1. The agreement was signed ________ the auspices of the International Red Cross.

2. He won the championship ________ dint of sheer perseverance and hard work.

3. I'm afraid I'm ________ a bit of a quandary ________ which job to accept.

4. The news of the merger came ________ a bolt from the blue to most employees.

5. He was ________ pains to point out that the error was not his fault.

6. The suspect was kept ________ close surveillance for more than forty-eight hours.

7. The athlete was ________ contention for the gold medal until the final lap.

8. The company’s assets were seized ________ default of their loan repayments.

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

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

11. He ________ out of the marathon after only five miles due to an injury.

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

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

14. He has a real ________ for languages; he can speak six fluently.

15. The heavy rain ________ havoc with the outdoor concert schedule.

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. I was ________ the opinion that the contract had already been finalized.

22. The team's victory was ________ no small measure due to the goalkeeper.

23. He has always been ________ daggers drawn with his business partner.

24. The project is still ________ limbo while we wait for approval.

25. He’s a bit ________ the weather today, so he won't be coming to the office.