(1) I'd like to know the reason why you're so late.
(2) We aren't going for the simple reason that we can't afford it.
(3) She gave no reasons for her decision.

(1) the concept of social class
(2) concepts such as ‘civilization ’ and ‘government ’
(3) He can't grasp the basic concepts of mathematics.

(1) the entrance to the museum/the museum entrance
(2) entrancing music
(3) They were refused entrance to the exhibition.

(1) an immensely powerful organization
(2) a rich and powerful man
(3) Only the intervention of powerful friends obtained her release.

(1) Buy three and make a saving of 55p.
(2) With the new boiler you can make big savings on fuel bills.
(3) He put all his savings into buying a boat.

(1) There is a wide variety of patterns to choose from.
(2) He resigned for a variety of reasons.
(3) This tool can be used in a variety of ways.

(1) to follow the dictates of fashion
(2) She refused to be dictated to by anyone.
(3) He dictated a letter to his secretary.

(1) Her mother lived in a nearby town.
(2) There were complaints from nearby residents.
(3) They live nearby.

(1) to check your bank balance (= to find out how much money there is in your account)
(2) The balance of $500 must be paid within 90 days.
(3) Try to keep a balance between work and relaxation.

(1) He's generally considered to have the finest tenor voice in the country.
(2) You should consider other people before you act.
(3) He stood there, considering the painting.

(1) a consultation process
(2) to begin the difficult process of reforming the education system
(3) I'm afraid getting things changed will be a slow process.

(1) a convicted murderer
(2) a mass murderer (= who has killed a lot of people)
(3) One of these men may have been the murderer.

(1) Remember to wear your helmet.
(2) Jewel : I saw a guy with a swastika on his scooter helmet the other day.
(3) His helmet protected his head during the crash.

(1) ...mathematical calculations...
(2) Given the sheer number of stars that exist it's a mathematical certainty that there is life on other planets.
(3) ...children who display extraordinary mathematical ability.

(1) They are seeking more funds but the cupboard is bare.
(2) kitchen cupboards
(3) built-in cupboards

(1) metric units/measurements/sizes
(2) British currency went metric in 1971.
(3) These screws are metric.

(1) She's fluent in French and German. She also speaks a little Italian.
(2) rubella, also known as German measles
(3) I didn't like it that much. also, it was much too expensive.

(1) The police decided to investigate further.
(2) My life is further complicated by having to work such long hours.
(3) Nothing could be further from the truth .

(1) an elected assembly/leader/representative
(2) the newly elected government
(3) She became the first black woman to be elected to the Senate.

(1) On the last lap three runners were disputing the lead.
(2) The issue remains hotly disputed .
(3) disputed territory

(1) (North Amercian English)a bounce (= increase) in popularity
(2) one bounce of the ball
(3) There's not much bounce left in these balls.

(1) I'm quite a fast typist.
(2) The typist turned to and finished the article in two hours.
(3) Check the manuscript over carefully before passing it to the typist.

(1) an advertising slogan
(2) a campaign slogan
(3) The crowd began chanting anti-government slogans .

(1) to win a gold medal in the Olympics
(2) to award a medal for bravery
(3) Evans has medalled at several international events.

(1) white paint
(2) gloss/matt/acrylic paint
(3) The woodwork has recently been given a fresh coat of paint .

(1) the metric system of measurement
(2) Accurate measurement is very important in science.
(3) to take sb's chest/waist measurement

(1) I did it because he told me to.
(2) Just because I don't complain, people think I'm satisfied.
(3) They are here because of us.

(1) We stopped for something to eat.
(2) Give me something to do .
(3) There's something wrong with the TV.

(1) reduce speed now (= on a sign) .
(2) Costs have been reduced by 20% over the past year.
(3) Giving up smoking reduces the risk of heart disease.

(1) We have very similar interests.
(2) My teaching style is similar to that of most other teachers.
(3) The two houses are similar in size.

(1) a prominent politician
(2) He played a prominent part in the campaign.
(3) She was prominent in the fashion industry.

(1) I rested my fishing rod against a pine bough.
(2) I hitched the rope round a bough of the tree.
(3) He hitched a rope round a bough of a tree.

(1) At dawn the army attacked the town.
(2) The guerrillas attack at night.
(3) a newspaper article attacking the England football manager

(1) You take care of your end, kid, I'll take care of mine...
(2) Let's go up to the office and settle the business end of things.
(3) The police force is being manipulated for political ends...

(1) a global perspective
(2) Try to see the issue from a different perspective .
(3) a report that looks at the education system from the perspective of deaf people

(1) cheese on toast
(2) a piece of toast
(3) two slices/rounds of toast

(1) I can't find a clean shirt (= one I haven't worn since it was washed) .
(2) Are your hands clean?
(3) to wipe sth clean

(1) She overcame injury to win the Olympic gold medal.
(2) The two parties managed to overcome their differences on the issue.
(3) In the final game Sweden easily overcame France.

(1) I can't swim.
(2) The boys swam across the lake.
(3) They spent the day swimming and sunbathing.

(1) The idea evolved from a drawing I discovered in the attic.
(2) The company has evolved into a major chemical manufacturer.
(3) Each school must evolve its own way of working.