Fill in the blank with the most appropriate phrase: The manager hired him purely _____, despite his lack of experience.
on merit
The blank must hold a phrase that explains the basis on which the manager decided to hire him.
The clue lies in the contrast marker 'despite his lack of experience'. 'Despite' signals that he was chosen for a reason that outweighs his missing experience.
So the phrase should point to some genuine quality or worth other than experience that justified the appointment.
'On merit' means strictly on the basis of ability, talent or worth. It fits the contrast perfectly: he lacked experience, yet was hired because of his real ability.
'On the edge' describes being anxious or nervous and says nothing about the basis of selection.
'At all costs' means at any sacrifice, and 'by the book' means following rules strictly; neither explains why an inexperienced person would be chosen.
The key idea is matching an idiom to the logical contrast set up by 'despite'.
Therefore the most appropriate phrase is on merit.
Similar Questions
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition:
The archaeologist stumbled ______ an ancient manuscript buried beneath the ruins.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate phrase:
Due to the budget cuts, the organization had to operate strictly _______.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate phrasal verb: She was so overwhelmed with tasks that she had to ____ some responsibilities to her assistant.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition:
The athlete was disqualified _____ violating the rules of the competition.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
The philosopher's ideas were so ______ that they challenged conventional understanding of time and existence.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
The ambassador’s tone was ______, balancing diplomacy with quiet authority.
Over the past century, the world has witnessed a remarkable evolution in girls’ education. In many parts of the world, especially during the early 1900s, girls were often denied access to schools or allowed only basic literacy. Deeprooted social norms and economic barriers restricted girls to household roles, and their potential to contribute equally to society remained untapped.
Gradually, global awareness about gender equality and human rights began to change this scenario. International organisations and local governments worked together to launch initiatives aimed at increasing female literacy rates, building safe schools, and encouraging families to send their daughters to study. Campaigns highlighting the importance of girls’ education brought hope to millions.
Despite significant progress, challenges still persist in several developing nations, where poverty, early marriage, and cultural resistance continue to keep girls away from classrooms. However, the success stories of educated women who have become leaders, scientists, and change makers inspire others to break barriers. The evolution of girls’ education proves that empowering women through knowledge benefits entire communities and fuels sustainable development.
Complete the sentence with the most appropriate preposition:
International organisations worked together to launch initiatives aimed ___ increasing female literacy rates.
Complete the sentence with the most appropriate preposition:
International organisations worked together to launch initiatives aimed ___ increasing female literacy rates.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition:
The manager was taken aback ______ the sudden resignation of three key employees.
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
They built a ______ to cross the river.
Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Direction : Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
There was a time when West Germany was a distinct ______.
Direction: Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
My son is very _____, he trusts everyone.Direction: Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
I wish I _____ her before we met.Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with a missing preposition. Select the correct preposition from the given options and mark your response accordingly.
I accepted the offer _______ certain conditions.
Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with a missing preposition. Select the correct preposition from the given options and mark your response accordingly.
He visits the needy to relieve them ______ their sufferings and poverty.
