Question Library

"Chastised" means to rebuke or punish severely. To be "honoured" is the opposite, as it involves giving someone public respect or an award for their efforts.

"Facile" describes an argument or theory that is too simple and ignores the true complexities of an issue. Therefore, "complex" is the appropriate opposite.

"Flexible" means ready and able to change or adapt. "Rigid" means unable to bend or be forced out of shape.

"Immanent" refers to something existing or operating within; "transcendent" refers to something that exists beyond or above a physical limit.

The "protagonist" is the leading character. The "antagonist" is the character who actively opposes the protagonist.

"Porous" means having spaces or holes through which liquid or air may pass (metaphorically, security gaps). "Impermeable" means not allowing fluid to pass through.

If an argument or theory "holds water," it means it is valid, logical or can stand up to scrutiny. When we say excuses "don't hold water," we mean they are inconsistent or unbelievable. They "leak" because they aren't solid enough to be true.

The sentence uses the idiom "hush money," which refers to money paid to someone to prevent them from revealing potentially damaging or illegal information. It means that he bribed to get the job.

To "throw in the towel" is a common idiom meaning to admit defeat or to stop trying to do something because you know you cannot succeed. This phrase comes from boxing; when a fighter's coach sees their athlete is too injured or exhausted to continue, they literally throw a towel into the ring to signal a forfeit.

To "tighten one's belt" is an idiom that means to live more frugally or spend less money than usual

"A load of crap" is a vulgar slang idiom used to describe something that is perceived as nonsense or of very poor quality.

This idiom means to deliberately prevent someone from carrying out a plan or to hinder their progress. In the question, the boy is accusing his friend of sabotaging or blocking his efforts.

A "slave driver" is a person who makes others work very hard in an unkind or demanding way. The speaker mentions having to "work two weekends in a row," which illustrates being overworked by their superior.

"Cinema, tonight?" is a casual way of suggesting or inviting someone to go to the cinema. "Maybe another time" is used to politely decline an invitation for the present while suggesting the possibility of accepting it in the future.

A "man of letters" refers to a man who is a scholar or a writer, particularly one who is well-versed in literature and the humanities.