Essential idioms

Choose the choice that suitably completes the sentence.1. I met him quite _____ accident on Fifth Avenue.

a. on b. in c. by d. with

2. He was discharged from the army _____ account _____ his poor health.a. on _____ of b. in _____ with c. on _____ on d. to _____ of

3. It is necessary to pay _____ advance for the registration.a. in b. for c. after d. with

4. He is always _____ me to go into business with him.a. after b. for c. with d. at

5. They say that the President will go _____ the airtonight at ten o’clock.a. with b. in c. on d. over

6. As a matter _____ fact, there are as many orangesgrown in California as in Florida.a. with b. on c. by d. of

7. As long _____ they don’t annoy us, we cannot takeany legal action.a. so b. that c. as d. with

8. As _____ his lack of education, there is nothing he can do about it now.

Essential Idioms for intermediatestudents : by… Kru Pangchan

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Essential Idioms

a. to b. if c. so d. in

9. The prisoner who escaped is still _____ large.a. as b.. at c. over d. in

10. _____ times he prepares his lessons well; at other times he does very poor work.a. On b. In c. By d. At

11. He seems more attached _____ his dog than to hiswife.a. to b. with c. on d. in

12. Most members were against Mr. Jones, who would have lost his position if you hadn’t been backed him _____.a. up b. down c. befored. on

13. It shouldn’t be difficult for you. Bear _____ mind that these are sixty-five-year-old men.a. with b. on c. in d. before

14. He returned to his hotel _____ time for a late supper.a. with b. in c. down d. after

15. Instead of answering my question about his marks, he began to beat _____ the bush and tell me all about the difference courses he was talking.a. aroundb. about c. over d. inside

16. Completely surrounded by our troops, the enemy finally gave _____.


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a. away b. upon c. in d. out

17. Our car broke _____ and had to be towed to a garage.a. away b. forth c. in d. down

18. Offices and professors’ rooms were broken _____ and files removed.a. up b. down c. on d. into

19. What brought _____ his illness?a. down b. about c. forward d. out

20. Stevens brought _____ the question of finances at the family dinner table.a. about b. up c. down d. on

21. Since there was no need to become excited, I told him to calm _____ and wait his turn with theothers.a. off b. down c. on d. with

22. We have carried _____ a correspondence for years.a. on b. about c. in d. after

23. He promised that he would carry _____ every one of her wishes.a. into b. about c. out d. around

24. _____ case he arrives before I get back, please ask him to wait.a. In b. On c. With d. To


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25. Being a foreigner, Carl did not catch _____ to the joke.a. after b. in c. on d. over

26. The dresses from that movie are beginning to catch _____.a. after b. in c. on d. over

27. I met my former boyfriend _____ chance in the farewell party.a. in b. by c. on d. of

28. The record shows that he checked _____ at the hotel on Monday, and checked out Tuesday night.a. into b. in c. up d. over

29. No one knows when such a custom first came _____existence.a. into b. on c. of d. with

30. I never thought I would ever have anything _____common with George.a. up b. off c. in d. without

31. He is not stupid; _____ the contrary, he is veryintelligent.a. to b. on c. in d. up

32. You can count _____ me, if you are in trouble.a. up b. to c. on d. off

33. The police cracked _____ on drug traffickers.a. up b. over c. upon d. down


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34. Day _____ day he seems to grow a little stronger.a. in b. after c. by d. over

35. The shop deals only _____ trousers.a. with b. in c. about d. of

36. They learned to deal _____ any sort of emergency.a. with b. in c. on d. after

37. Traditional grocers’ shops are fast dying _____ now that there are so many supermarkets.a. away b. down c. out d. up

38. To protect our environment, we have to know how to dispose _____ toxic chemicals in suitable ways.a. about b. of c. out d. off

39. It would be nice to do away _____ all the paperwork that is usually involved.a. with b. over c. after d. in

40. Taxes are so high this year that we shall have to do _____ a new car.a. up b. on c. without d. over

41. When I met her she was all dressed _____ in her new mink coat.a. over b. up c. with d. on


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42. Mr. Evans dropped _____ my office yesterday to talk with me about new book he is writing.a. off b. away c. by d. in

