(1) It is not merely a job, but a way of life.
(2) He said nothing, merely smiled and watched her.
(3) They agreed to go merely because they were getting paid for it.

(1) ‘Can we still buy tickets for the concert? ’ ‘I imagine so . ’
(2) I don't imagine (that) they'll refuse.
(3) There's nobody there. You're imagining things .

(1) I actually felt my heart quicken.
(2) She felt her heartbeat quicken as he approached.
(3) Good debate can quicken one's mind.

(1) The coin rolled underneath the piano.
(2) This jacket's too big, even with a sweater underneath.
(3) underneath her cool exterior she was really very frightened.

(1) rotting leaves
(2) The window frame had rotted away completely.
(3) Too much sugar will rot your teeth.

(1) a field of corn
(2) ears/sheaves of corn
(3) corn-fed chicken

(1) to peel an orange/a banana
(2) Have you peeled the potatoes?
(3) Carefully peel away the lining paper.

(1) He covered her mouth to stop her from screaming.
(2) The kids were screaming with excitement.
(3) People ran for the exits, screaming out in terror.

(1) Your help would be greatly appreciated.
(2) a greatly increased risk
(3) People's reaction to the film has varied greatly.

(1) The exhibition has stimulated interest in her work.
(2) The article can be used to stimulate discussion among students.
(3) Parents should give children books that stimulate them.

(1) (British English)All prices include postage and packing .
(2) (North Amercian English)All prices include postage and handling .
(3) an increase in postage rates

(1) to make up a four at tennis
(2) a coach and four (= four horses)
(3) We were crawling around on all fours.

(1) alternative comedy/lifestyles/values
(2) alternative energy (= electricity or power that is produced using the energy from the sun, wind, water, etc.)
(3) You can be paid in cash weekly or by cheque monthly; those are the two alternatives.

(1) I took the phone, and she went discreetly into the living room.
(2) We were sitting on the couch in the living room watching TV.
(3) In this living room we've mixed glorious floral prints.

(1) a vegetable/wine/plate/toast rack
(2) I looked through a rack of clothes at the back of the shop.
(3) They let the house go to rack and ruin.

(1) The country experienced a foreign currency shortage for several months.
(2) We lost a lot of money, but we just put it down to experience.
(3) experience has taught me that life can be very unfair.

(1) Cinderella on ice
(2) We've had to put our plans on ice for the time being.
(3) His excuses cut no ice with me.

(1) Traditionally young Asians in britain have gravitated towards medicine, law and engineering.
(2) Many of britain's beaches fail to meet minimum standards of cleanliness.
(3) britain did not introduce compulsory primary education until 1880.

(1) The Prime Minister is now 64 years old and in all probability this will be the last election that he is likely to contest...
(2) You will find a wide variety of choices available in school cafeterias...
(3) The show will be open to the public at 2pm; admission will be 50p...

(1) She poured the dark brown liquid down the sink.
(2) the transition from liquid to vapour
(3) liquid soap

(1) ...Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall.
(2) She watched the magnificent waterfall cascade down the mountainside.
(3) Climbing such a small waterfall was a piece of cake.

(1) Mexico city
(2) the city of York
(3) The city turned out to welcome the victorious team home.

(1) She will be away for the indefinite future.
(2) an indefinite science
(3) The trial was adjourned for an indefinite period.

(1) He was very unlucky not to win.
(2) By some unlucky chance, her name was left off the list.
(3) Some people think it's unlucky to walk under a ladder.

(1) We received a letter of apology.
(2) (formal)She made her apologies and left early.
(3) The meeting started with apologies (= the names of people who said they could not go to the meeting) .

(1) A ship's speed is measured in knots.
(2) a device that measures the level of radiation in the atmosphere
(3) He's gone to be measured for a new suit.

(1) the most likely outcome
(2) Tickets are likely to be expensive.
(3) It's more than likely that the thieves don't know how much it is worth.

(1) John yawned and scratched his chin.
(2) The dog scratched itself behind the ear.
(3) Try not to scratch.

(1) Two passengers are still trapped in the wreck.
(2) Physically, I was a total wreck.
(3) The interview reduced him to a nervous wreck .

(1) fearfully (= extremely) expensive
(2) We watched fearfully.
(3) Parents are ever fearful for their children.

(1) cuts and bruises
(2) Strawberries bruise easily.
(3) She had slipped and badly bruised her face.

(1) He didn't shout, he just glared at me silently.
(2) (figurative)The divorce was conducted in the full glare of publicity (= with continuous attention from newspapers and television) .
(3) the glare of the sun

(1) Can you explain how the email system works?
(2) She explained to them what to do in an emergency.
(3) ‘It works like this, ’ she explained.

(1) He spent the evening wrapping up the Christmas presents.
(2) individually wrapped chocolates
(3) I wrapped the baby (up) in a blanket.

(1) you said you knew the way.
(2) I thought she told you.
(3) Can I sit next to you?

(1) pure gold/silk, etc.
(2) These shirts are 100% pure cotton.
(3) Classical dance in its purest form requires symmetry and balance.

(1) a jazz/rock musician
(2) He was a brilliant musician.
(3) ...one of Britain's best known rock musicians.

(1) serious injury/injuries
(2) minor injuries
(3) to sustain injuries/an injury

(1) before lunch
(2) the day before yesterday
(3) The year before last he won a gold medal, and the year before that he won a silver.

(1) a friend of hers
(2) The choice was hers.
(3) His eyes met hers.