The student's first attempt at writing a play was a far（）from the work of Shakespeare.

I expected a bigger payment, but I suppose you have to be（）for small mercies.

He never（）to read the news but turned at once to the crossword puzzle on the last page.

Mr. Edward was not in, so his brother acted as （）at the party.

I tried very hard to persuade him to join our group but I met with a flat（）

After she became a lawyer, she decided to （）criminal law.

The survivors（）to a floating tree in hopes of rescue.

He（）for military service against the wishes of his parents.

An explosion is a sudden increase in amount（）

The weakening housing market continued to take its（）on the industry.