43. In the middle of our conversation he suddenly dropped _____ to sleep.a. on b. away c. out d. at

44. There were only two prison wardens _____ duty when the riot started.a. on b. in c. with d. by

45. When I’m _____ duty I take a rest.a. on b. off c. without d. up

46. Ocean waves are gradually eating _____ the coastal rocks.a. out b. away c. up d. in

47. We prefer to eat at home, but once in a while weeat _____.a. out b. away c. up d. in

48. I told him that he had better eat _____ his mealif he wanted to get any dessert.a. out b. off c. up d. away

49. Becoming more and more frightened at the snarling dog, Mary began to edge _____.a. on b. in c. away d. off

50. I have been _____ edge all day ever since that argument with my wife.


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a. on b. in c. upon d. with

51. Two days ago, a water-pipe burst _____ night near my home. Later that night, I heard a police car outside the building.a. at b. duringc. in d. on

52. We must leave _____ exactly five o’clock.a. in b. on c. at d. of

53. We will come _____ September 5th.a. on b. at c. in d. of

54. She can have two of these books. Tell her to pick _____ the ones she wants.a. off b. out c. up d. away

55. Are you going to apply _____ the job?a. for b. with c. to d. into

56. I disagree _____ Peter but I agree _____ do nothing until we know more about the case.a. to____to b. with____to c. with____with d. to____about

57. Mary: What are you looking in that book _____?John: I want to find out something _____ butterflies.a. to____for b. for____about c. with____tod. in____on

58. Last year, many countries were suffering _____ the effects of the recent recession.


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a. from b. by c. with d. about

59. My uncle burst _____ laughing when I told him the joke about Peter and the mouse.a. with b. against c. into d. out

60. On my way to school, I saw a taxi collide _____with a bus.a. with b. into c. against d. at

61. I’m sorry. I can’t lend you anything at the moment because I’m short _____ money myself.a. of b. in c. with d. to

62. Sometimes people look down _____ you, if you don’t speak properly.a. to b. at c. up d. on

63. _____ conclusion, I should like to say how grateful we are to Mr. Thomson for coming here this evening to speak to us.a. By b. In c. For d. On

64. It is more polite to laugh _____ somebody than to laugh _____ a person.a. about____at b. at____about c. to____wih d. with____at

65. Tourism plays an important part _____ the life of many countries.a. at b. to c. in d. about


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66. Mary promised to wait _____ us at the bus station.a. for b. in c. to d. from

67. We can work quietly in the library and nobody can interfere _____ our work.a. to b. with c. on d. at

68. Mary: What are you searching _____?John: I’ve lost my keys.a. over b. at c. into d. for

69. I should like to inform you _____ the facts sothat you can arrive _____ a fair decision.a. of____at b. about____to c. with____ind. in____on

70. I am very fond of Peter. Although we are not relatives, I look _____ him as a brother.a. for b. at c. upon d. into

71. If you come to live here, you must adapt yourself _____ conditions here.a. against b. for c. to d. with

72. If the typhoon keeps _____ its person course, itwill come very near Hong Kong.a. along b. by c. at d. on

73. The firemen are coming. They will soon put the fire _____.a. out b. down c. off d. under


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74. Well, do you want to buy it or not. Please make _____ your mind.a. out b. up c. away d. off

75. That man looks worn _____. I think he has been working too hard.a. out b. down c. away d. off

76. This torch is definitely superior _____ that one.a. than b. for c. to d. about

77. There are four hundred passengers _____ board that liner.a. with b. in c. on d. at

78. The committee consists _____ twelve members only.a. of b. on c. in d. with

79. This type of cloth is inferior _____ the type you bought last week.a. to b. than c. against d. for

80. Can that firm supply us _____ all the stationerywe need?a. of b. with c. by d. on

81. When we go to the Youth Centre tomorrow evening,I’ll introduce you _____ the secretary.a. with b. by c. to d. upon


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82. Foreign firms have agreed to participate _____ the scheme to build a new tunnel.a. at b. to c. in d. with

83. I am not satisfied _____ his work and expect himto carry out his assignments _____ much greater care and accuracy.a. to____by b. about____along c. with____wth d. by____on

84. Nobody likes a person who is always showing _____ his wealth.a. at b. to c. of d. off

85. The playground is _____ the cinema.a. closed to b. close with c. close to

d. close at

86. I had to fill _____ three forms to obtain a passport.a. at b. in c. for d. into

87. The inter-school hockey match was called _____ because of the rain.a. out b. of c. off d. away

88. He has been absent _____ school for one week.a. away b. outside c. from d. without

89. Stockall Stores are selling clothes _____ very low prices last week.a. away from b. outside c. from d. at


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90. He reminds me _____ my former boyfriend.a. of b. to c. in d. for

