Lexico 1.1

in limbo

📌a state of uncertainty, neglect, or suspension, where no progress is made, and no clear outcome is in sight

"Due to funding cuts, the project examining climate-induced migration has been == for over a year, halting crucial data collection in vulnerable coastal areas."

"The lack of updated ethical guidelines has left the use of AI in student assessment ==, as institutions hesitate to approve its widespread implementation."

Discussions on the issue of expansion of the company have been in _______ since the outbreak of the disease in the area.

Viewers were _______ at the incredible sight of the lunar landscape, unable to take their eyes off the screen until the very end of the broadcast.

A. switched B. devised C. transfixed D. stifled

📌 "transfixed" là từ duy nhất diễn tả đúng cảm giác "không thể rời mắt vì quá ấn tượng" →✅ Đáp án: C. transfixed.

🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

❌ A. switched 🔄

Meaning: Changed from one thing to another (e.g., switching TV channels).

🚫 Wrong because: "Viewers were switched" makes no sense — viewers don't get "switched" in this context.

❌ B. devised 🛠️

Meaning: Invented or planned something cleverly.

🚫 Wrong because: This verb is used for ideas or creations, not people reacting emotionally to something they see.

❌ D. stifled 😷

Meaning: Held back or suppressed (e.g., a cough, emotion).

🚫 Wrong because: "Stifled" is negative and implies restriction, not captivation or awe.

3. Having lost her mother at an early age, Mary felt she had become a mere _______, having to do absolutely everything for her five brothers and sisters.

A. taskmaster B. workmate C. slavedriver D. workhorse

📌D. workhorse - someone who is relied upon to do a lot of hard, tedious work, often without recognition. ✅ This fits perfectly with "having to do absolutely everything."

A. taskmaster - someone who gives others hard tasks or commands. Not suitable, since Mary does the work, not assigns it.

B. workmate - a colleague. Doesn't fit the context of doing everything alone for her siblings.

C. slavedriver - someone who forces others to work excessively. Again, Mary is the one doing the work, not making others work.

Keith's _______ income looks impressive, but once tax and social security contributions are deducted, it's not so much.

A. full B. grand C. net D. gross

D. gross

📌 Meaning: Gross income is the total income before any deductions like tax or social security.

This fits perfectly: the sentence is saying his income "looks impressive" at first — but that's before deductions.

Gross income - deductions = net income

We have developed rapid order processing to _______ deliveries to customers.

A. expedite B. fasten C. heighten D. quicken

✅ A. expedite

📌 Meaning: To make a process happen faster or more efficiently.

Commonly used in business, logistics, and customer service to describe speeding up tasks like shipments, approvals, or procedures.

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❌ B. fasten 🔩

Means to secure or attach something (e.g., fasten your seatbelt).

❌ Not related to speed at all — doesn't fit the context of "deliveries."

❌ C. heighten 📈

Means to increase in degree or intensity (e.g., heighten awareness, heighten tension).

❌ Doesn't refer to speed or timing.

❌ D. quicken ⏩

Can mean to speed up, but it's more poetic or outdated in modern business contexts.

"Expedite" is the standard verb used in professional or logistical language.

6. The operation was a success, but the patient died of _______.

A. complications B. symptoms C. after-effects D. ramifications

✅ A. complications

📌 Meaning: In medical terms, complications refer to unexpected medical problems that arise during or after surgery or treatment.

Even if a surgery is "successful" (e.g., the technical part went well), a patient can still die due to post-operative complications, like infections or organ failure.

✅ Most accurate and medically appropriate word here.

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❌ B. symptoms

Symptoms are signs of illness (like fever or pain), not causes of death.

They indicate a problem but don't cause death themselves.

❌ C. after-effects 🌫️

After-effects are milder, often temporary consequences (e.g., dizziness after medication).

Too weak in tone to explain death — not medically precise in this context.

❌ D. ramifications 🔄

Ramifications are consequences, but this word is mostly used in legal, political, or social contexts, not medical.

Example: "The policy has serious ramifications." → ❌ Not suitable for describing a medical outcome.

put a new/different complexion on sth

📌To change the way a situation appears or is understood, especially by introducing new information, evidence, or perspectives.

Increasing terrorism in the region puts a new _______ on the situation.

The recent breakthrough in gene editing puts a new ________ on the ethical debate surrounding human enhancement."

