Match each phrasal or prepositional verb in Column A with its precise contextual definition in Column B as used in formal English.
- claw backTo retrieve or regain resources or power after initial loss or concession
- fritter awayTo squander or waste resources or opportunities recklessly on trivial matters
- reconcile toTo reluctantly accept an unfavorable or undesirable reality
- whittle downTo gradually reduce the quantity or number of something through systematic removal
Answer
'claw back' matches 'To retrieve or regain resources or power after initial loss or concession'; 'fritter away' matches 'To squander or waste resources or opportunities recklessly on trivial matters'; 'reconcile to' matches 'To reluctantly accept an unfavorable or undesirable reality'; and 'whittle down' matches 'To gradually reduce the quantity or number of something through systematic removal'.
Each verb pair strictly matches its formal contextual definition based on standard usage in British English: 'claw back' describes regaining lost funds or power; 'fritter away' describes squandering resources on trivialities; 'reconcile to' denotes accepting unwelcome conditions; and 'whittle down' means reducing items incrementally.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Estimated Time:1m 30s