91. They have not a formal contract, but he is, _____ effect, her manager. a. on b. with c. after d. in

92. Please keep an eye _____ my suitcase while I go to buy my ticket.a. in b. after c. on d. with

93. I hadn’t seen him in ten years when suddenly there we stood, face _____ face.a. with b. to c. out d. in

94. He appears to be strong and healthy, but, as a matter _____ fact, he suffers from a very weak heart.a. of b. in c. on d. up

95. You were _____ fault for speaking to him so sharply.a. at b. on c. with d. upon

96. I am fed _____ with his laziness.a. to b. about c. up d. after

97. I can’t figure _____ what he was hinting at.a. out b. over c. with d. of

98. Do you have an application _____ file with us?a. in b. on c. withind. over

99. There are one or two lines more on this application which you must fill _____.


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a. in b. up c. on d. with

100.Every place he had to fill _____ and applicationblank before they would interview him.a. out b. with c. of d. after

101.I have no objection _____ their scheme at the moment.a. to b. at c. on d. against

102.He specializes _____ old French stamps.a. at b. in c. for d. with

103.I have great confidence _____ him.a. of b. with c. on d. in

104.The referee was angry _____ on of the players.a. to b. with c. at d. against

105.He succeeded _____ persuading the man to reduce the price.a. for b. at c. in d. to

106.We congratulated him _____ his success in the competition.a. at b. with c. by d. upon

107.We all sympathize _____ the villagers in trouble.a. with b. about c. to d. for

108.In contrast _____ what you have said, I think the plan is a good one.a. to b. with c. at d. byEssential Idioms for intermediate

students : by… Kru Pangchan13

109.Tell me your reasons _____ refusing the invitation.a. about b. for c. in d. with

110.I shall have to concentrate _____ my examinations soon.a. for b. at c. with d. on

111.Major Smith has now been promoted _____ the rankof general.a. up b. at c. to d. for

112.He reminds me _____ my former boyfriend.a. of b. to c. in d. for

113.Pop music is popular _____ young boys or girls.a. in b. with c. to d. of

114.It was kind _____ you to visit me.a. to b. for c. of d. in

115.Professor Adward has translated many Chinese books _____ English.a. for b. with c. into d. after

116.As my feet were cold, I put _____ my stockings.a. over b. in c. on d. with

117.This machine won’t work. I wonder what is the matter _____ it.a. for b. with c. of d. by

118.We got to the field just _____ time to see the end of the game.


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a. at b. in c. by d. for

119.I heard an interesting piece of news _____ the radio.a. at b. with c. from d. on

120.I felt sorry _____ my friend, Tom, when he failed his examination.a. at b. to c. for d. on

121.After the war he decided to leave Germany _____ good.a. in b. for c. on d. of

122.The citizens were warned to be _____ guard against a sudden night attack.a. on b. with c. to d. after

123.While living in South America, he got _____ the habit of drinking strong black coffee.a. into b. of c. in d. out

124.Each student has to hand _____ a composition once a week.a. out b. on c. in d. up

125.Christmas was _____ hand, and I still had no money to buy Marge a present.a. on b. over c. at d. with

126.The police now have the situation well _____ hand, and no further outbreaks are expected.a. in b. under c. on d. after


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127.I would like to lay hands _____ the person who threw that stone through our front window.a. on b. over c. with d. in

128.Thieves held him _____ in the park and took his watch and a wallet.a. on b. up c. over d. by

129.She is a popular hostess because she has the happy faculty of always making her guess feel _____ home.a. in b. at c. off d. into

130.Crime is certainly _____ the increase in many ofour big cities.a. of b. with c. in d. on

131.It is the wholesaler rather than the retailer who has jacked _____ the prices.a. on b. with c. up d. over

132.You must keep _____ mind that he is too young tounderstand complex concepts.a. in b. to c. by d. of

133.I have tried to keep in touch _____ her since I left Thailand.a. to b. with c. over d. after

134.I keep _____ telling myself that being lazy is asin.a. over b. out c. in d. on


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135.Our limited budget makes it difficult for us to keep pace _____ our goals.a. with b. away c. of d. on

136.It was his incomes policy which finally led _____ his downfall.a. from b. to c. about d. off

137.If you can’t go to the party, you should _____ least send your regrets.a. at b. up c. on d. in

138.He promised to help me, but at the last minute he let me _____.a. out b. in c. down d. up

139.At first he made poor progress in English, but little _____ little Albert became the best student in the class.a. by b. after c. in d. over

140.John has been unemployed for six months so he doesn’t have enough to live _____ now.a. up b. with c. on d. to

141.John has promised to look _____ my dog while I am away.a. on b. into c. down on d. after

