WORD CHUNKS 4

bruising contest fade into the tapestry of harbor sympathy be whipsawed by be harder to peg politically raise a flap of angry denials squelch rising prices compounding the fear in fan fears of climb out of its hole bend the logic of hurt someone's pocketbooks step out of one's silo reserve the right to discharge one's duties rebuff someone's efforts slow walk the issue quell one's distress mark a stunning reversal oust someone from one's perch cast the future fortunes of something in doubt spur outrage fend off a coup draw applause and cheers stall progress stiffen its border enforcement and efforts ride out the crisis prove no easy job take an ax to kick off a spectacle try one's hardest add to something's /someone's woes be buffeted by scandal couldn't have come at a worse time for someone/ something gird someone/something against attacks pre-empt attacks plunge someone into new turmoil mount a defiant and tearful defense cast aspersions on deliver a blistering encore come under strain ramp up the trade dispute push back against pressure stoke hopes take on the herculean task avoid a cliff edge scuttle a deal finesse one's position agree to fuzzy language play out against the backdrop of wonder aloud spare someone the indignity of fulfill a long-held dream someone's hope is fading with each passing day broaden the theme showcase divisions land with a thud on put a price tag on the economy sputtered rebuff someone's efforts close the ugly chapter in one's relations economic meltdown spill into public view provide grist for slow-walk stark reminder slate of directors culture of toxicity saturation coverage eroding freedom widening diplomatic dispute the latest salvo attrition rate escalating tensions precipitous downfall precipitous fall sobering indicator in its beginning stages freighted questions whipsaw events not uncommon fuzzy language hard-edge strategy