Match each phrasal or prepositional verb on the left with its precise contextual definition on the right.
- Ferret outTo uncover or bring to light through persistent, detailed investigation
- Cavil atTo raise petty, unnecessary, or trivial objections to something
- Fob offTo deceitfully dispose of an unwanted item or turn someone away with plausible excuses
- Tide overTo sustain, support, or assist someone temporarily through a difficult period
Answer
'Ferret out' matches with uncovering or bringing to light through persistent investigation; 'Cavil at' matches with raising petty, unnecessary, or trivial objections; 'Fob off' matches with deceitfully disposing of an unwanted item or turning someone away with plausible excuses; 'Tide over' matches with sustaining or assisting someone temporarily through a difficult period.
Each phrasal/prepositional verb is paired with its exact dictionary and contextual sense: 'Ferret out' denotes diligent investigation, 'Cavil at' denotes raising trivial objections, 'Fob off' denotes deceptive evasion or palming off items, and 'Tide over' denotes providing temporary support.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Advanced idiomatic meanings and usage of phrasal and prepositional verbs in formal Standard English