Look at the italicised phrases and their meanings given in brackets.

Mountains are nature at its best. (nature’s best form and appearance)
Your life is at risk. (in danger; you run the risk of losing your life.)
He was at his best/ worst in the last meeting. (it was his best/ worst performance.)

Fill in the blanks in the following dialogues choosing suitable phrases from those given in the box.

at hand, at once, at all, at a low ebb, at first sight

(i) Teacher: You were away from school without permission. Go to the principal ……… and submit your explanation.
Pupil : Yes, Madam. But would you help me write it first?

(ii) Arun: Are you unwell?
Ila: No, not ………….. Why do you ask?
Arun: If you were unwell, I would send you to my uncle.
He is a doctor.

(iii) Mary: Almost every Indian film has an episode of love ………….
David: Is that what makes them so popular in foreign countries?

(iv) