEWAL)
successful. The lease on my flat does not …………………………………….………
5. The government has tried to make the incident seem less serious. until the end of the year.
(PLAYED) 20. Mark didn’t get home until just before dawn yesterday. (HOURS)
The government has ………………………… seriousness of the incident. Mark didn’t get home until …………………………………………………
6. A cup of tea is the most refreshing drink of all. (MATCH)
…………………………………………………… tea as a refreshing drink.
7. Tom didn’t understand the situation and so made a terrible mistake.
(STICK) TEST 2 – KEY
Tom …………..…………………………………………… and so made a
terrible mistake. 1. are presented with
8. Inmy opinion, computers are more trouble than they’re worth. 2. was beside to his anger
(HINDRANCE) 3. caught a glimpse of
In my opinion, computers ………………………………………………… 4. pull out all stops
9. Since the advertisement, we’ve had more applications than we can deal 5. played down the
with. (SWAMPED) 6. there is nothing match
Since the advertisement, we have been ………………………………… 7. got the wrong end of the stick
more applications. 8. are more of a hindrance than a help
10. Mary was always making Jones the subject of her cruel jokes. (BUTT) 9. swamped with
Jones was always ………………………………… Mary’s cruel jokes. 10. the butt of
11. She was an excellent playwright whose work didn’t get the recognition it 11. achieved little renown for
deserved. (RENOWN) 12. inched along
She was an excellent playwright who ………………………………… her 13. sang the recently elected mayor’s praises
work. 14. cropped up at
12. There was hardly any movement in the traffic in front of us. (INCHED) 15. had some words with
There was hardly any …………………………… the traffic in front of us. 16. has nothing but praises
13. The community spoke enthusiastically about the recently elected mayor. 17. came out of his shell
(SANG) 18. drives a hard bargain
The community ………………………………………………………… 19. come up for renewal
14. The subject of productivity bonuses has been mentioned at every
 20. the early hours 13. He is the kind of man who will do anything to crush he competition.
(LENGTHS)
He is the kind of man who will …………………………… to crush the
TEST THREE competition.
14. Why are you looking so unhappy? (FACE)
1. When you lose someone you love, everything else seems pointless
Why have you …………………………………………………?
(PALES)
15. You lost the game because you failed to give the good answer to the
When you lose someone you love, everything else ……………………
question. (MARK)
………………………………………………………………………….
You lost the game because you …………………………………………
2. Before you start working on the projects, first finish doing the minor jobs.
16. Suddenly, the lights went off. (PLUNGED)
(DECKS)
Suddenly, the room …………………………………………………
Before you start working on the projects, first ……………………………
17. There were empty lemonade bottles and half-eaten sandwiches all over his
3. His latest film is not nearly as good as his earlier ones. (PATCH)
floor. (STREWN)
His latest film is …………………………………… earlier ones.
His floor ………………………………………… empty lemonade bottles
4. Of all the teams competing in this year’s World Cup, England is in a league
and half-eaten sandwiches.
of its own. (FAR)
18. Cars are no longer being produced as a result of the strike.
Of all the teams competing in this year’s World Cup, England is
(STANDSTILL)
…………………………………… in the competition.
Car production has ……………………………… because of the strike.
5. Jack and I obviously think very differently from one another.
19. Whenever there is a power cut, we sell a lot of candles. (TRADE)
(WAVELENGTH)
Whenever there is a power cut, we …………………...………… in candles.
Jack and I obviously are ……………………………………………………
20. A long, lazy holiday would make you feel very much better. (DO)
6. With constant practice, you’ll be a much better pianist than the others.
A long, lazy holiday would ……………………………………….
(SHOULDERS)
If you practice constantly, you'll …………………………………………
other pianists. TEST 3 – KEY
7. Saying something is not the same as doing it. (WORLD) 1. pales in comparison
There is ………………………………………… between saying something 2. clear the decks
and doing it. 3. not a patch on his
8. The police surrounded the entire area and prevented people from entering it 4. by far the strongest team
while they dusted for fingerprints. (CORDONED) 5. on different wavelength
The police ……………………………… the entire area and prevented 6. be heads and shoulders above
prople from entering while they dusted for fingerprints. 7. a world of difference
9. Someone undoubtedly told the police that he was going to rob the bank. 8. cordoned off
(TIPPED) 9. tipped off
The police must have been …………………………… about the robbery. 10. fallen on deaf ears
10. Had he been a little more penitent, his appeal for mercy would not have
11. is immaterial
been ignored. (DEAF)
12. fall foul of the law
His appeal for mercy would not have ………………………………… had
13. go to any lengths
he been a little more penitent.
14. got such a long face
11. I don’t care if he meant it or not. The fact is, he said it. (IMMATERIAL)
15. missed the mark
Whether he meant it or not …………………………, the fact is, he said it.