142.Just because they owned their own house and wereslightly better off, they always look _____ upon us as poor friends.a. up to b. down c. over d. after


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143.John looked everywhere _____ the ball which he had lost.a. for b. out c. on d. into

144.We are all looking forward _____ your visit.a. with b. to c. in d. out

145.The police are looking _____ the records of all those involved in the murder.a. into b. about c. for d. out

146.John took part in the games, but the rest of us,who were a little old for that sort of thing, just looked _____.a. out b. on c. up to d. after

147.I was about to step out in front of the oncomingtruck when somebody yelled to me to look _____.a. aroundb. over c. out d. into

148.You should look _____ all unfamiliar words in a dictionary.a. out b. up c. on d. into

149.He was _____ a loss to explain where he had put the documents.a. after b. at c. befored. to

150.We were asked to make ourselves _____ home during the brief absence of our hostess.a. in b. at c. with d. about

151.Several MPs abstained _____ voting at the end ofthe debate.


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a. of b. from c. for d. in

152.His behavior does not accord _____ my idea of a gentleman.a. on b. to c. in d. with

153.“The video’s out of order.”“Oh, that would account _____ the strange noise it’s making.”a. for b. about c. on d. over

154.I’ve been accused _____ many things in my life, but never of cowardice.a. into b. of c. about d. over

155.She thought she would never accustom herself _____ eating nothing but fruit and vegetables.a. at b. in c. on d. to

156.I’m parched and positively aching _____ a cup oftea!a. with b. for c. at d. up

157.When I was a teacher I always made a point of acquaint myself _____ the home background of all my pupils.a. to b. in c. with d. on

158.This play has been skillfully adapted _____ the original.a. to b. from c. for d. off


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159.We’ll have to adapt the building _____ the needsof the old people who are going to live in it.a. to b. from c. for d. on

160.He became addicted _____ drugs at quite an earlyage.a. for b. with c. to d. of

161.The police warned the public not to go _____ theescaped prisoner, as he was armed and dangerous.a. with b. out c. after d. to

162.He told me to go _____ and design a small mass-production car.a. along b. ahead c. out with d. around

163.The child was quite unaware that she was being used as a go- _____ by her elder sister and the married man next door.a. on b. among c. between d. into

164.If anyone tries to break into the boot of the car, the alarm will go _____.a. out b. of c. off d. up

165.“We can’t go _____ as though nothing has happened. It has happened. You’ve broken your promise.a. off b. on c. out d. with

166.This paint will adhere _____ any surface, whether rough or smooth.a. on b. in c. to d. out


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167.May I suggest that we adjourn the meeting _____ this time tomorrow?a. off b. into c. to d. in

168.I don’t think I shall ever be able to adjust myself _____ life in this remote place.a. for b. from c. to d. with

169.I wish you wouldn’t afflict me _____ your complaints. I’ve enough problems of my own.a. on b. with c. into d. over

170.I’m afraid I shall never agree _____ you about the reintroduction of capital punishment.a. to b. for c. with d. on

171.I don’t understand that girl’s behaviour. What’sshe aiming _____?a. for b. at c. on d. over

172.The man’s unsociable behaviour gradually alienated him _____ all his friends.a. away b. to c. against d. from

173.Do not apply this ointment _____ the affected parts until all dirt has been removed.a. for b. to c. on d. over

174.For further information, apply _____ the CompanySecretary.a. to b. on c. for d. into

175.To whom should I apply _____ a license?a. to b. on c. for d. with


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176.There have been some peculiar goings- _____ in the village recently, I can tell you!a. up b. out c. on d. off

177.Hand your papers _____ at the end of the exam.a. out b. off c. over d. in

178.Hang _____! I’ll be back in a minute.a. up b. aroundc. about d. on

179.After I hung _____ I realized I forgot to ask him his telephone number.a. up b. on c. over d. out

180.It was the story of a schoolgirl who’d had a crush _____ a handsome man.a. with b. after c. on d. for

181.I certainly disapprove _____ you riding your motorbike over the speed limit.a. for b. about c. on d. of

182.The company’s poor trading record arises almost entirely _____ the increase in interest rates.a. over b. from c. on d. for

183.The doctor was always associated in the child’s mind _____ injections and pain.a. for b. into c. with d. over

184.She’s become attached ____ someone she met at university.a. to b. with c. under d. from


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185.If she had attended _____ what her instructor told her, she wouldn’t have had an accident.a. for b. on c. to d. about

186.The government is finding it difficult to attract overseas investment _____ the area.a. to b. through c. over d. around

