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

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

Remark:

If you talking about a "tit for tat" situation, you are:

• making someone angry
• doing harm as done to you
• rewarding people for the good done
• taking advantage of someone
Correct Option: B  [ doing harm as done to you ]

Remark: "tit for tat": is an equivalent given in return, retaliation in kind.

The MP from our constituency is fond of blowing his own trumpet whenever he gets a chance.

• parading his own good deeds
• speaking too loudly
• looking after his own interest
• making long speeches
Correct Option: A  [ parading his own good deeds ]

Remark:

He cannot make both ends meet.

• manage the business
• work hard
• earn enough
• control affairs
Correct Option: C  [ earn enough ]

Remark:

He puts us in a He puts us in a real fix when he did not turn up to pick us up.

• feel awkward
• bad mood
• made us feel bad
• difficult situation
Correct Option: D  [ difficult situation ]

Remark:

In the new place he had to earn by the sweat of his brow.

• Very hard work
• Frown of his brow
• Seriously
• Idly
Correct Option: A  [ Very hard work ]

Remark:

My father strained every nerve to enable me to get settled in life.

• worked very hard
• spent a huge amount
• tried all tricks
• bribed several person
Correct Option: A  [ worked very hard ]

Remark:

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

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

Remark:

I did not know that he was pulling my leg all the time.

• befooling me
• degrading me
• defaming me
• complimenting me
Correct Option: A  [ befooling me ]

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.