Lexico 1.2

45. Everyone was living off tens of thousands of years of accumulated groundwater, like a ______ heir squandering his wealth.

A. stingy B. miserly C. spendthrift D. penny- pincher

C. spendthrift

📌 a person who spends money carelessly and wastefully.

"Humanity has behaved like a spendthrift species, depleting finite natural resources such as fossil fuels and groundwater without consideration for future generations."

"The decline of the empire was hastened by a series of spendthrift rulers who prioritized lavish personal expenditures over military and administrative needs."

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❌A. stingy - someone who is unwilling to spend money; very cheap.

"Individuals with high levels of financial anxiety may adopt stingy behavior as a coping mechanism, even when such restraint is unnecessary or socially detrimental."

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❌B. miserly - extremely careful with money; unwilling to spend even a little.

"The miserly allocation of resources to rural infrastructure projects reflects a broader pattern of urban bias in national development policies."

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❌D. penny-pincher

someone who hates spending money, even in small amounts.

"While some consumers view budgeting apps as tools for financial freedom, others criticize them for promoting a penny-pincher mentality that prioritizes savings over well-being."

46. Saving up for a nest ______ is an important part of life and should not be ignored, no matter how young or how well-off you are.

A. egg B. stone D. seed D. pit

A. NEST EGG

📌 "Nest egg" is an idiom that refers to:

A sum of money saved and set aside for the future, especially for retirement or unexpected expenses.

"People with higher levels of financial literacy are significantly more likely to maintain a stable nest egg, regardless of income level."

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🌱Discovery:

-"Seed money" - capital to start a project or business.

-"Rainy day fund" - savings for unexpected emergencies, usually short-term.

47. My first impression of Vanessa was that she was very charming and ______; she seemed totally at ease with people.

A. exuberant B. urbane C. aloof D. compassionate

B. urbane

📌Polite, refined, confident, and socially sophisticated, especially in an elegant or cosmopolitan setting.

It implies charm that comes from education, manners, and social ease, often associated with city life or cultured environments.

✅ Perfect fit. It matches both "charming" and "at ease with people."

Eg: "Effective international negotiators often exhibit an urbane demeanor that allows them to navigate cultural differences with subtle diplomacy."

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❌A. exuberant - full of energy and enthusiasm

🔸 Doesn't quite fit. While it's positive, it suggests high energy, not necessarily social grace or ease.

"Elizabeth Bennet's exuberant wit and spirited dialogue distinguish her from the more subdued women of her social circle."

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❌C. aloof - distant, emotionally detached

=>Opposite meaning; doesn't match "charming."

"Leaders perceived as aloof may struggle to connect with constituents, as emotional distance can undermine trust and relatability."

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❌D. compassionate - kind and empathetic

🔸 Positive, but more about emotional warmth than social ease or charm.

49. This sound system is so well-designed and technologically advanced that it is hard to ______.

A. overtake B. transcend C. dominate D. rival

✅ Correct answer: D. rival

📌To rival = to be as good as or to compete with something in quality, strength, or ability.

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A. overtake

Means: to move ahead of someone or something (e.g., in a race)

❌ But the sentence says it is hard to overtake the sound system, which sounds like the sound system is behind, not ahead — illogical in this context.

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B. transcend

Means: to go beyond the limits of something

❌ Doesn't fit the structure well. You don't usually "transcend" an object like a sound system — the word is used for abstract ideas like transcending time or transcending expectations.

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C. dominate

Means: to control or overpower

❌ "Hard to dominate" makes no sense. We don't say we dominate a machine — and in this sentence, it doesn't mean what we want at all.

50. Parents often have to ______ large amounts of money so their children can take part in extracurricular sports activities.

A. mark down B. rung up C. shell out D. stock up

C. SHELL OUT

🔍 Explanation:

📌 "Shell out" (phrasal verb):

To pay a large amount of money, especially reluctantly or unwillingly.

"Despite universal healthcare coverage, citizens still shell out significant out-of-pocket expenses for specialized treatments and medications not included in basic insurance plans."

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A. mark down

Means: to reduce the price of something

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B. rung up

(Past tense of "ring up") — means to record a sale on a cash register

❌ Not about paying or spending money yourself.

"Retailers in the luxury sector rang up billions in holiday sales, defying predictions of consumer slowdown amid economic uncertainty."

"Sales clerks were instructed to ring up add-on products at checkout as part of a strategy to increase average transaction value."

