Vocabulary

Step 1: Analyze the roots of the words. The word "philanthropist" comes from Greek roots: "phil-" (love) and "anthropos" (humanity). Thus, it literally means "lover of humanity".

Step 2: Define the options.

Misanthropist: A person who dislikes humankind.
Philanderer: A man who readily or frequently enters into casual sexual relationships with women.
Philanthropist: A person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.
Platonic: (of love or friendship) intimate and affectionate but not sexual.

Step 3: Match the definition. The definition of "philanthropist" directly matches the given expression.

Step 1: Understand that the phrase is an idiom. An idiom's meaning is figurative, not literal. Therefore, options (A), (B), and (D), which are literal interpretations, are likely incorrect.

Step 2: Determine the figurative meaning. The idiom "to hit the nail on the head" means to describe a situation or problem perfectly, or to do something in the most effective and accurate way.

Step 3: Match the meaning to the options. Option (C), "to do or say exactly the right thing," accurately captures the figurative meaning of this idiom.

Step 1: Define the word "Demure". "Demure" is an adjective used to describe someone (usually a woman) who is reserved, modest, and shy. It often implies a certain quiet and polite behavior.

Step 2: Evaluate the options.

Withdrawn: Not wanting to communicate with other people. While related, it can imply sadness or anti-social behaviour, which "demure" does not.
Shy: Nervous or timid in the company of other people. This is a core component of being demure.
Brazen: Bold and without shame. This is an antonym.
Brash: Self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way. This is also an antonym.

Step 3: Choose the closest synonym. "Shy" is the closest and most fitting synonym for "demure" among the choices.

Step 1: Define the word "eradicate". To eradicate something means to destroy or get rid of it completely. It comes from the Latin "radix," meaning "root," so it literally means to "pull out by the roots."

Step 2: Evaluate the options.

renew: To begin or start again.
confuse: To make something unclear or difficult to understand.
evolve: To develop gradually.
remove: To take something away or get rid of it.

Step 3: Identify the best synonym. "Remove" is the closest synonym for "eradicate," especially in the sense of completely getting rid of something.

Step 1: Define the phrases in the options.

hard and fast: Strict, unchangeable (usually for rules).
kith and kin: Friends and relatives.
hither thither: To or toward this place; here and there.
baited breath: A state of suspense or anxiety. (The correct spelling is 'bated breath').

Step 2: Analyze the context of the sentence. The sentence implies that the Mayor filled vacancies using nepotism or favoritism, hiring people he knows personally.

Step 3: Select the phrase that fits the context. "Kith and kin," meaning friends and relatives, fits perfectly in this context. The sentence suggests the Mayor hired his friends and family.

Step 1: Understand the idiom. The phrase "to pull strings" is an idiom. It refers to using one's connections or influence, often secretively, to make something happen. The imagery comes from a puppeteer pulling strings to control a puppet.

Step 2: Apply the meaning to the context. In the sentence, the manager needed to get invitation passes, which were likely hard to obtain. By "pulling strings," the manager used his special connections or influence to acquire them.

Step 3: Match the meaning to the options. "Use personal influence" is the precise definition of the idiom "pull strings".

Step 1: Differentiate between "illicit" and "elicit". These are homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings).

Illicit (adjective): Forbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal.
Elicit (verb): To evoke or draw out a response, answer, or fact from someone.

Step 2: Analyze the context of the sentence. The government was trying to draw out or gather support for the bill. This requires the verb "elicit". The word "illicit" (illegal) does not make sense in this context.

Step 3: Choose the correct form. The sentence uses the base form of the verb after "tried to". Therefore, "elicit" is the correct choice.

Step 1: Understand the meaning of the underlined word. "Decollate" means to behead, which makes no sense in this context. The sentence needs a word that means to investigate or examine.

Step 2: Evaluate the options.

delve: Followed by "into," it means to research or make a detailed inquiry into something. "Delve into the matter" is a standard and appropriate phrase.
deduce: To arrive at a conclusion by reasoning. You deduce a fact, you don't deduce into a matter.
deflect: To cause something to change direction. You deflect criticism or a question, not a matter.

Step 3: Choose the best fit. "Delve into" is the correct phrasal verb to express the idea of investigating the matter deeply.

Step 1: Understand the meaning of the phrase. "Word for word" means in exactly the same words as were used originally.

Step 2: Define the options.

Verbose: Using or expressed in more words than are needed.
Verbatim: In exactly the same words as were used originally.
Virtue: Behaviour showing high moral standards.
Vicarious: Experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person.

Step 3: Select the matching word. "Verbatim" is the precise term that means "word for word". It is often used to describe quoting someone exactly.

Step 1: Identify the likely intended word. "Wartily" is likely a misspelling of "warily". The word "warily" means cautiously or carefully.

Step 2: Determine the meaning of the intended word. To act warily is to act with caution and suspicion, often due to a sense of potential danger. The option "suspiciously" is a synonym for warily.

Step 3: Find the opposite meaning among the options. An antonym for acting cautiously ("warily") would be acting without care or thought for the consequences. "Recklessly" means without regard for danger or consequences. This is the direct opposite of "warily".

Step 1: Define the term in the question. An extreme desire for wealth is also known as greed.

Step 2: Define the options.

Omnivorous: Feeding on both plants and animals.
Avaricious: Having or showing an extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
Gregarious: Fond of company; sociable.
Carnivorous: Feeding on other animals.

Step 3: Match the definition. The word "Avaricious" is the exact term for having an extreme desire for wealth.

Step 1: Understand the meaning of the original phrase. "Hang around" means to wait or spend time somewhere, usually doing nothing. This does not fit the context of sculptures lasting over time.

Step 2: Analyze the sentence's meaning. The sentence contrasts vulnerable wood sculptures with those made of durable materials. The context is about longevity and enduring damage.

Step 3: Choose the best replacement. "Survive" means to continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship. This word perfectly captures the idea of the sculptures lasting over time despite their vulnerabilities. The other options, "dry out" and "stay on," do not fit the context as well.