1. The company was ________ the doldrums for years before the new management took over.

2. It’s a ________-gone conclusion that the favorite will win the race.

3. He was ________ the belief that he had been selected, only to find out it was a mistake.

4. The news of the scandal ________ a heavy toll on the politician’s reputation.

5. I’m afraid I’m ________ my wits’ end trying to figure out this paradox.

6. The victim was ________ daggers drawn with the suspect over a land dispute.

7. She has a real ________ for detail, which makes her an excellent editor.

8. The project is currently ________ limbo while we wait for the final permit.

9. He ________ off more than he could chew by taking on three jobs at once.

10. The athlete was ________ contention for the gold medal until the very last lap.

11. He succeeded ________ dint of sheer tenacity and an iron will.

12. The witness's story was ________ odds with the evidence found at the scene.

13. I am ________ no illusions as to the difficulty of the task we are facing.

14. The negotiations have reached a(n) ________, and neither side will budge.

15. The suspect was released ________ bail pending further forensic testing.

16. (Word Form) The witness gave a highly ________ account of the accident. (CONTRADICT)

17. (Word Form) The ________ of the two companies will be finalized next month. (AMALGAM)

18. (Word Form) Her ________ behavior made it difficult for anyone to trust her. (ERRATIC)

19. (Word Form) The medicine is known to have some ________ side effects. (DETRIMENT)

20. (Word Form) The ________ of the document was verified by an expert. (AUTHENTIC)

21. She ________ out of the marathon after only five miles due to an injury.

22. The costs of the renovation have ________ out of all proportion.

23. You should take what he says with a ________ of salt.

24. It’s ________ any doubt the most beautiful city I have ever visited.

25. The plan was executed ________ hitch, much to the relief of the organizers.