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D. stock up

Means: to buy a large quantity of something for future use

❌ Not about paying a large amount, just buying in bulk — the meaning is different.

51. James kept trying to ______ his duties, but his manager told him if he didn't start taking responsibility for his work he would have to leave the company.

A. beaver away B. weasel out of C. chicken out of D. clam up

✅ Correct answer: B. weasel out of

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Weasel out of [something]" is an idiom that means:

🔥To avoid doing something in a sly, sneaky, or dishonest way, especially something you are responsible for.

"Employees who consistently weasel out of group responsibilities can erode team morale and foster resentment among more accountable colleagues."

"Critics argue that certain governments attempt to weasel out of international climate agreements by exploiting vague language and loopholes."

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❌A. beaver away

Means: to work very hard and diligently

"Despite limited resources, the students continued to beaver away at their science project, eventually earning recognition at the regional level."

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❌C. chicken out of

Means: to back out of something due to fear

"Adolescents who fear social ridicule may chicken out of expressing unpopular opinions, reflecting the powerful influence of group dynamics."

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❌D. clam up

Means: to become silent suddenly, often out of nervousness or unwillingness to speak

"Suspects frequently clam up when confronted with contradictory evidence, complicating interrogation procedures."

53. After testing positive on a doping test, the renowned athlete was advised to lay low and avoid the press like the ______.

A. plague B. hawk C. wildfire D. wind

✅ Correct answer: A. plague

🔍 Idiom: avoid something like the plague

📌To completely avoid something or someone because it is extremely unpleasant, dangerous, or harmful.

54. Apart from one or two ______ of brilliance from Owen, England put on a rather poor performance.

A. flashesB. spellsC. stormsD. strokes

✅ Correct answer: A. flashes

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Flashes of [something]" is an idiom that means:

🔥 Brief, sudden bursts of a quality, especially skill, brilliance, or insight — often used when something appears momentarily but impressively.

"Though structurally inconsistent, the novel contains flashes of brilliance in its dialogue and thematic symbolism, hinting at the author's latent literary potential."

"In literary analysis, an otherwise mediocre novel may still offer flashes of philosophical insight or stylistic excellence."

55. The police believe Morgan strangled his girlfriend in a ______ of jealousy.

A. burst B. fit C. flash D. spell

✅ Correct answer: B. fit

🔍 Explanation

📌 "A fit of [emotion]" is a fixed expression that means:

🔥 A sudden and intense outburst of a strong emotion or physical reaction — often uncontrollable and sometimes violent.

🎓 Academic-style examples:

"Crimes of passion are often committed in fits of jealousy, rage, or despair, clouding rational judgment."

"The subject displayed a fit of hysterical laughter, which disrupted the clinical interview process."

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❌ A. burst

Means: a short, energetic explosion of emotion or activity

"A burst of laughter" / "burst of applause"

➡️ Sounds too brief and external for deep emotional violence like jealousy.

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❌ C. flash

Means: a very brief or sudden moment (e.g., "flash of insight", "flash of anger")

➡️ Too fleeting for a full-blown, emotional act like strangling someone.

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❌ D. spell

Means: a period or phase of something (e.g., "a spell of dizziness", "a cold spell")

➡️ Implies duration, not a sudden outburst — doesn't fit with jealousy-driven violence.

56. Normally, when he was late, he gave a pathetic excuse, but not this time, what he said had a ______ of truth about it.

A. figment B. glimmer C. ring D. shred

✅ Correct answer: C. ring

🔍 Explanation

📌 "A ring of truth" is an idiom that means:

🔥 Something sounds believable or genuine, even if it's not confirmed to be true. It gives the impression or feeling of being honest or real.

🎓 Academic-style example:

"Although lacking direct evidence, the witness's account had a ring of truth, prompting investigators to pursue further corroboration."

"Although the eyewitness's memory was fragmented, the account possessed a ring of truth consistent with well-documented patterns of flashbulb memories."

57. Having gained a ______ victory in the general elections, they proceeded with their ambitious programme.

A. galloping B. staunch C. landslide D. close-up

✅ Correct answer: C. landslide

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Landslide victory" is a common political idiom meaning:

🔥 A very large and overwhelming win, especially in an election — where one side wins by a huge margin.

🎓 Academic-style example:

"The ruling party's landslide victory gave it a clear mandate to implement sweeping economic reforms."

