English

The phrase 'egging on' means to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something, often something risky or unwise. In this context, it implies the US and UK are encouraging Israel's actions rather than restraining them.

"Finagle" means to obtain something by devious or dishonest means, often involving manipulation or wheedling. Among the options, "Wheedle" (to coax or persuade through flattery or cunning) is the closest synonym, making D the correct answer.

The correct preposition to complete the phrase 'I have claim ___ you' is 'over,' as in 'I have a claim over you,' meaning a right or entitlement concerning you. 'On' is not typically used in this context.

The sentence indicates that Maria forced herself to eat despite her negative opinion of the food. The word 'inedible' correctly conveys that she found the food practically impossible to eat, fitting the context perfectly.

The idiom "cook the books" means to alter financial records dishonestly or illegally to present a false picture of a company's financial situation. This matches option A exactly.

The phrase 'call on' has multiple meanings, including 'to pay a visit to someone' and 'to summon or request someone to do something.' While it can mean 'summon as a witness' in some formal contexts, the most common and widely accepted meaning in everyday English is 'to pay a visit to someone,' which corresponds to option C. The phrase can also mean to ask someone to speak or answer a question, or to make use of a resource. Therefore, option C is the best choice for the general meaning of 'call on.'

The word 'placate' means to make someone less angry or hostile, which is synonymous with 'pacify'. The other options have opposite or unrelated meanings.

The idiom "a bed of thorns" refers to a situation or thing that is difficult or uncomfortable, making option A the correct meaning.

The phrase 'close to the bankruptcy' fits the context of causing panic among creditors and stockholders, as bankruptcy implies financial failure. The other options do not logically cause such panic.

The word 'sacrilegious' means showing disrespect or irreverence toward something sacred. Its antonym is 'pious,' which means devoutly religious or showing reverence. 'Impious' and 'profane' are synonyms or related to sacrilegious, not antonyms.