English

The phrase "out and out" means "thoroughly" or "completely." Therefore, saying "He is 'out and out' a reactionary" means he is thoroughly a reactionary, making option B the correct choice.

The term 'Ambidextrous' refers to a person who can use both the right and left hands equally well. The other options do not relate to this meaning.

The phrase "backstairs influence" refers to secret, indirect, and often unfair influence used to achieve a goal, which matches option D. This idiom implies using hidden or unofficial channels rather than open or proper means.

The phrase 'broke off' means to stop suddenly, which fits the context of stopping a speech midway due to being unprepared. The other options do not convey this meaning correctly.

The word 'gingerly' means to do something in a careful or cautious manner. Among the options, 'Cautiously' is the correct synonym, while the others have different meanings.

The term 'Spinster' specifically refers to an unmarried woman, typically older than the usual age for marriage. The other options do not fit this definition: 'Artist' is unrelated, 'Bachelor' refers to an unmarried man, and 'Misanthrope' means a person who dislikes humankind.

Alliteration is the literary device where words in a phrase or sentence begin with the same consonant sound or letter, which matches the description 'Commencement of words with the same letter.'

The phrase "a big draw" means something that attracts a large audience or crowd, making option B, "a huge attraction," the correct interpretation. The other options do not capture the idiomatic meaning of "a big draw."

The word 'sham' means something that is false or fake, so 'Fake' is the correct synonym. The other options do not match the meaning of 'sham'.

The phrase 'Don't worry – I'll see you very soon.' is a common English expression used to reassure someone. 'Worry' fits the blank correctly, while the other options do not form natural or correct expressions in this context.

The phrase 'Are you far away?' is the natural and idiomatic expression in English to ask if someone is at a considerable distance. The option 'Quite' does not fit grammatically or idiomatically in this context. 'Far away' is commonly used to indicate distance, making option C the correct choice.

Polygamy is the custom or practice of having more than one wife or husband at the same time. The other options do not correctly describe this practice: Misogamy means hatred of marriage, Bigamy is the act of marrying one person while still legally married to another, and Monogamy is having only one spouse.

The word 'Consolidated' means gathered or brought together, which fits the context of drug addicts being gathered in special centers set up by the government. The other options do not fit the context: 'Consulted' means to seek advice, 'Inhabited' means to live in a place, and 'Indoctrinated' means to teach a doctrine, none of which are appropriate here. Therefore, 'Consolidated' is the best choice for the blank.

The sentence 'Not really. I’m quite _____.' requires an adverb to modify 'quite.' Among the options, 'nearly' (D) is the correct adverb that fits naturally, meaning 'almost.' 'Nearer,' 'near,' and 'next' are adjectives or comparative forms and do not fit grammatically here.

The term 'Genocide' specifically refers to the systematic destruction of racial, ethnic, or national groups, making it the correct answer. The other options refer to killing specific individuals (matricide: mother, regicide: king, homicide: general killing of a person).

"Mano a mano" is a Spanish phrase meaning "hand to hand," often used to describe a direct confrontation or competition between two people. Therefore, option A is the correct synonym.

The phrase "put a spoke in my wheel" means to obstruct or hinder someone's plans or efforts, which aligns with option C, "thwarted in the execution of the plan."

The phrase 'hold out bright prospects' means to 'promise' or 'offer hope or good opportunities.' Among the options, 'promise' best captures the meaning of 'hold out' in this context, making D the correct answer.

An 'Apostle' is commonly used to describe a pioneer or early advocate of a reform movement, making option A the correct answer. The other options do not fit this meaning: 'Apothecary' is a pharmacist, 'Apotheosis' means elevation to divine status, and 'Renegade' is a deserter or traitor.

The idiom 'let the grass grow under his feet' means to delay taking action or to hesitate, which aligns best with 'loitered around' as it implies lingering without moving forward. The other options do not capture this meaning accurately.

The phrase 'I enquired of him' is followed by a reported question in the past tense. Option D, 'if he wanted to join the course,' correctly uses the past tense 'wanted' to match the past reporting verb 'enquired.' Other options either have incorrect tense or redundant words.

The idiom 'to play fast and loose' means to behave irresponsibly or deceitfully, often by misleading or beguiling others. Therefore, option A, 'To beguile others,' best captures the meaning of the phrase.

The word 'Fastidious' means someone who is very attentive to detail and hard to please, making it the correct answer for 'one who cannot easily be pleased.' The other options do not fit this meaning.

An arbitrator is an independent person or body officially appointed to settle a dispute, typically in a legal or formal context. While an arbiter is similar, 'arbitrator' is the more precise and commonly accepted term for this role. A mediator facilitates negotiation but does not have authority to impose a decision, and an agent provocateur is unrelated to dispute resolution.

"Profligate" means recklessly extravagant or wasteful. Its antonym is "Thrifty," which means careful with money and resources, making option D correct.