My car broke down and I had to _______ a huge sum of money to have it towed and serviced.

A. splash out B. fork out C. put aside D. pay off

✅ B. fork out

📌 Meaning: To spend money unwillingly or with reluctance, especially a large amount.

Often used when paying for something unexpected, unpleasant, or costly.

✅ Matches perfectly with the idea of an unexpected car breakdown.

Example: "We had to fork out $500 for emergency plumbing repairs."

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❌ A. splash out 💃🛍️

Means to spend a lot of money freely, often on something fun or luxurious.

❌ Doesn't fit the tone of the sentence, which is about unexpected and unpleasant spending.

❌ C. put aside 🐖

Means to save or reserve money for future use.

❌ Opposite of what the sentence is saying — the money was spent, not saved.

❌ D. pay off ✅💳

Means to completely pay a debt or loan.

❌ Not suitable here — the focus is on spending a large sum, not clearing debt.

11. The candidate's optimism gave _______ to doubt as the result of exit polls became known.

A. place B. lie C. vent D. voice

✅ A. place

📌 The expression: give place to means to be replaced by or to yield to.

So the sentence means: the candidate's optimism was replaced by doubt once the exit poll results came out.

Example: "Old traditions gave place to modern values."

"Traditional rote learning has increasingly given place to student-centered approaches that emphasize critical thinking and creativity."

After the hurricane, all that was left of our house was a pile of _______.

A. rabble B. rubble C. ramble D. rumble

✅ B. rubble

📌 Meaning: Broken pieces of stone, brick, or concrete from a destroyed building.

Used specifically to describe the remains of structures after destruction, such as from hurricanes, earthquakes, or bombings.

✅ Perfectly fits the image of a house destroyed by a natural disaster.

Example: "They searched through the rubble for survivors after the earthquake."

❌ A. rabble 🗣️

Means a disorderly crowd or mob (often derogatory).

❌ Refers to people, not debris.

❌ C. ramble 🚶‍♂️💬

As a noun, rarely used; as a verb, it means to wander aimlessly or speak in a disorganized way.

❌ Makes no sense in this context.

❌ D. rumble 🔊

A low, continuous sound, like thunder or a stomach growl.

❌ Not a physical object, and can't form a pile.

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"Photographs of Dresden after the Allied bombing raids depict a once-vibrant city reduced to a desolate landscape of smoking rubble.

To say it is the best novel written in the last twenty years is going far _______.

A. a long way B. over the top C. through a bad patch D. to great lengths

B. over the top

=>GO OVER THE TOP

📌 Meaning: Exaggerated, excessive, or beyond what is reasonable.

The phrase "going far over the top" implies someone is overstating or exaggerating their opinion.

✅ Perfect fit for expressing that the praise is too extreme to be reasonable.

Example: "The praise for the movie was a bit over the top—it wasn't that good."

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"Some scholars argue that the protagonist's moral transformation in the final chapters goes over the top, undermining the subtle psychological development built earlier in the novel."

This week's programme is given _______ a profile of an eminent scientist.

A. credit for B. in to C. over to D. up on

C. over to

BE GIVEN OVER TO

📌 Meaning: To dedicate or devote something (like time, space, or attention) to a particular purpose or topic.

"Given over to" is a formal phrase meaning the programme is dedicated to or focused on something — in this case, a profile of a scientist.

✅ Perfect match for formal or professional contexts like television or radio programming.

Example: "The evening session was given over to a panel discussion on climate change."

Inspector Morts was determined to get to the _______ of the mystery.

A. ground B. end C. bottom D. point

✅ C. bottom

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GET TO THE BOTTOM OF STH

📌 Expression: "get to the bottom of something" means to find the true cause, origin, or explanation of a problem, mystery, or situation.

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Example: "The committee vowed to get to the bottom of the financial scandal."

"To address rising student anxiety, the administration initiated surveys and interviews to get to the bottom of the underlying causes."

If you make it to the final, you will be _______ some of the best sprinters in the world.

A. in for B. up to C. up against D. up with

✅ C. up against

BE UP AGAINST SB

📌 Meaning: To be in direct competition or conflict with someone or something challenging.

Common in sports, debates, or competitive situations, where you're facing strong opponents.

Example: "The young lawyer found herself up against a seasoned legal team."