16. plunged into darkness
12. One day Tim is going to get into trouble with the law. (FOUL)
One day Tim is going to …………………………………………………… 17. was strewn with
 18. come to a standstill (PAID)
19. do a roaring trade The failed exam has ………….……………………… becoming a sworn
20. do you a power of good translator.
TEST FOUR 14. At your age, you should have learnt to do things for yourself, Holly.
(FEET)
1. Joe didn’t think it was wrong of him to quit at such short notice. At your age, you should have learnt to ……………………………, Holly.
(QUALMS) 15. You will be risking a failure if you entrust this serious task to Malcolm.
Joe ……………………..………………… quitting at such short notice. (FALL)
2. She‘s only just started now, but, judging by her recent performance, she You will be …………………… if you entrust this serious task to Malcolm.
should become an excellent tennis player. (MAKINGS) 16. Could you have a quick look at my essay before I give it in? (CAST)
She has ………………………………………… an excellent tennis player. Could you ……………………………….…… my essay before I give it in.
3. The needs of the poor should be given more importance than those of the 17. Suzy managed to cope with so many problems when she was declared
middle classes. (PRIORITY) bankrupt. (STRIDE)
The needs of the poor should ………….…………………… those of the Suzy ………..…………………………… when she was declared bankrupt.
middle classes. 18. He owes his life to that surgeon. (INDEBTED)
4. I made her angry and upset when I said that her novel was amateurish and He ………………………………………… that surgeon for saving his life.
badly written. (KINDLY) 19. There wasn’t a single ticket left for the concert so we couldn’t go. (SELL-
She didn't ………………………………… the way I described her novel. OUT)
5. The building will be dedicated to the families who are in desperate need of The concert ………………………………, so we couldn't go.
help. (BREADLINE) 20. The first sign of the disease is blurred vision. (ONSET)
The building will be dedicated to the families who are …………………… The …………………………………………………… by blurred vision.
6. Nobody likes him. He will do just anything to win the teacher’s favor.
(CURRY)
He will just do anything to ………………………..………… the teachers.
7. I felt creeps all over my back when the teacher looked so angrily at me.
TEST 4 – KEY
(DAGGERS)
1. had no qualms about
I felt creeps all over my back when the teacher ……………………………
2. the makings of
8. Just because I’m his wife he expects me to do everything for him. (FOOT)
3. take priority over
Just because I'm his wife he expects me to …………………………………
4. take kindly to
9. Dave does not hesitate to criticize his superiors’ decisions. (BONES)
5. on the breadline
Dave …………………………… about criticizing his superiors' decisions.
10. Since I have this argument with William, we haven’t spoken to each other. 6. curry favor with
(CROSSED) 7. looked daggers at
Since I ………………………………… William, we haven't spoken to 8. wait him on hand and foot
each other. 9. makes no bones
11. The ministry spoilt our investment plans by changing the tax law. 10. crossed swords with
(SPOKE) 11. put a spoke in our wheel
The ministry …………………………………… by changing the tax law. 12. was playing the goat
12. The teacher sent the boy out because he was behaving in a foolish way. 13. put paid to ann's chance of
(GOAT) 14. stand on your own two feet
The teacher sent the boy out because he .………………………………… 15. riding for a fall
13. The failed exam has ruined Ann’s chance of becoming a sworn translator. 16. cast an eye over
17. took so many problems in her stride BBC…………………………………………………………………………
18. is indebted to ………
19. was a complete sell-out 15. The government’s retraining program proved to be unsuccessful due to lack
20. onset of the disease is marked of funds. (FAILURE)
16. The government's retraining program met with failure due to lack of
TEST FIVE funds…………………………………………………………………………
………
1. The new rules about school uniforms will apply next year. (FORCE) 17. Reality shows on TV are extremely popular at the moment. (FLAVOR)
The new rules about school uniforms will …………………………… next 18. Reality shows on TV are flavor of the month at the
year. moment………………………………………………………………………
2. It was blindingly obvious that he knew nothing about the subject. (MILE) ……………
…………………………………… that he knew nothing about the subject. 19. It is believed that the two rival companies have agreed to the merger.
