1. Hardly ________ down to dinner when the doorbell rang.

2. It is vital that the witness ________ protected until the trial begins.

3. ________ for his inheritance, he would never have been able to start the business.

4. The manager let the employee ________ early because of the family emergency.

5. The government's new policy has ________ a heated debate among citizens.

6. Under no circumstances ________ reveal the secret to anyone.

7. I'd rather you ________ me a hand with the dishes instead of just sitting there.

8. She is on the ________ of a nervous breakdown due to extreme work pressure.

9. ________ of his lack of experience, he was given the position of senior manager.

10. Take a jacket with you ________ the weather gets cold in the evening.

11. By this time next week, we ________ our final exams.

12. The detective found the suspect's alibi to be ________.

13. The more you talk about it, ________ I understand.

14. He acts as though he ________ the most important person in the world.

15. The bridge, ________ by a famous architect, is a landmark of the city.

16. His failure to pass the exam was ________ to his lack of preparation.

17. I didn't ________ to step on your toes; I'm very sorry.

18. Only when he took off his hat ________ that he was a famous actor.

19. The recent survey ________ the need for more green spaces in the city.

20. He was ________ with reckless driving and causing a serious accident.

21. I ________ to inform you that your request for a promotion has been denied.

22. She ________ a great deal of pride in her professional achievements.

23. It is the only house in the street ________ has a swimming pool.

24. If only I ________ a bit more attention to the road while driving!

25. The instructions were ________ complicated for a beginner like me to follow.