(1) to offer sb constructive criticism (= that is meant to be helpful)
(2) I didn't mean it as a criticism.
(3) criticisms levelled at (= aimed at) journalists

(1) sales forecasts
(2) The forecast said there would be sunny intervals and showers.
(3) Experts are forecasting a recovery in the economy.

(1) (figurative)His mind was like a sponge, ready to absorb anything.
(2) a chocolate sponge
(3) She sponged his hot face.

(1) The first arrivals at the concert got the best seats.
(2) early/late/new arrivals
(3) We're expecting a new arrival (= a baby) in the family soon.

(1) Alec laughed harshly.
(2) harsh detergents
(3) She was treated very harshly.

(1) Nobody mentioned anything to me about it.
(2) Sorry, I won't mention it again.
(3) Now that you mention it , she did seem to be in a strange mood.

(1) in the realm of literature
(2) At the end of the speech he seemed to be moving into the realms of fantasy.
(3) the defence of the realm

(1) I know exactly how she felt.
(2) Do exactly as I tell you.
(3) It happened almost exactly a year ago.

(1) ‘What do you want? ’ he demanded aggressively.
(2) aggressively marketed products
(3) a dangerous aggressive dog

(1) She answered in a businesslike manner .
(2) The manner in which the decision was announced was extremely regrettable.
(3) to have an aggressive/a friendly/a relaxed manner

(1) The radio announcer said it was nine o'clock...
(2) In the commercial an announcer interviews a Texan.
(3) The announcer apologised for the delay.

(1) carpenter: Well, I knew some idiot would ask me. So I measured it!
(2) The carpenter glued two pieces of wood together.
(3) The carpenter ran his rule over the shed and sized it up at once.

(1) Is there anybody who can help me?
(2) anybody can use the pool─you don't need to be a member.
(3) She wasn't anybody before she got that job.

(1) The Romans were the first to utilize concrete as a building material.
(2) The resources at our disposal could have been better utilized.
(3) Sound engineers utilize a range of techniques to enhance the quality of the recordings...

(1) The news of my promotion came as a shock .
(2) He's still in a state of shock .
(3) I got a terrible shock the other day.

(1) Have you seen her lately?
(2) It's only lately that she's been well enough to go out.
(3) (British English)I haven't been sleeping well just lately.

(1) He leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly together.
(2) They clasped hands (= held each other's hands) .
(3) I stood there, clasping the door handle.

(1) the lower deck of a ship
(2) His lower lip trembled.
(3) the mountain's lower slopes

(1) a troublesome cough/child/problem
(2) He needed surgery to cure a troublesome back injury...
(3) Parents may find that a troublesome teenager becomes unmanageable.

(1) What's all that sticky stuff on the carpet?
(2) The chairs were covered in some sort of plastic stuff.
(3) This wine is good stuff.

(1) the river Thames
(2) the Hudson river
(3) on the banks of the river (= the ground at the side of a river)

(1) I owe you a great debt of gratitude (= feel extremely grateful) .
(2) a deep sense of gratitude
(3) She was presented with the gift in gratitude for her long service.

(1) She was motivated solely by self-interest.
(2) Selection is based solely on merit.
(3) He became solely responsible for the firm.

(1) Your account of events does not correspond with hers.
(2) Your account and hers do not correspond.
(3) The written record of the conversation doesn't correspond to (= is different from) what was actually said.

(1) He looked at himself in the mirror over the table.
(2) ...a bridge over the river Danube.
(3) A grey mackintosh was folded over her arm...

(1) Clint is awful smart.
(2) the awful horrors of war
(3) [不可数名词]the sheer awfulness of the situation

(1) a spiritual experience
(2) spiritual development
(3) a lack of spiritual values in the modern world

(1) a change of career
(2) That will be a good career move (= something that will help your career).
(3) a career soldier/diplomat , etc. (= a professional one)

(1) a paved area near the back door
(2) This decision paved the way for changes in employment rights for women.
(3) The avenue had never been paved, and deep mud made it impassable in winter.

(1) (figurative)the odour of suspicion
(2) a foul/musty/pungent, etc. odour
(3) the stale odour of cigarette smoke

(1) These peaches are still firm.
(2) a firm bed/mattress
(3) a firm of accountants

(1) a silly idea
(2) That was a silly thing to do !
(3) Her work is full of silly mistakes.

(1) My mother taught me how to sew.
(2) to sew by hand/machine
(3) to sew a seam

(1) a desirable family residence for sale (= for example, in an advertisement)
(2) 10 Downing Street is the British Prime Minister's official residence .
(3) (formal)They were not able to take up residence in their new home until the spring.

(1) He translated the letter into English.
(2) Her books have been translated into 24 languages.
(3) ‘Suisse ’ had been wrongly translated as ‘Sweden ’.

(1) He could only understand a word here and there.
(2) I do a bit of teaching here and there...
(3) Instead of staying in the here and now, you bring up similar instances from the past.

(1) We've all got problems of one kind or another.
(2) The room's too small. Let's see if they've got another one .
(3) I don't like this room. I'm going to ask for another.

(1) a nest of thieves
(2) to leave the nest (= leave your parents' home)
(3) a nest of tables

(1) She was hot and sweat dripped into her eyes.
(2) Water was dripping down the walls.
(3) The tap was dripping.

(1) It's a nice day. Let's go for a picnic .
(2) We had a picnic beside the river.
(3) Let's eat our picnic by the lake.