3. I’m so busy at the moment that I can’t take on any extra work. (PLATE) (THROUGH)
……………………………….… at the moment that I can’t take on any 20. The two companies are believed to be going through with the
extra work. merger………………………………………………………………………
4. He was given an honorary medal by the military. (CONFERRED) ……………
An honorary medal …………………………………… by the military. 21. Finally, we reached an agreement by accepting some of our partner’s
5. Sean did all the illustrations for the book but no one acknowledged his demands. (HALFWAY)
work. (CREDIT) 22. Finally, we met our partner
Sean ……………………………… doing all the illustrations for the book. halfway………………………………………………………………………
6. Susie couldn’t stop crying when her pet rabbit died. (FLOODS) …………
Susie ………………………..……………… when her pet rabbit died. 23. It’s not to interfere in other people’s private matters. (NOSE)
7. His latest theory is in complete opposition to mainstream thinking. 24. It's not to poke your nose into other people's private
(FLIES) matters………………………………………………………………………
His latest theory is ………………………………………………………… ……………
8. Sam was really anxious, waiting to see if he had got a place in the cricket 25. With that comments of yours you did say what was exactly right. (NAIL)
team. (TENTERHOOKS) 26. With that comments of yours you did hit the nail on the
Sam ………………………….……… waiting to see if he had got a place head…………………………………………………………………………
in the cricket team. …………
9. The firm went bankrupt after failing to win the contract. (LIQUIDATION) 27. It‘s crucial for us to control the juvenile inmates strictly. (REIN)
The firm ………………………..………… after failing to win the contract. 28. It's crucial for us to keep a tight rein on the juvenile
10. I burst into laughter when I heard about Harry’s adventure with the bull. inmates………………………………………………………………………
(SIDES) ……………
I ……………………………… when I heard about Harry's adventure with 29. Children enjoy unwrapping their Christmas presents. (KICK)
the bull. 30. Children get a kick out of unwrapping their Christmas
11. Harvey ordered some new equipment without prior presents………………………………………………………………………
permission. (LIBERTY) …………
12. Harvey took the liberty of ordering some new
equipment…………………………………………………………………… 31. TEST SIX
……………… 32. That man was so annoying that I hope I never meet him again. (PAIN)
13. The BBC produces program to interest all sorts of people. (CATERED) 33. Such a pain in the neck was that man, I hope I never meet him
14. All sorts of people are catered for by the again……………………………………………………………………………….
34. I cannot accept your dreadful lies any more. (STOMACH)
35. No longer can I stomach your dreadful 59. Must you dog my footsteps everywhere I
lies………………………………………………………………………………. go……………………………………………………………………………………
36. I had just begun to look through the book when he took it away. (THUMB) 60. We are behind with our mortgage repayments. (ARREARS)
37. Hardly had I begun to thumb through the book when he took it 61. We have fallen into arrears with our mortgage
away………………………………………………………………………………… repayments……………………………………………………………………………
38. You have to obey the rules in this company if you want to get on. (TOE) ………
39. You have to toe the line if you want to get on in this 62. Once dad has made up his mind, he won’t change it. (BUDGE)
company……………………………………………………………………………… 63. Dad won't budge an inch once he has made up his
… mind…………………………………………………………………………………
40. It was hard not to laugh when he sneezed in the middle of the song. (STRAIGHT) …
41. It was hard keeping a straight face when he sneezed in the middle of the song. 64. Nigel is so conceited, it’s time someone showed him he‘s not as important as he
…………………………………………………………………………………… thinks. (CUT)
42. Take care or he will deceive you. (WOOL) 65. It's time someone cut Nigel down to size - he's so
43. He will pull the wool over your eyes if you aren't conceited……………………………………………………………………………...
careful……………………………………………………………………………… .........
…… 66. We must go back to the beginning and find the error. (SQUARE)
44. He‘s usually a good boy, unless his brother encourages him to misbehave. (EGG) 67. We must go back to square one to find the
45. If his brother doesn't egg him on, he's usually a good error…………………………………………………………………………………
boy…………………………………………………………………………………… …
68. There was so much misleading information in the novel, I didn’t guess who the
murderer was. (HERRINGS)
46. If her mother had not held her back, she’d have moved away years ago. (WINGS) 69. There were so many red herrings in the novel, I didn't guess who the murderer
47. If it hadn't been for her mother, she would have spread her wings years was……………………………………………………………………………………
ago…………………………………………………………………………………… 70. Tim failed to get into university and he gets very annoyed if it’s mentioned. (CHIP)
71. Tim has got a chip on his shoulder about his failure to get into
university……………………………………………………………………………
48. In his place, I wouldn’t care too much about my reputation. (HOOTS) ………
49. If I were him, I wouldn't give two hoots about my
reputation…………………………………………………………………………… 72. TEST SEVEN
…… 73. We wish to complain about your dog, Mr. Taylor. (BONE)
50. How could I tell him if I haven’t seen him for months? (HAIR) 74. We have a bone to pick with you about your dog, Mr.
51. How could I tell him if I haven't seen hide or hair of him for Taylor…………………………………………………………………………………
months……………………………………………………………………………… …
…… 75. I think the mayor is involved in everything that goes on in this town. (FINGER)
52. She sent her husband out to buy Bulgarian mushrooms, knowing he wouldn’t find 76. I think the mayor has a finger in every pie in this town
any. (GOOSE) 77. Henry’s got friends in both the Labor and Conservative party. (FOOT)
53. She sent her husband out on a wild goose chase for Bulgarian 78. Henry has got a foot in both camps when it comes to
mushrooms…………………………………………………………………………… politics………………………………………………………………………………
……. ….