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❌ A. in for ⚠️

"Be in for something" means you're about to experience something (usually unpleasant or surprising), e.g., "You're in for a shock."

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❌ B. up to 📏

"Be up to something" means capable of or engaged in, e.g., "He's not up to the task."

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❌ D. up with ⬆️

Might suggest keeping pace with someone (e.g., "keep up with"), but "up with" alone is ❌ incorrect and awkward here

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"The startup was up against multinational corporations with significantly greater resources and market influence."

"Students from marginalized backgrounds are often up against a range of systemic inequalities that affect academic achievement."

18. He gave speeches all over the world to _______ support for his "Help the Homeless" Campaign.

A. trot out B. turn to C. weigh up D. whip up

✅ D. whip up

📌 Meaning: To quickly or forcefully generate strong feelings or enthusiasm, especially support, emotion, or public interest.

Often used in political or social contexts when someone is trying to stir up energy or rally people.

Example: "The speaker whipped up the crowd into a frenzy."

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❌ A. trot out 🐎

Means to present something again, often too frequently or without enthusiasm, e.g., "He trotted out the same excuses."

=> Negative tone, and not about generating support.

❌ B. turn to 🔄

Means to go to someone or something for help, e.g., "She turned to her mentor for advice."

=>Doesn't match the idea of actively gaining support.

❌ C. weigh up ⚖️

Means to carefully consider or evaluate something, e.g., "She weighed up the pros and cons."

=> Has nothing to do with rallying support.

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"Charismatic leaders often rely on emotionally charged rhetoric to whip up collective enthusiasm or fear within large crowds."

"Sensationalist headlines are frequently employed to whip up moral panic among the public, particularly in times of uncertainty."

The new professor is way ahead of the _______with his research into genetics.

A. twist B. circle C. spin D. curve

✅ D. curve

📌 Idiom: "AHEAD OF THE CURVE"

→ Means to be more advanced, innovative, or forward-thinking than others in the same field.

Example: "Her team was ahead of the curve in developing AI ethics frameworks."

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"The university's integration of AI-assisted learning tools has kept it ahead of the curve in digital education reform."

"Startups that embrace quantum computing now are likely to be ahead of the curve when commercial applications become viable."

21. Don't _______ him on to join a gang: nothing could be worse for him!

A. egg B. toast C. butter D. knife

✅ A. egg

📌 Idiom: EGG SB ON

→ Means to encourage someone to do something foolish, risky, or wrong — often by teasing or pressuring them.

Example: "His friends egged him on until he finally jumped into the freezing lake."

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"Teachers must distinguish between students who act out and those who are merely egged on by disruptive classmates."

"Reality TV often eggs contestants on to engage in confrontational behavior, prioritizing entertainment over ethics."

23. I am not surprised that your brother is angry; you spent half an hour _______ him up about an issue he cares about deeply.

A. spinning B. turning C. winding D. twirling

✅ C. winding

📌 Idiom: WIND SB UP

→ Means to deliberately annoy, tease, or provoke someone — often until they become angry or upset.

Example: "He knew it would irritate her, but he kept winding her up just for fun."

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"Trolls often attempt to wind users up through inflammatory comments, exploiting the anonymity of digital platforms to provoke outrage."

"In heated debates, speakers may use sarcastic or dismissive language to wind up opponents, escalating tension and undermining civil discourse."

That he was using unscrupulous research methods only came out because his assistant _______ on him to the press.

A. ratted B. hounded C. fished D. bugged

✅ A. ratted

📌 Idiom: RAT ON SB

→ Means to betray someone by revealing their secrets or wrongdoing, especially to authorities or the media.

Example: "He ratted on his partners in crime during the investigation."

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"Corporate whistleblowers who rat on unethical practices face a paradox: they uphold ethical standards but risk career damage and accusations of betrayal."

"In gang-related trials, witnesses are often reluctant to testify for fear of being labeled as having ratted on fellow members, a stigma that can lead to social exclusion or retaliation."

The phrase 'money doesn't buy happiness' is a cautionary cliché that keeps us from blindly lining your pockets with _______ in the hope that we'll feel happier.

A. stash B. hoard C. stock D. dosh

D. dosh

📌line one's pockets with dosh

To enrich someone, usually unfairly or unethically, by giving them money — often public funds, bribes, or ill-gotten gains.