187.Mr. Dolittle attributes his good health _____ careful living.a. for b. on c. to d. with

188.Alex backed me _____ enthusiastically, as he always did.a. in b. upon c. for d. up

189.An anonymous wellwisher bailed the prisoners _____.a. off b. away c. over d. out

190.His success in business is based _____ a shrewd assessment of what the customer wants.a. on / upon b. with c. of d. after

191.They now believe the gang is holed _____ somewhere in Boston, but so far have few clues towork on.a. in b. up c. with d. within

192.Masked men held _____ a wages can in South London.a. after b. on c. out d. up


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193.The government would not dare to impose taxes _____ such necessities as bread or milk.a. after b. in c. on d. from

194.On Sunday, afternoons, Joe would indulge _____ ashort sleep in his armchair.a. upon b. to c. about d. in

195.Some of the refugees were suffering from choleraand it was not long before they had infected the drinking-supply _____ the bacteria.a. with b. on c. of d. into

196.We’re still _____ the man who broke into your shop yesterday.a. for b. with c. after d. on

197.After last week’s jail break, several men are still _____ large.a. at b. on c. against d. up

198.Shares in the telecommunications industries are _____ a premium.a. at b. under c. with d. of

199.People working in this industry are _____ risk.a. after b. on c. at d. in

200.Now this is strictly _____ ourselves, but did you know that David is being promoted next Monday?a. among b. between c. with d. over


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201.We are looking for an experienced person to be _____ charge _____ research and development.a. in ___ in b. on ___ with c. in ___ of d. with ___ of

202.Are you still _____ touch _____ the people you knew at college?a. in ___ with b. in ___ in c. with ___ on d. in ___ after

203.These buyers tend to be the relatively well- _____. They buy a lot of expensive goods every time they do their shopping.a. to b. off c. on d. upon

204.The fire brigades were _____ the scene within minutes of being called.a. into b. off c. on d. over

205.Let me remind the accused that he is _____ trialfor his life.a. of b. on c. over d. in

206.Being too critical may inhabit a child _____ asking you things be needs to know.a. from b. for c. against d. about

207.She didn’t really want tea, but Nurse Ellen insisted _____ making it.a. in b. on c. for d. of

208.She was always telling Jack to stop interfering _____ the balance of nature.a. into b. with c. on d. from


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209.He invested every spare minute _____ trying to improve his knowledge of Chinese.a. to b. in c. on d. for

210.David had been involved _____ crimes that included robbery, kidnapping, rape and murder.a. with b. between c. amongd. in

211.I should be _____ my guard if I were you. He’s not the sort of man I should trust.a. into b. after c. on d. up

212.It was a steep climb to top. We were quite _____breath.a. out onb. out ofc. in outd. of out

213.I can see I shall have to take you to go shopping: those boots have been _____ fashion.a. out ofb. in on c. withind. after over

214.The situation appears to be completely _____ hand.a. out ofb. over of c. in ond. of on

215.You must be _____of your minds if you think I would do anything of the sort!a. on b. in c. out d. over

216.The life is _____ of order. Please use the stairs.a. on b. in c. after d. out

217.There aren’t any fresh strawberries: they’re just _____ of seasons.


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a. in b. out c. off d. on

218.That was the last window he was going to do thatmorning. And as it was Saturday, that meant that work was _____ for the weekend.a. over b. out c. off d. up

219.He’s regained consciousness, which is a good sign, but he isn’t _____ the corner.a. on b. in c. round d. with

220.I won’t put up with any more broken promises from him: we’re _____.a. over b. down c. up d. through

221.It is wrong to try to isolate drug-taking _____ the general condition of society; cure the ills of society and you cure drug-taking.a. with b. into c. from d. on

222.Her son is an old skinflint. Always waiting to jack _____ the price.a. over b. on c. up d. in

223.Industry as a whole is trying to keep rising costs _____ bay.a. at b. over c. in d. on

224.It’s a good idea – I’ll keep it _____ mind.a. under b. on c. in d. to


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225.Through the media we are able to keep in touch _____ events on the other side of the world almost as they happen.a. of b. with c. on d. about

226.The fire which threatened part of the business district this morning is now firmly _____ control.a. in b. out c. under d. on

227.An internal police inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Davis case is still____ way.a. under b. on c. in d. over

228.Our nation is very hard _____ and we are not supposed to but luxurious goods from overseas.a. over b. after c. up d. down

229.Please bear _____ mind that our country (Thailand) is not rich and powerful, therefore weshould work harder to get rid of poverty.a. with b. in c. on d. up

230.If you’ve bad news, don’t beat _____ the bush: come straight to the point.a. into b. on c. about d. over

231.I’m only now beginning to realize how much I benefited _____ my parents’ example.a. from b. of c. after d. in

232.It’s not much use blaming our defeat _____ the weather!


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a. of b. on c. against d. in

233.The bomb blew _____ with an ear-splitting crash.a. out b. off c. up d. away

234.I blew right _____, saying that I disagreed completely with the conclusion of the report.a. up b. off c. on d. into

235.Our transport bogged _____ in the thick mud.a. in b. down c. under d. up

236.I don’t know what would happen if we weren’t here to keep an eye _____ you.a. with b. to c. on d. at

237.We can tailor the insurance policy according _____your family’s needs.a. after b. to c. on d. of

238.Design must keep pace _____ technological innovation; it should neither lag behind it nor try to anticipate it.a. after b. behindc. with d. on

239.If he tells you that you’ve won first prize, don’t believe him. He’s probably kidding you _____.s. in b. on/up c. of d. about

240.The traditional picture of an English Christmas includes a table laden _____ food and drink.a. over b. of c. with d. on


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241.She appeared to be pretty calm, but at times shewould break _____ and start weeping.a. up b. into c. down d. out

242.Tell them that those inside need protection against desperate characters who are trying to break _____ from outside.a. over b. up c. into d. through

243.Computers have brought _____ many changes in theworkplace.a. up b. about c. back d. off

244.A national newspaper claims to have brought _____ light some important new evidence.a. up b. to c. into d. out

245.I shall bring _____ this question in the next meeting.a. out b. up c. over d. about

246.In my day, children were brought _____ to respect the law.a. into b. up c. on d. with

247.You’ll have to brush _____ your history of art if you want a job in the museum.a. about b. over c. up d. after

248.I bumped _____ David in town this morning.a. into b. up c. on d. off


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249.Aunt Annabel, who has been nervous and jumpy lately, suddenly burst _____ tears.a. out b. under c. into d. off

250.I don’t see any point in having a picnic in weather like this. Let’s call it _____.a. up b. on c. at d. off

251.It seemed that he was going to lash out _____ her, but he controlled himself.a. against b. for c. at d. to

252.In their withdrawal, much of the heavy equipmenthad to be left _____.a. behindb. out c. in d. off

253.“No, I don’t want a nice warm drink. I just wantto be left _____ peace, if that’s not too much toask.a. with b. in c. after d. for

254.He’s been let _____ so much in the past that he trusts no one.a. in b. out c. down d. up

255.Today these practices are no more, but their memory lingers _____.a. with b. up c. after d. on

256.I tried to call you _____ last night, but no oneanswer the phone. Were you out?a. with b. out c. up d. on


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257.If this difficult phase of highways planning is to be carried _____ efficiently, the engineer hasto have all the help that modern methods of survey can supply.a. out b. on c. over d. through

258.The great problem is to prevent others cashing _____ before we’ve had time to market the product.a. on b. in c. over d. through

259.My new students did not catch _____ to what I meant.a. in b. on c. from d. about

260.Aerobics has caught _____ in Russia faster than yoga, dieting or vegetarianism.a. on b. in c. up d. to

261.He had to work hard to catch _____ with the rest.a. on b. for c. up d. to

262.You can change you sterling _____ the local currency at the airport.a. over b. to c. with d. into

263.How much do they charge _____ washing a car?a. about b. on c. for d. of

264.They had an accident on the road and didn’t check _____ their hotel until after midnight.a. with b. into (in) c. through d. up


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265.“Has Mr. Jones left yet?“Yes, he checked _____ five minutes ago.”a. in b. out c. over d. off

266.“I can’t live _____ a hundred pound a week!”a. in b. out c. on d. off

267.I thought the nurse was looking _____ you.a. after b. into c. out d. up to

268.Mr. Jackson looks down _____ anyone who hasn’t had a college education.a. with b. to c. on d. over

269.Police are looking _____ the disappearance of a quantity of uncut gems.a. out b. into c. up to d. on

270.He is looked _____ as something of an authority on rare books.a. on/upon b. for c. afterd. over

271.I’ll give you till tomorrow to chew _____ my offer; then you can take it or leave it.a. aroundb. about c. on d. of

272.Did you come _____ any old photographs of the family when you were looking through the attic.a. after b. along c. acrossd. apart

273.Do you know when Parliament first came _____ existence?a. into b. on c. off d. under