54. I’m sorry, but I’m not in the mood to discuss this matter right now. (FRAME) 79. We must get started before all the guests arrive. (ROAD)
55. I'm afraid I'm not in the right frame of mind to discuss this matter right 80. Let's get this show on the road before all the guests
now…………………………………………………………………………………… arrive…………………………………………………………………………………
56. Why are you trying to mend something that isn’t broken? (MONKEYING) …
57. Why are you monkeying around with something that isn't 81. His business became successful once he started to behave more responsibly. (ACT)
broken……………………………………………………………………………… 82. After cleaning up his act, he began to make a success of his
…… business………………………………………………………………………………
58. Must you follow me everywhere I go? (DOG) ……
83. Unless you get organized, you will never be ready by Saturday. (ACT) far……………………………………………………………………………………
84. If you don't get your act together, you will never be ready by 109. You’ll have to make a decision soon, you know. (FENCE)
Saturday……………………………………………………………………………… 110. You can't sit on the fence forever, you
… know……………………………………………………………………………….
85. They’re a troublesome group but Mr. Jones keeps control of them. (HAND) 111. When that virus got into my computer, I lost six months’ work. (SMOKE)
86. Mr. Jones has the upper hand with that troublesome 112. Six months' work went up in smoke when that virus got into my
group………………………………………………………………………………… computer……………………………………………………………………………
… ….
87. Bert’s life seemed to go wrong after his parents died. (RAILS)
88. Bert's life went off the rails after his parents 113. TEST EIGHT
died…………………………………………………………………………………… 114. I went to enormous trouble to find a wedding photographer in time. (WATER)
89. We must arrange every detail of the ceremony in advance. (MAPPED) 115. I went through hell and high water to find a wedding photographer in
90. Every detail of the ceremony must be mapped out in time…………………………………………………………………………………..
advance……………………………………………………………………………… 116. We got involved in so many details that the meeting lasted for hours. (DOWN)
…… 117. We got bogged down in so many details that the meeting lasted for
91. A motorbike is good for getting through the traffic. (WEAVE) hours…………………………………………………………………………………
92. You can weave in and out the traffic easily on a …
motorbike…………………………………………………………………………… 118. The strong wind carried off the kids’ kite. (BORNE)
……… 119. The kids' kite was borne away by the
93. They choose John because he was the only one who spoke French. (TIPPED) wind…………………………………………………………………………………
94. It was his knowledge of French that tipped the scales in John's …
favor…………………………………………………………………………………. 120. It’s time you got rid of some of your inhibitions. (CAST)
95. How dare you say my work isn’t good enough! (JUDGMENT) 121. I wish you would cast away some of your
96. How dare you sit in judgment on my inhibitions……………………………………………………………………………
work………………………………………………………………………………… ………
97. Gary is only waiting for the right opportunity to hand in his notice. (TIME) 122. I have been searching desperately for a new home help. (AROUND)
98. Gary is only biding his time until he hands in his 123. I've been casting around for a new home
notice………………………………………………………………………………… help……………………………………………………………………………………
… 124. I’d be grateful if you’d keep this to yourself for the time being. (PUT)
99. We jogged all the way to the river but had to stop at the bridge. (STEAM) 125. I'd be grateful if you didn't put this about for the time
100. We ran out of steam after jogging as far as the being…………………………………………………………………………………
bridge………………………………………………………………………………… …
… 126. Cole is a really terrible singer. (STRETCH)
101. Whatever we plan to do, Jack will stop us. (SPANNER) 127. By no stretch of the imagination is Cole a good
102. jack always throws a spanner in the works whenever we plan to do singer…………………………………………………………………………………
something…………………………………………………………………………… …
……… 128. I’ll explain everything to the new man when he arrives. (PICTURE)
103. He wasn’t quite so confident after you told him you were an Olympic boxer, was 129. I'll put the new man in the picture when he
he? (WIND) arrives…………………………………………………………………………………
104. Telling him you were an Olympic boxer took the wind out of his sails, didn't …
it…………………………………………………………………………………. 130. Harry knows about the new regulations so let’s ask him. (PICK)
105. I can always rely on you to calm things down, Gina. (POUR) 131. Let's pick Harry's brains about the new
106. I can always rely on you to pour oil on troubled waters, regulations……………………………………………………………………………
Gina………………………………………………………………………………… ………
… 132. I don’t like the way your sister talks to me. (DIM)
107. We shouldn’t give up now after we‘ve come so far. (TOWEL) 133. I take a dim view of the way your sister talks to
108. We shouldn't throw in the towel now after we've come so me……………………………………………………………………………………
134. Why did you have to cause so much trouble over ………………………………………………………………………………….
something so unimportant? (SONG) 161. I’m sure he will be back to full health soon. (FEET)
135. Why did you have to make such a song and dance about something so 162. I’m sure he will get back on his feet soon.
unimportant………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………..