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"The tabloid industry has been accused of lining its pockets with dosh by sensationalizing tragedy and violating ethical journalism standards."

"Critics argue that corporate executives who receive excessive bonuses during layoffs are essentially lining their pockets with dosh at the expense of workers' livelihoods."

"In today's social landscape, many KOLs line their pockets with dosh by exaggerating product efficiency, ultimately exposing consumers to misleading claims and unintended consequences."

30. As much as the candidate tried to convince people of his honesty, he could not shake off his _______ past.

A. serene B. tranquil C. shady D. frigid

✅ C. shady

📌 Meaning (informal/slightly negative): Suspicious, morally questionable, or possibly illegal.

✅ Often used to describe a dubious history, corrupt dealings, or questionable behavior — perfect for this political context.

Example: "He has a shady past filled with questionable business ties and backroom deals."

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❌ A. serene 😌

Means calm and peaceful.

❌ B. tranquil 🌿

Similar to "serene"; means quiet, calm, free of disturbance.

❌ D. frigid ❄️

Means very cold (literally or emotionally distant).

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📌 "Shady past" = a past filled with suspicion or morally gray behavior — commonly used in journalism, politics, and public discourse.

31. The greedy man wouldn't hesitate to _______ away his valued assets if he thought it would bring him more money.

A. wager B. bet C. gamble D. stake

✅ C. gamble

GAMBLE AWAY

📌 Meaning: To risk something valuable (money, property, reputation, etc.) in hopes of a gain — often recklessly or without certainty.

Example: "He gambled away his inheritance in just a few months at the casino."

. His talent meant he could create wondrous things, but his _______ meant he hardly ever felt like working.

A. adversity B. lethargy C. ineptitude D. tactlessness

✅ B. lethargy

📌 Meaning: A state of physical or mental sluggishness; lack of energy, motivation, or enthusiasm.

Example: "Despite her potential, her lethargy kept her from completing important tasks."

"Despite increasing awareness of climate change, institutional lethargy continues to delay meaningful policy responses."

👉 Critiques slow or passive governance.

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❌ A. adversity 💥

Means difficult or unpleasant conditions, such as hardship or misfortune.

=>Doesn't fit here — the problem isn't external struggle, but internal lack of motivation.

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❌ C. ineptitude 🚫

📌 Meaning: Lack of skill, competence, or ability to perform a task effectively.

=>Contradicts the first clause — he is talented, so this wouldn't make sense.

Eg: "The administration's handling of the crisis was marked by bureaucratic ineptitude, resulting in delayed aid and widespread public frustration."

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❌ D. tactlessness 🗣️❌

📌 Meaning: The quality of lacking tact — i.e., sensitivity, discretion, or diplomacy in dealing with others.

=> Related to social interactions — not about lack of motivation to work.

Eg: "Diplomatic tactlessness in international negotiations can escalate tensions, undermining peaceful resolutions and global cooperation."👉 Shows how personal flaws can lead to political consequences.

35. Most people are _______ to believe that girls and boys like certain toys when they are young.

A. hardened B. acclimated C. conditioned D. accustomed

✅ C. conditioned

BE CONDITIONED TO DO STH

📌 Meaning: To be trained or influenced (often unconsciously) to think or behave in a certain way due to repeated exposure, socialization, or reinforcement.

✅ This fits perfectly in a context discussing gender norms, social stereotypes, or cultural programming.

Example: "Children are often conditioned by media and marketing to associate certain colors or behaviors with their gender."

"Through repeated reinforcement, individuals can be conditioned to associate success solely with external validation, undermining intrinsic motivation."

36. The local authorities annually ______ between £50 million and £100 million on art projects.

A. disperse B. disband C. disburse D. dispose

✅ C. disburse

📌 Meaning: To officially pay out or distribute money, especially from a public fund or organizational budget.

✅ This is the precise term used in government, financial, or institutional contexts to describe formal spending of money.

Example: "The university disburses funds to departments based on annual performance evaluations."

"The government failed to disburse emergency relief funds in a timely manner, exacerbating the effects of the natural disaster on rural communities."

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❌ A. disperse 🌬️

Means to scatter, spread, or distribute over a wide area, especially people, particles, information, or forces.

It typically refers to physical separation or distribution and is used both literally and figuratively.

-> Not used for money or budgets.

