4

Question 1

To lose or give up something as a consequence of an action, rule violation, or failure to fulfill an obligation.
(verb): surrender, relinquish, waive, yield, lose
(noun): penalty, loss, fine, sacrifice, consequence

Answer 1

Forfeit

Question 2

I wanted to check in to clarify what happens to any unused annual leave if I don’t take it before the end of my contract. Would it be carried over, paid out, or … ?

Answer 2

forfeited

Question 3

This expression is usually said in a playful or affectionate context. It simply means someone is sensitive to tickling on their belly—they laugh or react easily when touched there.

Answer 3

You have a ticklish belly

Question 4

“Don’t pretend you’re not laughing—I know you’ve got a … !”

Answer 4

ticklish belly

Question 5

Although physical touch varies across cultures, playful gestures like tickling—especially for those with a … belly—are often seen as expressions of affection and familiarity.

Answer 5

ticklish

Question 6

Involving a great deal of effort, difficulty, or burden.
burdensome, taxing, demanding, arduous

Answer 6

Onerous

Question 7

Managing the logistics of the international conference proved to be an … task, requiring constant coordination and follow-ups.

Answer 7

onerous

Question 8

The number of people who attend or participate in an event.
attendance, participation, crowd

Answer 8

Turnout

Question 9

The … for the sustainability summit exceeded all expectations, with over 500 professionals attending.

Answer 9

turnout

Question 10

To refill or restore something that has been used or depleted.
refill, restock, top up, renew

Answer 10

Replenish

Question 11

After a long day of hiking, we stopped at a stream to … our water supplies.

Answer 11

replenish

Question 12

By itself; intrinsically; in and of itself.
in itself, inherently, as such

Answer 12

Per se

Question 13

Over time; gradually with the passing of time.
gradually, over the course of time, eventually

Answer 13

As time goes on

Question 14

As … goes on, I’ve learned to approach challenges with more patience and resilience.”

Answer 14

time

Question 15

Something triggered a memory or association.
recalled, brought to mind, evoked

Answer 15

Reminded me of that

Question 16

Your story … me of that summer we spent in the Rockies—what an unforgettable time.

Answer 16

reminded

Question 17

A casual way to offer enthusiastic congratulations.
congratulations, well done, hats off

Answer 17

Huge congrats

Question 18

… on your promotion! Your hard work and dedication truly paid off

Answer 18

Huge congrats

Question 19

That seems like a reliable or effective method or strategy.
reasonable method, sound strategy, sensible plan

Answer 19

That sounds like a solid approach

Question 20

Combining stakeholder input with predictive analytics … a solid approach to strategic planning.

Answer 20

sounds like

Question 21

In the opposite direction or reverse order.
vice versa, in reverse

Answer 21

The other way around

Question 22

He didn’t mentor me—it was actually the … around.

Answer 22

other way

Question 23

The process of purifying or improving the quality of water.
water purification, filtration, sanitation

Answer 23

Water treatment

Question 24

Effective water … systems are crucial in remote communities to ensure access to clean drinking water.

Answer 24

treatment

Question 25

Quick and light in movement or action; adaptable and quick-thinking. agile, quick, flexible, responsive

Answer 25

Nimble

Question 26

In today’s volatile market, companies must remain... to respond to sudden shifts in consumer demand.

Answer 26

nimble

Question 27

Originating from ordinary people rather than leaders; the basic level of an organization or movement. community-based, bottom-up, local-level

Answer 27

Grassroots

Question 28

A feeling or guess based on intuition rather than facts. intuition, gut feeling, suspicion

Answer 28

Hunch

Question 29

I had a … the project would face delays, so I prepared a contingency plan.

Answer 29

hunch

Question 30

To irritate or frustrate someone greatly. annoy, irritate, get on my nerves

Answer 30

Drive me nuts (informal phrase)

Question 31

The constant interruptions during the meeting were driving me ... .

Answer 31

nuts

Question 32

Eager to learn or know more; curious. curious, inquiring, probing

Answer 32

Inquisitive

Question 33

The research assistant was highly..., often asking insightful questions that advanced the study

Answer 33

inquisitive

Question 34

A difficult, complex, or precarious situation. dilemma, predicament, entanglement

Answer 34

Quagmire

Question 35

The lack of clear policies has left the negotiations in a political ... .

Answer 35

quagmire

Question 36

Time off work granted to an employee after the death of a loved one. compassionate leave, mourning leave

Answer 36

Bereavement leave

Question 37

Employees are entitled to up to three days of... leave following the loss of an immediate family member.

Answer 37

bereavement

Question 38

To carefully select, organize, and present data or content. organize, arrange, compile

Answer 38

Curate (data)

Question 39

The analyst ... the data into an interactive dashboard for senior management.

Answer 39

Curated

Question 40

To examine something thoroughly to separate what is useful from what is not. filter, sort, screen

Answer 40

sift

Question 41

We had to... through hundreds of survey responses to identify meaningful trends.

Answer 41

sift

Question 42

To collect small amounts of information gradually. extract, gather, obtain

Answer 42

Glean (data)

Question 43

The marketing team ... insights from social media analytics to refine their campaign.

Answer 43

gleaned

Question 44

Comprehensive or all-encompassing; including or influencing everything. all-embracing, comprehensive, prevailing

Answer 44

Overarching

Question 45

The... goal of the initiative is to promote sustainable economic growth.