……… 163. She‘s desperately trying to keep out of financial trouble and not go bankrupt.
136. The boss wasn’t impressed by Bill’s budget proposals. (ICE) (HEAD)
137. Bill's budget proposals cut no ice with the 164. She‘s desperately trying to keep her head above water and not go bankrupt.
boss………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………
138. John and I have had an argument over the poor sales figure. (BRUSH) 165. There’s trouble ahead and we should be extremely careful. (CLOUDS)
139. I have had a brush with John over the poor sales 166. The storm clouds are gathering and we should be extremely careful
figures……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………
… 167. Danny finally reasoned when they threatened to fire him. (SENSES)
140. Why don’t you try building a fountain in the garden? (STAB) 168. Danny was brought to his senses by their threat to fire him
141. Why don't you have a stab at building a fountain in the ……………………………………………………………………………………
garden………………………………………………………………………………… 169. I completely emptied the drawers but couldn’t find the address. (INSIDE)
142. She married Tom although she loved Henry as well. (CRUNCH) 170. I turned the drawers inside out but I could not find the
143. She loved both Tom and Henry but when it came to the crunch she married address………………………………………………………………………………
Tom………………………………………………………………………………… ……
144. You can’t persuade Roger too deviate from the rules, can you? (BOOK) 171. It really put Betty in her place when the boss said she was the office junior. (PEG)
145. Roger always goes by the book, doesn't 172. The boss really brought Betty down a peg or two by saying she was the office junior
he………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………
146. Perhaps I’ll do what you did and learn Spanish. (LEAF) 173. I think having to earn his own living was quite a shock to Billy. (EARTH)
147. Perhaps I'll take a leaf out of your book and learn 174. Billy was brought back down to earth by having to earn his own living
Spanish……………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………
…… 175. I’m only here for a minute; I’m due at the hospital shortly. (FLYING)
148. You’ll get the maximum punishment when they find out what you’ve done. 176. Im only here on a flying visit, I am due at the hospital shortly
149. …-> They'll throw the book at you when they find out what you've ……………………………………………………………………………………
done……………………………………………………………………………… 177. We are in a very difficult situation and will have to do what the lawyer says.
150. I tried to show Jim a faster way of working but he’s too set in his ways, isn’t he? (BACKS)
(TRICKS) 178. We have our backs to the wall and will have to do what the lawyer
151. I tried to show Jim a faster way of working but you can't teach an old dog new says……………………………………………………………………………………
tricks, can 179. Why don’t you two forget your differences and become friends again?
you…………………………………………………………………………………… (HATCHET)
152. She talked so much I was unable to join in the conversation. (WORD) 180. Why don’t you two bury the hatchet and become friends again ?
153. I couldn't get a word in edgeways because she talked so ……………………………………………………………………………………
much………………………………………………………………………………… 181. On the understanding that you talk frankly, I’m willing to listen. (SPADE)
… 182. On the understanding that you call a spade a spade, I’m willing to listen
……………………………………………………………………………………
154. TEST NINE 183. Now that he’s divorced, Sam is trying to get his life back to normal and start afresh.
155. The time has come to deal with your problems. (GRIPS) (PIECES)
156. The time has come to come to grips with your problems 184. Now that he’s divorced, Sam is trying to pick up the pieces and start afresh
………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………
157. It took me ages to learn how to surf properly. (KNACK) 185. Ben is incredibly witty when he is in a good mood. (RAZOR)
158. It took me ages to get the knack of surfing properly 186. Ben’s wit is razor sharp when he is in a good mood
………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………
159. James got furious when he found out about her lies. (WIND) 187. The rehearsal went off without any problems in the end. (HITCH)
160. James got furious when he got wind of her lies 188. The rehearsal went off without a hitch in the end
 …………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………
189. We will only be able to afford a holiday if we are very strict with our expenses. 214. I’d prefer not to discuss our problems in front of our friends. (DIRTY)
(REIN) 215. I’d sooner we didn’t wash our dirty linen in front of our
190. Only if we keep a tight rein on our expenses will we be able to afford a holiday friends………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………. ……
191. The documentary made me realize how poor many people are in other parts of the 216. The boss is in a really bad mood today. (BED)
world. (HOME) 217. The boss gets out of bed on the wrong side today
192. ->the documentary brought home to me how poor many people are in other parts of …………………………………………………………………………………..
