John had no previous experience, so nobody thought that he could win the singing competition, but he did. ODDS Against _____, _____ first place in the singing competition.
all (the) odds, | John took/won
25
You have to arrive early at the airport, otherwise you may miss your flight. RESULT You have to arrive early at the airport. Failure _____ in you missing your flight.
to do so | may result
15
Unlike his brother, he is certainly very intelligent. SO He is very intelligent. Certainly, _____ his brother.
more so | than
20
This is not a very popular restaurant, so there are rarely long queues. OCCURENCE This restaurant is not very popular so long queues _____.
are a | rare occurrence.
20
In Japan, slurping loudly while eating your noodles is not considered impolite, but rather a sign of appreciation. DEEMED In Japan, _____ manners to slurp loudly while eating your noodles, but rather as a sign of appreciation.
it is not | deemed impolite/bad
20
They made a mistake, but we should take into account their lack of experience and not judge them too severely. They made a mistake, but we should _____ their lack of experience.
make | allowances for
15
The government underestimates how much the problem of staff shortages affect the UK's healthcare system. EXTENT The government underestimates _____ problem of staff shortages in the UK's healthcare system.
the extent | of the
15
It is rare for a 15-year-old to be self-disciplined. ATTRIBUTE Self-discipline _____ in a 15-year-old.
is a rare | attribute
20
It is difficult to find a cheap and reliable second-hand car these days. BY A cheap and reliable second-hand car _____ these days.
is difficult/hard | to come by
25
Many years of high stress at work resulted in his health deteriorating. TOLL Many years of high stress at work _____ health.
took a | toll on his
25
There have been rumours of a takeover of a small company in the London area. TALK There _____ over a small company in the London area.
has been talk | of taking over
20
Most shops bring prices down before Christmas in an attempt to boost sales. BID _____ sales, most shops cut prices before Christmas.
In a bid | to boost/increase
20
I signed up for English lessons, but I soon realized the advanced class was too much for me. DEPTH Soon after signing up for English lessons, I realized _____ in the advanced class.
(that) I was | out of my depth
25
Checking parts for defects and writing reports comes with the job of working in quality control. PARCEL Checking parts for defects and writing reports _____ working in quality control.
are part and parcel | of
25
At first glance, his suggestion for improving our service seems to make sense. On _____ , _____ improvements in our service makes sense.
the face of it, | his suggestion for making
20
Surprisingly, Susan was not offended at all when Sarah insulted her. ENOUGH Oddly _____ , _____ Sarah's insults.
enough, Susan | was not offended by / took no offence at / did not take any offence at
