Explanation: The correct answer is B: To listen with considerable doubt. "Taking with a grain of salt" implies skepticism, not enjoyment, full attention, or disinterest, making B the most accurate interpretation.

Explanation: The correct opposite of "authentic" in the sentence is A: fake. "Authentic" means genuine, while "fake" signifies something counterfeit or not real, making it the accurate antonym.

Explanation: The correct interpretation of the phrase "French leave" in this context is: A: leave without permission Explanation: "French leave" is a colloquial term that means to leave without permission or without saying goodbye. Option B, "leave with permission," is the opposite meaning, which does not apply to "French leave." Option C, "casual leave," and option D, "medical leave," refer to specific types of authorized leave, which are different from "French leave." Therefore, the correct answer is A: leave without permission.

Explanation: The phrase "there is no gainsaying" means that there is no denying or disputing the fact. So, the opposite of "gainsaying" would be: D: denying Explanation: "Gainsaying" means to deny or dispute. Therefore, "denying" is the opposite in meaning, indicating that one refuses to acknowledge or accept something. So, the correct answer is D: denying.

Explanation: The correct completion of the sentence "Each boy and each girl was present _________ sweets" is: B: with Explanation: The phrase "with sweets" indicates that each boy and each girl was present and had sweets with them or in their possession. This prepositional phrase clarifies the context in which they were present. Therefore, the correct answer is B: with.

Explanation: The phrase "by leaps and bounds" typically means that something is happening rapidly or in large increments. Therefore, the word that best fits in the blank is: B: rapidly So, the sentence would be: "The prices are going up by leaps and bounds."