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274.If we compare the figures for violent crime _____ those for last year, we notice a marked increase.a. upon b. with c. up d. into

275.Nothing will ever compensate him _____ the injuries he received in the accident.a. against b. about c. for d. with

276.Small suburban shops can’t compete _____ the chain-stores in price, though they can do so in personal service.a. in b. of c. with d. over

277.When you become a member of a club you generallyagree to comply _____ the rules.a. to b. with c. after d. before

278.The village was composed _____ two or three groups of thatched cottages, a church, a post-office and a small general store.a. of b. with c. between d. among

279.Nearly every strike is settled by employers compromising _____ their labour force.a. from b. for c. with d. under

280.I can’t concentrate _____, what I’m doing while that noise is going on.a. with b. on (upon) c. aboutd. in

281.Tell them to look _____, the ceiling is threatening to fall in.a. for b. into c. out d. through


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282.He comes back with an enormous dictionary, sits down and looks _____ the word.a. over b. up c. for d. up to

283.I’ve always looked up _____ Bill for courage anddetermination.a. to b. for c. on d. after

284.We all make fun _____ him, behind his back, of course.a. with b. of c. to d. about

285.Make the most _____ your life because life is a holiday from the dark.a. in b. with c. of d. on

286.The juries were instructed to confine their attention _____ the facts, and to ignore anythingthat could be described as hearsay.a. of b. to c. on d. over

287.The policeman’s story conflicts _____ that of the accused.a. on b. into c. about d. with

288.Joe’s a born rebel: he just can’t conform _____ the ordinary rules of society.a. for b. to/with c. on d. of

289.I am writing to congratulate you most sincerely _____ your recent election to the Senate.a. on/upon b. about c. over d. for


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290.In Scotland, the jury consists _____ fifteen people, not twelve as in England.a. on b. of c. with d. about

291.The Prince’s support has contributed substantially _____ raising public awareness of environmental issues.a. on b. in c. to/towards d. into

292.A lot of old people had difficult in converting the old currency _____ the new.a. of b. into c. from d. for

293.Sorry! I just took it _____ granted that you’d want to come.a. in b. for c. from d. out

294.You can count _____ Bill for a pound or two whenyou’re in trouble.a. in b. up c. on/upon d. for

295.Most foreign trading companies in West Africa deal _____ rubber, cocoa and vegetables oils.a. in b. on c. out d. for

296.I can never make sense _____ a word he says.a. about b. with c. on d. of

297.Very few operators make use _____ all the facilities a. off b. of c. in d. for

298.I could never makes _____ if they needed money or not.


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a. up b. up forc. out d. over

299.You can’t go around making _____ things about being assaulted by people who don’t exist.a. over b. up c. out d. with

300.We rehearsed all day Saturday, to make up _____ lost time.a. for b. with c. in d. out

301.You’re not going out to play until you’ve eaten all your carrots _____.a. off b. up c. out d. away

302.“How do you know that Jane’s going to have a baby? You must have been eavesdropping _____ our conversation.”a. in b. up c. back d on

303.In the first round of the FA Cup most of the amateur teams were eliminated _____ the competition.a. from b. out c. away d. off

304.Deep-seas trawlers are now equipped _____ electronic devices.a. on b. up c. with d. about

305.During the war hundreds of thousands of childrenwere evacuated _____ industrial _____ rural areas.a. from _____ in b. from _____ to c. to _____ to d. with _____ to


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306.Nobody should be exempt _____ doing some of the unpleasant jobs around the camp.a. of b. out c. from d. with

307. Many political rebels of the time ended their days exiled _____ their native regions.a. out b. off c. away d. from

308.In such a small house it is important to have some method of expelling cooking smells _____ thekitchen.a. from b. away c. out d. about

309.No one should expose himself _____ sunburn.a. with b. to c. on d. up

310.It is one thing to locate oil, but quite anotherto extract it _____ the earth and transport it tothe centres of industry.a. out b. into c. from d. up

311.I just saw him down the end of the passage. I screamed and he sort of faded _____.a. off b. under c. over d. away

312.Of course the children look undernourished. Their mother can’t afford to feed them _____ meatand fish every day!a. with b. on c. over d. into

313.They were getting a bit fed up _____ her by thattime, so they wrote her rather a sharp letter.a. in b. on c. with d. about


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314.Fill _____ your address at the bottom of the application form.a. with b. off c. on d. in

315.Following the recent heavy rains, the storage tanks filling _____ again.a. to b. up c. with d. into

316.Members of religious communities dedicate their whole lives _____ God’s service.a. to b. over c. in d. for

317.I depend _____ my car a lot for my freedom.a. with b. of c. on d. for

318.The new laws threaten to deprive many people _____ the most elementary freedom.a. from b. of c. for d. away

319.I have derived most of my concepts _____ those of Freud.a. in b. of c. from d. with

320.The debate deteriorated _____ a bitter quarrel between the party leaders.a. from b. in c. for d. into

321.Ghandi devoted his whole life _____ the cause ofpeace.a. to b. for c. on d. after

322.Only those species able to adapt to changing conditions survived. The others died _____.