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❌ A. galloping

🔥 Fast, uncontrolled, or rapidly progressing movement (emphasize speed or lack of control)

➡️ Not used idiomatically with "victory"

💬 Common figurative uses:

Galloping inflation - very rapid increase in prices

Galloping consumption - quickly escalating use of resources

Galloping technology - fast-developing innovations

Galloping disease - aggressive, fast-spreading illness

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❌ B. staunch

Means: Firm, loyal, and strong in support of a person, belief, cause, or principle — often despite difficulty or opposition.

➡️ Describes people or support, not types of victory

"Staunch opposition from conservative groups delayed the implementation of the policy."

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❌ D. close-up

Means: a zoomed-in image (photography/film term)

➡️ Has no connection with elections or winning

58. We can't buy it. We have already $400 ______ at the bank. We would run up huge debts.

A. overspent B. overtaken C. overdrawn D. overdone

✅ Correct answer: C. overdrawn

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Overdrawn"

🔥 Spending more money from your bank account than you actually have, resulting in a negative balance (i.e., you're using the bank's money — often with interest or fees).

🎓 Academic-style example:

"Households that remain overdrawn for extended periods often fall into cyclical debt due to accumulated interest and banking fees."

"Some banks impose strict penalties for overdrawn accounts, exacerbating the financial strain on low-income customers."

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❌ A. overspent

Means: spent more than one could afford

"We overspent on our vacation."

➡️ A general term; doesn't specifically refer to bank account status

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❌ B. overtaken

Means: be surpassed

"A sense of hopelessness overtook many respondents following prolonged periods of unemployment."

➡️ Has nothing to do with money or banks

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❌ D. overdone

Means: done to an excessive degree (e.g., cooking, exaggeration)

"The steak is overdone." / "He overdid the decorations."

➡️ Not applicable to bank accounts

59. It is hoped that this meeting will pave the way for ______ peace.

A. long-lasting B. long-running C. long-standing D. long-winded

✅ Correct answer: A. long-lasting

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Pave the way for [something]" is an idiom meaning:

🔥 To create the conditions or make preparations that will allow something to happen later.

📌LONG-LASTING

🔥 Enduring for a long time; continuing to exist, remain effective, or have influence well into the future.

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❌ B. long-running

Means: something that has been going on for a long time (e.g., a long-running conflict, a long-running debate)

➡️ Describes duration of an ongoing situation, not future peace.

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❌ C. long-standing

Means: existing for a long time (e.g., a long-standing tradition, a long-standing issue)

➡️ Refers to the past or present, not a hoped-for future.

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❌ D. long-winded

Means: overly lengthy, tedious, especially in speech or writing

➡️ Has a negative tone and does not relate to peace at all

60. Naturally, her parents were thrilled to ______ when they found out she had passed the exam with an A.

A. shreds B. heaven C. goodness D. bits

✅ Correct answer: D. bits

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Thrilled to bits" is a common British idiom that means:

🔥 Extremely happy or overjoyed about something.

"I was thrilled to bits when I saw I'd gotten an A on my chemistry test!"

"Gran was thrilled to bits when we surprised her with a visit this weekend."

61. I know she is a bit miserable at the moment, but she'll soon ______ up when she finds out that I have booked us a two-week holiday in Barbados.

A. perk B. look C. pump D. joy

✅ Correct answer: A. perk

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Perk up" is a phrasal verb that means:

🔥 To become happier, more energetic, or more enthusiastic — especially after feeling sad, tired, or unmotivated.

"She'll soon perk up when she finds out that I have booked us a two-week holiday in Barbados."

62. There is no need to get so ______ about being turned down. There are other advertising agencies out there, you know.

A. destitute B. descendant C. despondent D. despicable

✅ Correct answer: C. despondent

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Despondent" is an adjective that means:

🔥 Very discouraged, downhearted, or hopeless, especially after a disappointment or failure.

🎓 Academic-style example:

"Job seekers may become despondent after repeated rejections, which can negatively affect both motivation and mental well-being."

"Marginalized youth often grow despondent when systemic barriers repeatedly obstruct their access to education and employment opportunities."

"Despondent individuals may exhibit reduced adherence to treatment protocols, which poses a significant challenge in managing chronic illness."

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❌ A. destitute

🔥 Extremely poor; lacking the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter, and money.

"After the war, many families were left destitute and dependent on international aid."

