Ram is very calculative and always has an axe to grind.

• Has no result
• Works for both sides
• has a private agenda
• fails to arouse

The police looked all over for him but drew a blank.

• did not find him
• put him in prison
• arrested him
• took him to court

On the issue of marriage, Sarita put her foot down.

• stood up
• was firm
• got down
• walked fast

His investments helped him make a killing in the stock market.

• lose money quickly
• plan a murder quickly
• murder someone quickly
• make money quickly

There is no gainsaying the fact that the country is in difficulties.

• ignoring
• hiding
• forgetting
• denying

He was out of spirits for a few days after his defeat.

• gloomy
• sober
• lifeless
• uninvolved

When the family in the next house packed off at midnight, I began to smell a rat.

• to suspect a trick
• to misunderstand
• to smell a bad smell
• to see hidden meaning

At first there was a show of resistance to the new rule issued by the Government, but the movement had no backbone and speedily collapsed.

• justification
• impact
• strength
• support

The cops were on their toes throughout the day.

• eager
• alert
• harried
• quick

In life, we have to take the rough with the smooth.

• be tough in order to be successful
• use pleasant words to make things smooth
• accept unpleasant as well as pleasant things
• make unpleasant things better