Answer 45

overarching

Question 46

A task that requires little skill and is often repetitive or unimportant. trivial task, routine work, unskilled labor

Answer 46

Menial task

Question 47

She was initially assigned ... tasks like filing docu

Answer 47

menial

Question 48

A kitchen or laboratory tool with a mesh or perforated surface, used to separate fine particles from coarser ones or liquids from solids. (verb) strain, sift, filter out

Answer 48

Sieve

Question 49

Figuratively, “sieve” is often used interchangeably with sift, but “…” has a stronger visual/physical image of passing things through a mesh.

Answer 49

Sieve

Question 50

To think deeply and at length about something. Ponder, contemplate, reflect on, mull over, deliberate, brood, dwell on, cogitate. … can imply overthinking. For a neutral tone, use reflect or consider.

Answer 50

Ruminate Ruminate

Question 51

After the interview, I … on the panel’s questions and realised where my argument fell short.

Answer 51

ruminated

Question 52

feel grateful or fortunate I’m grateful, I feel fortunate, I’m thankful, I’m lucky (informal). In formal contexts, prefer I’m grateful / I feel fortunate.

Answer 52

I’m blessed

Question 53

I feel … to have mentors who challenge me to grow professionally.

Answer 53

blessed

Question 54

You said something embarrassing, inappropriate, or tactless. Make a gaffe, commit a faux pas, blurt out, misspeak, speak out of turn, say the wrong thing.

Answer 54

I put my foot in my mouth (idiom)

Question 55

I completely put my foot in my … when I congratulated her on a role she hadn’t actually received.

Answer 55

mouth

Question 56

That was poorly phrased—my apologies. Let me … that more clearly.

Answer 56

restate

Question 57

You: I’m … to be back from leave with such a supportive team. Colleague: Did anything still bother you about the handover? You: I … on a few gaps over the weekend; I’ll propose fixes at stand-up. You (later): And if I put my foot in my mouth at any point, please … it—I appreciate direct feedback.

Answer 57

blessed ruminated flag

Question 58

The appetizers are excellent—have you tried them?” “This place really knows how to put on a spread.” 👉 Great for breaking the ice in a casual, neutral way.

Answer 58

The food is amazing, isn’t it?

Question 59

Is this your first time at this venue?” Do you come to PMINL events often? 👉 Invites the other person to share experiences and opens up small talk.

Answer 59

Have you been here before?

Question 60

Your face looks familiar—did we meet at the last PMINL mixer? I feel like we may have crossed paths—were you at the [event]? 👉 A polite way to reconnect even if you’re unsure.

Answer 60

Have you been here before?

Question 61

something that is inborn, natural, existing from birth, not learned or acquired. Inborn Natural, Inherent, Instinctive Congenital,,Native, Deep-rooted Hardwired

Answer 61

innate

Question 62

The study suggests that language acquisition is partly an … ability rather than purely environmental.

Answer 62

innate

Question 63

So, what’s your connection with PMINL? How did you get involved with the chapter? 👉 A professional yet personal opener that steers the chat toward networking.

Answer 63

How do you know the host?

Question 64

Quite a turnout tonight, isn’t it? Looks like everyone’s enjoying the summer vibes. 👉 Helps keep the tone light and social.

Answer 64

Is it always this busy here?

Question 65

🔹 Professional Follow-ups To keep the dialogue flowing: What projects are you working on these days? How do you usually … work and professional development? What do you enjoy most about project management?”

Answer 65

balance

Question 66

🔹 Smart Closers When you want to wrap up gracefully: • “It was great …—let me give you my LinkedIn so we can stay in touch.” • “I’ll let you …, but I’d love to continue this conversation later.”

Answer 66

chatting mingle

Question 67

🍸 Scenario: You meet a new member at the event You: “Hi there, the food is amazing, isn’t it?” Colleague: “Yes, it really is! The appetizers are … .” You: “Totally agree. Have you been to a PMINL event before?” Colleague: “No, this is actually my first time.” You: “That’s great! I remember my first event—I met some really helpful people. What … you interested in joining PMINL?”

Answer 67

fantastic got

Question 68

👔 Scenario: You reconnect with someone you may have seen before You: “Your face looks familiar—I think we’ve met before. Were you at the spring networking event?” Colleague: “Yes! I was there at The Rooms café.” You: “I thought so. It was a great … that evening. How’s your work been going since … ?” Colleague: “Busy as always, but good. Lots of project deadlines.” You: “I can … .In my role, I’m focusing on [briefly mention your current project or interest]—it’s been exciting but also challenging.”

Answer 68

turnout then relate

Question 69

🗣 Scenario: Light, casual conversation You: “Quite a turnout tonight, isn’t it?” Colleague: “Absolutely. It’s busier than I expected.” You: “I think that’s the great part about PMINL—you get to meet people from all kinds of industries. What … are you working in?” Colleague: “I’m in IT project management.” You: “Oh, … . I’ve had some experience in that area too—what’s been your biggest project challenge lately?”

Answer 69

field nice

Question 70

✅ Smooth Closing You: “It was great … with you. Would you like to connect on LinkedIn? I’d love to keep in touch.” Colleague: “Sure, that sounds great!” You: “Perfect, I’ll send you a request later. I’ll let you mingle, but hope we … into each other again before the night’s over.”

Answer 70

chatting bump