"Urban gentrification often pushes low-income residents into destitution, exacerbating cycles of poverty and homelessness."

➡️ Not about emotional reaction — it's about material poverty

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❌ B. descendant

🔥 A person who is related to someone who lived earlier, usually in terms of family lineage.

It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that originates from something else.

"She is a direct descendant of a 17th-century nobleman."

"Many descendants of the original settlers now inhabit the region, maintaining some of the cultural traditions brought over by their ancestors."

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❌ D. despicable

Means: morally wrong or disgusting

➡️ Describes actions or people, not emotions

"The defendant was found guilty of a despicable act involving premeditated cruelty toward animals, resulting in the maximum sentence."

"The despicable policies of the Nazi regime illustrate how unchecked propaganda and racial ideology can lead to genocide."

63. All he has done since losing his job is ______ around the house all day.

A. mourn B. depress C. mope D. wallow

✅ Correct answer: C. mope

🔍 Explanation

📌 "To mope around" means:

🔥 To move slowly or aimlessly, looking sad, depressed, or unmotivated, often because of disappointment or a recent setback.

"Ever since the breakup, he's just been moping around the apartment doing nothing."

"Stop moping around and come help me with dinner."

"Teenagers who lack peer support after academic setbacks may exhibit withdrawn behaviors, often described informally as 'moping around'."

"Psychological distress following job loss can manifest in behavioral patterns such as social isolation, loss of motivation, and moping around one's living space."

64. He likes nothing better than to spend his Sunday mornings ______ in the gardens.

A. pottering about B. hanging around C. whiling away D. winding down

✅ Correct answer: A. pottering about

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Pottering about" (British English) means:

🔥 To move around in a relaxed, unhurried way, doing small, pleasant, often non-essential tasks, especially around the house or garden.

"Retirees often report increased well-being when engaging in low-stress activities such as pottering about in their gardens, which promote routine and a sense of purpose."

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❌ B. hanging around

➡️ Suggests loitering or waiting idly, often with no real purpose — lacks the productive or peaceful nuance of pottering.

"Adolescents who frequently hang around in unsupervised public spaces are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors."

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❌ C. whiling away

➡️ "To while away [time]" means:

🔥 To spend time in a relaxed, pleasant, or unhurried way, often when waiting or simply enjoying leisure.

"Engaging in low-pressure hobbies such as gardening or sketching can help individuals while away stress-filled hours, promoting emotional regulation."

"In Victorian novels, characters often whiled away long evenings by reading, knitting, or engaging in parlor games, highlighting the slower rhythm of domestic life."

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❌ D. winding down

➡️ Means to gradually relax or reduce activity after being busy.

"Sleep hygiene experts recommend engaging in calming activities to help individuals wind down before bedtime, improving sleep onset and quality."

"The organization began to wind down its charitable operations abroad due to shifting political conditions and donor fatigue."

65. The three tours are run _______ so we can only choose one.

A. concurrently B. recurrently C. concurringly D. cursively

✅ Correct answer: A. concurrently

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Concurrently" is an adverb that means:

🔥 At the same time; simultaneously.

"The three tours are run concurrently, so we can only choose one."

🎓 Academic-style example:

"The experiments were conducted concurrently to control for seasonal environmental variation."

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❌ B. recurrently

Means: happening repeatedly or periodically

➡️ Not about events happening at the same time, but happening again and again

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❌ C. concurringly

🚫 Not a real English word — incorrect form of "concurrent"

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❌ D. cursively

Means: in cursive writing style (e.g., handwriting)

➡️ Totally unrelated to timing or events

66. Kitchell says the city was a _______ of all American culture during the '60s.

A. microclimate B. microcopy C. microcosm D. microscope

✅ Correct answer: C. microcosm

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Microcosm" is a noun that means:

🔥 A small, contained system or group that reflects the larger whole in structure, behavior, or characteristics, a "miniature version" of sth

"Urban classrooms often serve as a microcosm of national demographic shifts, reflecting broader social and economic inequalities."

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❌ A. microclimate

🔥 The localized climate of a small or specific area, which may differ from the surrounding general climate.

"Because of its elevation and tree cover, the garden has its own microclimate that stays cool even in summer."

"Understanding microclimate variations is critical for optimizing vineyard placement and maximizing grape yield in Mediterranean regions."

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❌ B. microcopy

🔥 Small snippets of text found in websites, apps, and digital products that guide, reassure, or inform users — often during tasks like signing up, checking out, or submitting forms.

