1. The decision was made ________ the aegis of the Ministry of Education.

2. The project has been put ________ ice until the economic situation improves.

3. He’s been ________ tenterhooks all day waiting for the exam results.

4. The statement is ________ direct contradiction ________ what was said earlier.

5. The company is ________ the verge of a major breakthrough in cancer research.

6. He was found guilty and sentenced ________ life imprisonment.

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

8. The artist is ________ high regard ________ both critics and the public.

9. The document was written ________ shorthand to save time.

10. You should comply ________ the rules to avoid being disqualified.

11. He was ________ no obligation to attend the meeting.

12. The country is ________ the brink of a civil war.

13. He has a great affinity ________ ancient Greek philosophy.

14. She was ________ her wits' end after trying to fix the leak for hours.

15. The new tax law will be ________ effect from next Monday.

16. I am ________ the impression that you were not interested in the deal.

17. The project failed ________ lack of adequate funding.

18. He was ________ great pains to hide his disappointment.

19. The plan was rejected ________ hand without any consideration.

20. He is ________ contention for the title of world champion.

21. The two countries are ________ loggerheads over the maritime border.

22. Her success is ________ no small measure due to her persistence.

23. He was ________ the belief that he had a valid visa.

24. These findings are ________ accordance with earlier research.

25. He was so absorbed ________ his work that he missed his train.