the world 218. He reserved positions and defeated him. (TABLES)
…………………………………………………………………………………. 219. He turned the tables on him and defeated him
193. Andrew rarely says how good he is at things, even though he’s very talented. …………………………………………………………………………………..
(BLOW) 220. I was assured of success, then he withdrew his support. (RUG)
194. Seldom does Andrew blow his own trumpet, even though he’s very talented
……………………………………………………………………………………

195. TEST TEN

196. By agreeing to help him out financially, you’ll only be causing problems for
yourself. (GRAVE)
197. You will only be digging your own grave by agreeing to help him out financially
……………………………………………………………………………………
198. The military parade was just the government showing its power before the elections.
(MUSCLES)
199. The military parade was just the government flexing its muscles before the elections
……………………………………………………………………………………
200. Were he to speak in a clearer fashion, I could follow his argument. (THREAD)
201. Were he to speak in a clearer fashion, I would not lose the thread of his argument
……………………………………………………………………………………
202. I didn’t think much of what Tom suggested. (STORE)
203. I didn’t set much store by Tom’s
suggestion……………………………………………………………………………
………
204. He shot the bottles from the top of the wall, one by one. (OFF)
205. He picked off the bottles from the top of the wall, one by one.
……………………………………………………………………………………
206. Carter was not popular at work because he never associated with anyone. (ALOOF)
207. Carter was not popular at work because he always kept himeself aloof from
everyone………………………………………………………………………………
……
208. He has tons of money since he won the lottery. (FILTHY)
209. He is filthy rich since he won the lottery
……………………………………………………………………………………
210. Don still has very little experience so we should be patient. (EARS)
211. Don is still wet behind the ears so we should be patient.
……………………………………………………………………………………
212. The two brothers have been quarrelling about the property for years.
(LOGGERHEADS)
213. The two brothers have been at loggerheads over the property for years.
221. I was assured of success, then he pulled the rug out from under my
feet……………………………………………………………………………………
222. It‘s rather a dull plat, but I think a coat of paint will make it a lot brighter. (JAZZ)
223. It‘s rather a dull plat, but I think a coat of paint will jazz it up nicely
……………………………………………………………………………………
224. That Chinese porcelain vase is sold for a price far below its true value, if you ask
me. (SONG)
225. That Chinese porcelain vase is going for a song, if you ask me
……………………………………………………………………………………
226. After fifty years of isolation, they’ve begun opening up to the west in the hope of
receiving financial assistance. (OVERTURES)
227. After fifty years of isolation, they’ve begun making overtures to the west in the
hope of receiving financial assistance
……………………………………………………………………………………
228. When he realized she was heir to a fortune, his whole attitude towards her changed.
(TUNE)
229. He completely changed his tune when he realized she was heir to a fortune
230. I felt like a new person after I‘d had my hip operation. (LEASE)
231. My hip operation gave me a new lease of
life………………………………………………………………………………….
232. The guide book speaks highly of this hotel. (SEAL)
233. The guide book gives the hotel its seal of approval
234. He will be the one to accept responsibility for this affair. (CAN)
235. He will be the one to carry the can for this affair
236. TEST ELEVEN
237. You would have enjoyed yourself if you had come to Cuba with us. (LIFE)
238. …………………………………………………………………………………..
239. My teacher doesn’t like me and never leaves me alone. (IN)
240. ………………………………………………………………………………….
 241. To be frank, I’m not looking forward to spending the whole summer with them.
(RELISH)
242. ………………………………………………………………………………….
243. The delegate spoke in great detail about the changes. (LENGTH)
244. …………………………………………………………………………………..
245. Why don’t we split the taxi fare? (HALVES)
246. ………………………………………………………………………………….
247. The cheque they got helped enormously to pay for their honeymoon. (WAY)
248. ………………………………………………………………………………….
249. The firm had a lot of success in the soft drinks market. (KILLING)
250. ………………………………………………………………………………….
251. There are several other people ready to do this job if you can’t. (WINGS)
252. ………………………………………………………………………………….
253. You will have no success if you think you can make her change her mind.
(LOSING)
254. …………………………………………………………………………………
255. Punk fashion was at its peak in the late seventies. (HEYDAY)
256. …………………………………………………………………………………
257. Few people approved of his presence at the funeral. (FROWNED)
258. ………………………………………………………………………………
259. They were totally unprepared for my arrival. (UNAWARES)
260. ……………………………………………………………………………….
 261. Resigning to annoy your boss is really only hurting yourself and you know it.
(NOSE)
262. ………………………………………………………………………………..
263. His father left him no money in his will. (CUT)
264. ………………………………………………………………………………..
265. Her remark took me completely by surprise. (GUARD)
266. …………………………………………………………………………………
267. You are leaving very late if you want to be at the airport on time. (FINE)
268. ………………………………………………………………………………….