Eg: "Authorities used tear gas to disperse the crowd during the unauthorized protest, raising concerns about the proportionality of police response."

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❌ B. disband 👋

Means to break up an organization or group.

❌ Irrelevant to financial transactions.

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❌ D. dispose 🗑️

Means to get rid of something, or to position strategically.

❌ Doesn't fit grammatically with spending money.

37. Let me know of any pertinent developments, keep me in the ______.

A. sphere B. ring C. circle D. loop

✅ D. loop

📌 Idiom: KEEP SB IN THE LOOP

→ Means to keep someone informed or updated about a situation or series of events, especially in a workplace or collaborative setting.

✅ This is the correct and idiomatic phrase used in business, academic, and professional contexts.

Example: "The research coordinator made sure to keep all contributors in the loop regarding funding and data collection timelines."

38. The employees are ______ a rally in the city centre to demand higher wages.

A. making B. performing C. staging D. presenting

✅ C. staging (collocation)

STAGE A RALLY

📌 "To stage (a protest/rally/strike/etc.)"

= to organize and carry out a public event, especially one meant to express a political or social demand.

✅ Commonly used in journalism, sociology, labor studies, and political science.

Example: "The union staged a nationwide strike to pressure the government into negotiating better labor laws."

40. Although usually quite compassionate, the receptionist made a ______ remark that took her colleagues by surprise.

A. crooked B. cautious C. corrupt D. callous

✅ D. callous

📌 Meaning: Emotionally insensitive or unfeeling; showing a cruel disregard for others.

✅ It fits perfectly here — the contrast between someone "usually compassionate" and a shockingly cold or unkind remark.

Example: "The professor's callous response to the student's personal crisis drew criticism from faculty and students alike."

"Callous leadership styles, marked by a lack of concern for employee well-being, are correlated with high turnover and diminished team morale."

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❌ A. crooked

Means dishonest or morally corrupt (e.g., "a crooked politician").

❌ Doesn't fit the context of a surprising remark — more about corruption, not insensitivity.

"Widespread public distrust stemmed from years of crooked officials manipulating election outcomes and embezzling state funds."

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❌ B. cautious ‍♀️

Means careful or risk-averse.

❌ Opposite of what's described — a cautious remark wouldn't surprise people.

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❌ C. corrupt

Means morally depraved or dishonest, usually in terms of power, money, or ethics.

❌ Not suitable for a single spoken remark, especially in a social setting.

42. Julie felt unfairly ______ when she spoke out against a company proposal and the entire staff team turned against her.

A prosecuted B. persecuted C. oppressed D. suppressed

B. PERSECUTE

📌Harass or punish people, especially for identity or beliefs

Eg: "Activists were persecuted for their political dissent, facing imprisonment and public smear campaigns."

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❌ A. prosecuted ⚖️

Means to take legal action against someone for breaking the law.

❌ Not appropriate here — no legal context involved.

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❌ C. oppressed ⛓️

To keep someone in subservience or hardship, especially through unjust use of authority, force, or power.

"Oppress" involves systematic and prolonged cruelty, inequality, or control — often targeting marginalized groups.

❌ Too strong or broad for a workplace interpersonal dynamic.

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❌ D. suppressed 🔇

Means to restrain, stop, or prevent something from being expressed or happening.

❌ Doesn't apply to people being treated unfairly — more often used for actions, feelings, or information (e.g. "suppress a revolt").

44. Malaysians should embrace their natural generosity and not let hard times ______ their spirit to help others in need.

A. dampen B. moisten C. drench D. deluge

✅ A. dampen

📌 Meaning: To weaken, reduce, or lessen the intensity of something — especially emotions, enthusiasm, or spirit.

✅ This fits perfectly in a motivational or reflective context, where "spirit" refers to kindness or morale.

Example: "Economic challenges should not dampen our collective resolve to support vulnerable communities."

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❌ B. moisten 💧

Means to make slightly wet.

❌ Used literally, not metaphorically with emotions or spirit.

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❌ C. drench 🌊

Means to soak completely in liquid.

❌ Too strong and physical — doesn't fit with "spirit" in a metaphorical or emotional context.

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❌ D. deluge 🌧️

Means to flood or overwhelm, especially with water or information.

❌ Also too intense and not idiomatic with "spirit" — usually not used to describe emotional weakening.