The representatives of the two states tried to enforce a treaty which was a dead letter.

• not well-thought out
• no longer in force
• no longer relevant
• not in keeping with the changing times.

The minute she arrived at the office, she was given the pink slip.

• a raise
• a promotion
• a letter to inform that she had lost her job
• a letter to inform that she had been transferred

She just needs forty winks in order to be able to work all night.

• someone's help
• to take a stroll
• a short nap
• a little cooperation

To be fair and square

• worthy
• honest
• successful
• obedient

On hearing the news of the kidnapping, she became afraid of her own shadow.

• cold and distant
• afraid of her own safety
• very nervous and easily frightened
• afraid of being alone

A damp squib

• rainy weather
• a disappointing result
• a skirt in a laundry
• Great honour

To bite the dust

• eat voraciously
• have nothing to eat
• eat roots
• to fail

Cold comfort

• absurdity
• deception
• slight satisfaction
• foolish proposal

To be all at sea.

• a family voyage
• lost and confused
• in the middle of the ocean
• a string of island

A bolt from the blue

• a delayed event
• an inexplicable event
• an unexpected event
• an unpleasant event