"The microcopy next to the password field said, 'Use at least 8 characters with a mix of letters and numbers.'"

Button text: "Submit", "Buy Now", "Try Free"

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❌ D. microscope

➡️ A scientific instrument used to magnify small things — not a figurative or social concept.

67. The idea of a nap in the middle of the day is quite _______ to British people.

A. foreign B. distant C. remote D. unheard

🔍 Explanation

📌BE FOREIGN TO SB

🔥 Unfamiliar, strange, or not part of one's typical customs or experience — not just related to nationality or countries.

"While siestas are common in Mediterranean countries, the practice remains largely foreign to northern European cultures, where workdays are more rigidly structured."

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❌ B. distant

➡️ Refers to physical or emotional space (e.g., distant memory, distant cousin) — doesn't work for cultural unfamiliarity.

❌ C. remote

➡️ Often means far away (physically or metaphorically) — but sounds awkward in this context. You'd say "a remote possibility", not "a remote idea".

❌ D. unheard

➡️ Usually used in the phrase "unheard of", and even then, it's stronger (suggests something never encountered or shocking)→ "A nap isn't unheard of; it's just uncommon."

68. The island of Tahiti _______ sandy beaches and crystal clear water.

A. brags B. gloats C. boasts D. swaggers

✅ Correct answer: C. boasts

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Boasts" in this context means:

🔥 To proudly possess a feature, quality, or achievement — especially something impressive or attractive.

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❌ A. brags

🔥 To talk about something you're proud of in a way that shows off — often annoying or excessive to others.

"He kept bragging about getting the highest score on the exam."

"Individuals with narcissistic traits tend to engage in self-enhancing behaviors, such as bragging, to seek external validation and social dominance."

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❌ B. gloats

➡️ Means to take pleasure in someone else's misfortune — completely inappropriate in this context

→ Example: "He gloated after his rival failed."

"Gloating is often observed in competitive environments and is linked to schadenfreude — the pleasure derived from another's misfortune."

Common Collocations:

gloat over someone's failure

gloat with satisfaction

a gloating smile / tone

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❌ D. swaggers

➡️ Refers to the way a person walks or behaves — suggests arrogance or cockiness

→ Doesn't work for inanimate subjects like islands

"The celebrity swaggered down the red carpet, basking in the attention."

"The character's exaggerated swagger serves as a symbol of hypermasculinity and social defiance in post-war literature."

69. I don't like intellectual novels, serious music or films; my tastes are quite ______

A. flat-topped B. lowbrow C. shamefaced D. slow-witted

✅ Correct answer: B. lowbrow

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Lowbrow" is an adjective (or noun) that describes:

🔥 Simple, less intellectual, or less culturally sophisticated tastes — often in entertainment, art, or literature.

🎓 Academic-style example:

"Cultural critics often distinguish between highbrow and lowbrow entertainment, though such binaries may oversimplify complex audience preferences."

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❌ A. flat-topped

🚫 Not related — refers to shape (e.g., landscape or haircut)

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❌ C. shamefaced

➡️ Means embarrassed or ashamed, especially after doing something wrong→ Doesn't relate to personal tastes or preferences

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❌ D. slow-witted

➡️ Means not mentally quick or not sharp — implies lack of intelligence, not taste in media

70. A lot of older people are ______ because they've been complaining all their lives

A. irate B. crotchety C. indignant D. infuriated

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Crotchety" is an adjective that means:

🔥 Easily annoyed or bad-tempered, especially due to age, habit, or personality — often used to describe grumpy older people.

🎓 Academic-style example:

"Stereotypes of the elderly often portray them as crotchety or resistant to change, though such characterizations may oversimplify the complexities of aging and temperament."

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❌ A. irate

➡️ Means extremely angry, often in a sudden, explosive way

— doesn't fit the long-term, habitual irritation implied in the sentence.

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❌ C. indignant

➡️ Means angry or offended due to perceived injustice or insult

— more righteous anger, not just habitual grumpiness.

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❌ D. infuriated

➡️ Stronger than "irate" — means completely enraged — again

not the right fit for describing constant low-level grumpiness.

71. Margie was an _______ traveller; even dangerous conflict would not stop her from visiting a place.

A. intrepid B. inquisitive C. ingenious D. insightful

✅ Correct answer: A. intrepid

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Intrepid" is an adjective that means:

🔥 Fearless, brave, and adventurous, especially in the face of danger or uncertainty.

🎓 Academic-style example:

"Intrepid explorers of the 19th century ventured into uncharted territories, often facing life-threatening conditions in the name of discovery."

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❌ B. inquisitive

➡️ Means curious or eager to learn — doesn't reflect bravery or risk-taking

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❌ C. ingenious

➡️ Means clever and inventive — good with solving problems, but not about being fearless

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❌ D. insightful

➡️ Means deeply understanding or perceptive — again, not related to courage

72. The floral bouquets we entered into the competition were a _______ of colour, but unfortunately, we did not win first prize.

A. wham B. riot C. drop D. buzz

✅ Correct answer: B. riot

🔍 Explanation

📌 "A riot of colour" is a figurative expression that means:

🔥 An extremely bright, varied, and visually overwhelming display of colors — often in nature, art, or design.

🎓 Academic-style example:

"The marketplace was a riot of colour, with stalls overflowing with spices, textiles, and produce that dazzled the senses."

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❌ A. wham

➡️ An informal sound word (onomatopoeia) that imitates a sudden hit — doesn't describe visuals or colors.

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❌ C. drop

➡️ Could refer to a small amount (e.g., a drop of water) — unrelated to intense or chaotic visuals.

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❌ D. buzz

➡️ Refers to sound (e.g., a buzz of conversation) or excitement, not to colorful appearance.

73. Don't forget to _______ your sources; you don't want to get accused of stealing information.

A. quote B. cite D. name D. refer

✅ Correct answer: B. cite

🔍 Explanation

📌CITE A SOURCE means:

🔥 To formally acknowledge or mention the origin of information, especially in academic or professional writing.

"In her critique of Gothic fiction, the scholar cites passages from Wuthering Heights to illustrate the novel's subversion of traditional gender roles."

75. The football fans were coming in _______ to watch the final game. An hour before the kickoff the stadium was packed full.

A. fingers and thumbs B. bits and bobs

C. dribs and drabs D. bibs and tuckers

✅ Correct answer: C. dribs and drabs

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Dribs and drabs" is an idiomatic expression meaning:

🔥 In small, irregular amounts or numbers — not all at once, but little by little.

🎓 Academic-style example:

"Aid to the flood-affected region arrived in dribs and drabs, reflecting logistical challenges and inadequate coordination among relief agencies."

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❌ A. fingers and thumbs

➡️ From the phrase "all fingers and thumbs", meaning clumsy or awkward with your hands

— irrelevant here.

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❌ B. bits and bobs

➡️ Means small, miscellaneous items (e.g., "tools, wires, and bits and bobs")

— not used for people arriving.

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❌ D. bibs and tuckers

➡️ An old-fashioned expression referring to fine clothes or dressy attire (e.g., "in one's best bib and tucker")

— unrelated to movement or arrival.

76. The Government is trying to ________when it says it will spend more on the health service without raising taxes.

A. chew the fat B. wave the flag

C. square the circle D. put the lid

✅ Correct answer: C. square the circle

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Square the circle" is an idiomatic expression that means:

🔥 To try to do something that is seemingly impossible or logically contradictory.

🎓 Academic-style example:

"Policy-makers often attempt to square the circle by promising expansive social programs while committing to fiscal conservatism."

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❌ A. chew the fat

➡️ Informal phrase meaning to chat casually or gossip — not related to complex decision-making.

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❌ B. wave the flag

➡️ Means to show patriotism or promote national pride — not about solving contradictions.

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❌ D. put the lid on sth

➡️ meaning to suppress or limit — not applicable here.

77. The government is using the taxes from the working class to bail out the banks that ruined the economy? That really ________!

A. sows wild oats B. spills the beans

C. takes the biscuit D. upsets the apple cart

✅ Correct answer: C. takes the biscuit

🔍 Explanation

📌 "Takes the biscuit" (UK English) is an idiom that means:

🔥 To be the most surprising, annoying, shocking, or absurd thing in a series of negative events — often used to express disbelief or frustration.

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❌ A. sows wild oats

➡️ Means to engage in reckless behavior, especially in youth — often about partying or relationships. Irrelevant here.

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❌ B. spills the beans

➡️ Means to reveal a secret or leak confidential information — not about expressing shock or frustration.

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❌ D. upsets the apple cart

➡️ Means to disrupt an existing order or plan — close in spirit, but not about shock at unfairness.