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:

He has reached present position in his job through elbow grease.

• his persistent fighting
• his good connections
• flattering his superiors
• his hard work
Correct Option: D  [ his hard work ]

Remark:

He is a dark horse.

• silent
• secretive
• dangerous
• possessing a secret ability.
Correct Option: D  [ possessing a secret ability. ]

Remark:

When one is "airing dirty linen in public", the person is:

• discussing private affairs in public
• hanging out clothes in the open to dry
• standing up and fighting
• complaining
Correct Option: A  [ discussing private affairs in public ]

Remark: "airing dirty linen in public": discussing or arguing about unpleasant or private things in front of other people.

He says he has invented a time machine, which is clearly a load of cobblers.

• Genuine
• Great
• Nonsense
• Significant
Correct Option: C  [ Nonsense ]

Remark: "A load of cobblers" is indeed an idiom, and it is commonly used to express that something is nonsense, untrue, or of poor quality.

When I saw him in the morning, he looked like a duck in the thunderstorm.

• entrapped
• distressed
• peaceful
• timid
Correct Option: B  [ distressed ]

Remark:

Don't mix with the bad hats.

• people of bad character
• people selling bad hats
• people of poor status
• people with bad hats
Correct Option: A  [ people of bad character ]

Remark: bad hats: someone who deliberately stirs up trouble, mischief-maker, trouble maker,

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.

Failing in exam again and again even after putting all the hard work is bad blood.

• Consume time and affects the health
• The aspirants become unhealthy
• The aspirants do not take interest
• Create angry feeling
Correct Option: D  [ Create angry feeling ]

Remark:

His promotion is on the cards.

• due
• evident
• certain
• probable
Correct Option: C  [ certain ]

Remark: