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Question

Select the most appropriate idiom to substitute the underlined group of words in the given sentence.
The constitutional bench remained in a state of prolonged and barely concealed nervous suspense as the Chief Justice began reading the judgment that could potentially overturn decades of judicial precedent.

The correct answer is

on tenterhooks

The underlined words describe a state of prolonged, nervous suspense while waiting for an important outcome.

"On tenterhooks" means anxious and in suspense while waiting for something to happen, so it fits the bench waiting for the judgment.

"In the doldrums" means in low spirits or inactive, "under the weather" means slightly ill, and "at cross purposes" means misunderstanding each other, so none of them suits the sentence.

Hence, on tenterhooks.

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Important Questions from Phrase Replacement

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    Not knowing the language and having no acquaintances in the city, he found it hard getting work.

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  3. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select option No substitution required.

    The man spent a lot because he had so large amount of money.

  4. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No improvement’.

    In the past, promises have been made, kept, and broken, and they are being make yet again.

  5. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No improvement’.

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