269. He doesn’t know what’s happening in the theatre world any more. (TOUCH)
270. ………………………………………………………………………………….
271. If anyone asks you, just tell them you didn’t know. (PLEAD)
272. ………………………………………………………………………………….
273. Working in the mines all those years affected his health. (TOLL)
274. ………………………………………………………………………………..
275. He wouldn’t stop saying flattering things about me at the reception. (PAYING)
276. ………………………………………………………………………………..

277. TEST TWELVE

278. If you don’t follow his advice, you will pay far more than necessary. (NOSE)
279. ………………………………………………………………………………….
280. She regards everyone who’s not a member of her family as inferior. (DOWN)
281. ………………………………………………………………………………….
282. I should think very carefully before I made that decision, if I were you. (LEAP)
283. ………………………………………………………………………………….
284. Rachel worked miracles to get Jackie the editor’s job in her company.
(HEAVEN)
285. ………………………………………………………………………………….
286. He gets annoyed when you refer to his family backgrounds. (SKIN)
287. …………………………………………………………………………………..
288. Alexander the Great controlled most of the ancient world. (SWAY)
289. ………………………………………………………………………………….
290. Barry is determined to have a holiday in the States this year. (SET)
291. ……………………………………………………………………………………
292. In no time, the new chairman was doing exactly what the board wanted.
(EATING)
293. …………………………………………………………………………………
294. Carolyn‘s just another of those people fighting a lost cause, I’m afraid.
(BLEEDING)
295. ………………………………………………………………………………….
296. Philip worked his very hardest to get through his exams. (NECK)
297. ………………………………………………………………………………….
298. Wendy suddenly felt petrified when the lights went out and she was left in the
dark. (COLD)
299. ………………………………………………………………………………….
300. Jenny couldn’t relax at all during the interview. (BUNDLE)
301. ………………………………………………………………………………….
302. The audience didn’t stop laughing for two hours during Reluctant Heroes.
(STITCHES)
303. …………………………………………………………………………………..
304. They sent new instructions with very little warning and that caused a lot of
trouble. (NOTICE)
305. ………………………………………………………………………………….
306. In my opinion, his remarks were totally unsuitable for the occasion. (KEEPING)
307. ………………………………………………………………………………….
308. We’re nearly finished, we’ve just got a couple of small things to do before we
leave. (LOOSE)
309. …………………………………………………………………………………..
310. The Managing Director arrived just as the meeting was about to end, as usual.
(CLOSE)
311. …………………………………………………………………………………..
312. In a feeble attempt to make everyone relax, John cracked a joke. (ICE)
313. …………………………………………………………………………………..
314. Her parents have forbidden her to go to pubs. (SET)
315. …………………………………………………………………………………..
316. I think we‘ve got the worst part of this work done. (BACK)
317. …………………………………………………………………………………..
318. TEST THIRTEEN
319. To clear up misunderstanding, he wrote to the press to deny any
involvement in the affair. (RECORD)
320. ………………………………………………………………………………….
321. For the first couple of years in the business, we were happy just to cover our costs.
(EVEN)
322. …………………………………………………………………………………..
323. Julie forgets everything you tell her. (EAR)
324. …………………………………………………………………………………..
325. The new restaurant has terrific food. (WORLD)
326. …………………………………………………………………………………
327. Couldn’t they find anyone better than Rosa to represent them? (BOTTOM)
328. …………………………………………………………………………………
329. I hardly remember the house where I lived as a child. (HAZY)
330. …………………………………………………………………………………
331. A good way to forget one’s problems is to listen to music. (MIND)
332. …………………………………………………………………………………
333. We must remember that the economy is in serious trouble. (SIGHT)
334. ………………………………………………………………………………….
335. Her troubles were written clearly on the face. (ETCHED)
336. ………………………………………………………………………………….
337. I’ve filled in so many tax-forms I can do them in my sleep. (ART)
338. ………………………………………………………………………………….
339. Why do some people make such a great fuss of the simplest situation? (DRAMA)
340. …………………………………………………………………………………..
341. Just because his brother is a criminal doesn’t mean Gareth is one, too. (BRUSH)
342. ………………………………………………………………………………….
343. You shouldn’t judge people by their appearance. (COVER)
344. …………………………………………………………………………………..
345. He told us an amusing story about his trip to Finland. (ACCOUNT)
346. ………………………………………………………………………………….
347. Residents are trying to persuade the company to relocate the factory.
(PRESSURE)
348. ………………………………………………………………………………….
349. Many countries have yet to promise to abolish the use of landmines.
(UNDERTAKING)
350. …………………………………………………………………………………
351. Pam always maintains her composure in any crisis. (HEAD)
352. ………………………………………………………………………………….
353. Why do you criticize everything I do? (HOLES)
354. ………………………………………………………………………………….