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a. down b. away c. for d. out

323.The two parties differ very sharply _____ each other over the correct remedies to apply.a. between b. among c. from d. in

324.He would go to the corner restaurant and dine _____ half a chicken and salad, washed down with white wine.a. with b. on/offc. over d. for

325.Tony shaved off his beard before the interview: he knew of employers who strongly disapproved _____facial hair.a. against b. into c. of d. about

326.Pay increases will not always make _____ for poor working conditions.a. on b. up c. with d. in

327.I’ll make a deal _____ you. you can have the plans if you split the profit with us.a. for b. over c. towards d. with

328.Somebody’s been meddling _____ the photographs Ilaid out so carefully.a. with b. up c. about d. off

329.Don’t ask them to organize your itinerary: they made a complete mess _____ of ours.a. over b. up c. on d. out


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330. I think that she’sbeen very mixed _____ and she feels as if she’s had to fight the whole world.a. up b. with c. up with d. up in

331.She was discharged _____ the intensive care unitlast week and transferred to a general ward.a. away b. off c. out d. from

332.Try to discourage him _____ driving back to London tonight.a. to b. from c. on d. with

333.There is evidence that some employers discriminate _____ women applicants.a. down b. between c. against d. off

334.He can’t distinguish _____ a genuine antique anda reproduction.a. with b. between c. in d. against

335.He could not help having his mind diverted _____his anxieties by the rush of Bangkok life.a. off b. out c. for d. from

336.The death penalty has been done away _____ in many European countries.a. out b. with c. off d. on

337.In the evening we would drop _____ a roadside pub for a beer and sandwich.a. for b. off c. into d. out


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338.I felt myself dropping _____ in the middle of the second act.a. for b. off c. into d. out

339.There is a close connection between early drop-_____ and delinquency.a. for b. off c. out d. with

340.You can see from here how the river bank is slowly being eaten _____.a. out b. into c. away d. up

341.The prospect of a week in their seaside cottage was pleasant to muse _____.a. about b. on c. over d. of

342.The new transport plan is objected _____ by nearly all the interested parties.a. against b. on c. to d. with

343.Despite their financial and other problems, Henriand Jean were still able to participate _____ the social life of Paris.a. into b. up c. on d. in

344.“My, fancy that being a real burglar last night.I’d have passed _____ if I’d know.”a. off b. beforec. out d. over

345.The factory was laying people _____.a. off b. out c. down d. about


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346.I know nothing about this job, but finding _____will be enjoyable.a. off b. out c. for d. into

347.Public attention at the moment is focused _____ the problems of a declining economy.a. to b. on c. with d. after

348.Everyone knows he’s been fooling _____ with Bill’s wife.a. after b. out c. aroundd. with

349.The typical career pattern was geared _____ men whose wives didn’t work.a. to b. on c. upon d. with

350.The comedian didn’t seem to be able to get his jokes _____ to his audience.a. for b. beforec. after d. across

351.As it’s a first offence, the solicitor said, “I think she’ll get away _____ a fine.”a. out b. along c. on d. with

352.The constant noise of aircraft flying overhead gets _____ everyone’s nerves.a. out b. on c. with d. off

353.The children quickly get _____ of hand when there isn’t an adult around.a. away b. off c. in d. out


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354.She’s still trying to get _____ that bout of flushe had.a. aroundb. up c. over d. through

355.He gave _____ immense amounts of money to charity.a. up b. in c. away d. off

356.Pavements dried, giving _____ a smell of concentrated damp.a. away b. out c. up d. off

357.In the third year of their marriage his wife hadgiven birth _____ twin boys.a. to b. up c. into d. on

358.Jack was forced to give _____ his teaching job because he could not keep order in the class.a. out b. up c. away d. off

359.I glanced _____ my watch and was surprised to see it was nearly midnight.a. off b. over c. at d. down

360.Part of the wooden support of the house had beendangerous gnawed _____.a. out b. away c. on d. off


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Essential idioms

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Transcript of Essential idioms