Fill in the missing words in the sentences below. Choose from the following:
at a loose end ; at death’s door ; at one’s wits’ end * (* change as appropriate) ; at a loss ; at fault ; at random ; at a pinch ; at first sight ; at shorts notice ; at a standstill ; at least ; at all costs ; at loggerheads ; at the crack of dawn ; at all hours ; at most ; at will ; at best ; at once ; at will
1. We must __________ catch the 7.30 train. Otherwise we won’t get to the meeting in time.
2. It is difficult to know who’s __________ in the matter. Perhaps we’re all to blame.
3. It’s late. I think you’d better go to bed now, darling. Remember, you’ve got to get up __________ tomorrow.
4. Since it’s his first offence he’ll probably get off with a warning - __________ a small fine.
5. If you’re __________ this weekend, Joan, why not come over for a meal? It’ll give us a chance to catch up on some gossip.
6. When her daughter didn’t come home on the last bus with the other girls, Mrs Jenkins was __________ - she was terrified that something dreadful had happened to her.
7. Like you, I’m __________ to explain the sudden fall in share prices. I’ve absolutely no idea what can have caused it.
8. Traffic was __________ this morning because of an accident of the A21.
9. I’m afraid everything’s __________ this week. Both the secretaries are ill and no one knows where anything is.
10. The hotel wasn’t that modern, but __________ it was cheap and reasonably clean.
11. I’ve got room in the car for three - four __________.
12. Mrs Smith’s daughter is terrible, isn’t she? Out __________ and never a kind word to anyone.
13. You should be able to sell your stereo equipment for £200 - __________ £250.
14. Of you don’t get out __________ then I shall have you thrown out.
15. Pamela and David are always __________. I really can’t imagine why they got married in the first place. They’ve got absolutely nothing in common.
16. A chameleon is a remarkable creature - it is able to change the colour of its skin __________.
17. You can’t expect me to work overtime __________ such __________! I need to be told at least two days in advance.
18. I was in a hurry for my train, so I choose a book __________.