355. Readjusting one’s life after a personal tragedy can be a very slow process.
(PIECES)
356. …………………………………………………………………………………..
357. Staying cheerful in times of trouble is not something everyone can do. (SPIRITS)
358. ………………………………………………………………………………….

359. TEST FOURTEEN

360. It’s a thriller that has you riveted all the way through. (SUSPENSE)
361. ………………………………………………………………………………..
362. I am not happy with you. (BONE)
363. …………………………………………………………………………………
364. William is a very private person. (HIMSELF)
365. ………………………………………………………………………………….
366. The police think the robbery was an inside job. (HALLMARKS)
367. …………………………………………………………………………………...
368. Debbie is the only one who knows everything there is to know in this office.
(ROPES)
369. ………………………………………………………………………………….
370. The least we can do is talk about his ideas for a while before we decide. (KICK)
371. ………………………………………………………………………………….
372. The Jones and Smith families seem always to be at loggerheads. (BLOOD)
373. ………………………………………………………………………………….
374. I know we all make mistakes but did you really have to marry him? (ERR)
375. …………………………………………………………………………………
376. “The headmasters should not allow older boys to pick on the juniors.” said Mrs.
Brown. (GANG)
377. …………………………………………………………………………………
378. Many people say that nine times out of ten the law makes no sense. (ASS)
379. …………………………………………………………………………………
380. Roy and Jackie never seem to have anything but good to say about each other.
(MUTUAL)
381. ………………………………………………………………………………..
382. Wanting what other people have is a waste of time, energy and money.
(JONESES)
383. ………………………………………………………………………………….
384. The situation has been grossly exaggerated, I’m afraid. (BLOWN)
385. ………………………………………………………………………………….

386. Although the article may make sense, I think it’s making too much of the point.
(POINT)
387. …………………………………………………………………………………...
388. Mr. Atkinson is a very well – respected member of the community. (ESTEEM)
389. …………………………………………………………………………………..
390. I’m having a hard time finding a second-hand petrol pump for my car. (HANDS)
391. ………………………………………………………………………………….
392. Although they tried hard to convince her, Claire would not change her opinion.
(FAST)
393. …………………………………………………………………………………..
394. Can you look after the shop for a couple of hours tomorrow? (FORT)
395. ………………………………………………………………………………….
396. Derek does not appreciate that Lisa risked her career to save his job. (CAREER)
397. ………………………………………………………………………………….
398. Why don’t you be frank with us and tell us what‘s on your mind? (LAY)
399. ………………………………………………………………………………….

400. TEST FIFTEEN

401. My brother is very attached to his stamp collection, and keeps it locked up.
(DEAR)
402. …………………………………………………………………………………..
403. A true patriot would willingly die for his country. (LAY)
404. …………………………………………………………………………………..
405. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to try and help us. (BACKWARDS)
406. ………………………………………………………………………………….
407. The two sides met with a view to settling the problem. (IRONING)
408. …………………………………………………………………………………..
409. Don’t decide right away – give it some thought and ring me next week. (SLEEP)
410. …………………………………………………………………………………..
411. In this company, nobody’s job is regarded as important. (COG)
412. ………………………………………………………………………………….
413. Trapeze artists who perform without a net must have tremendous courage.
(STEEL)
414. ………………………………………………………………………………….
415. Erik is never happier than when he’s out on the lake in his boat. (ELEMENT)
416. ………………………………………………………………………………….
417. The negotiator achieved the impossible when he got both sides to meet for talks.
(SQUARED)
418. ………………………………………………………………………………….
419. If you peel some potatoes it will get us started. (WHEELS)
420. …………………………………………………………………………………..
421. You just don’t think at all, giving a lift to perfect strangers. (ATOM)
422. ………………………………………………………………………………….
423. It took a lot of time and effort to get Ron’s new business started. (GROUND)
424. …………………………………………………………………………………...
425. It’s a shame to quit now that you have come so far. (TOWEL)
426. ………………………………………………………………………………….
427. The Prime Minister felt it appropriate to make a statement. (FIT)
428. ………………………………………………………………………………….
429. If I were you, I wouldn’t trust him to do the job properly. (MONEY)
430. ………………………………………………………………………………….
431. He says he didn’t know, so we ‘ll just have to take his word for it. (BENEFIT)
432. ………………………………………………………………………………….
433. Could you take a quick look at this letter before I post it? (RUN)
434. …………………………………………………………………………………..
435. I’m sure that once he’s learned the system, he’ll perform well. (OWN)
436. ………………………………………………………………………………….
437. If necessary, I’ll testify in court. (CRUNCH)
438. ………………………………………………………………………………….
439. He’s the clumsiest person in the world when it comes to mending anything.
(THUMBS)
440. …………………………………………………………………………………..