He threw cold water over the project that the secretary had prepared.

• rejected
• encouraged
• cleared
• discouraged
Correct Option: D  [ discouraged ]

Remark:

With the existing management the future of the company is in doldrums.

• dull
• bright
• uncertain
• secure
Correct Option: C  [ uncertain ]

Remark:

He is in deep water and needs your help.

• great difficulties
• under the water
• a sea
• pain
Correct Option: A  [ great difficulties ]

Remark: "deep water" meaning: in a difficult or awkward situation.

Seema is a little hard of hearing.

• inaudible
• deaf
• disinterested
• insensitive
Correct Option: B  [ deaf ]

Remark: "Hard of hearing" refers to people with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe.

Some people now wonder whether we just pay the lip service or genuinely subscribe to democracy.

• pay oral tribute
• attach no value
• remain indifferent
• show only outward respect
Correct Option: D  [ show only outward respect ]

Remark:

To drink like a fish:

• To drink little
• To drink alone
• To drink in company of others
• To be a drunkard
Correct Option: D  [ To be a drunkard ]

Remark:

The company has been handedover to new masten, lock. stock and barrel.

• financially
• administratively
• partially
• completely
Correct Option: D  [ completely ]

Remark:

After reading the story time and again we are finally reading between the lines.

• Reading to entertain others
• Understanding the hidden meaning
• Reading only to show someone else about your style of reading.
• Reading to clear the exam
Correct Option: B  [ Understanding the hidden meaning ]

Remark:

All our effort ended in smoke.

• to come to nothing
• to gain importance
• to praise oneself
• to reach target
Correct Option: A  [ to come to nothing ]

Remark: ended in smoke: means to fail or be unsuccessful after a lot of effort.

It was such a strange affair that I could make head or tail of it.

• face it
• tolerate it
• remember it
• understand it
Correct Option: D  [ understand it ]

Remark: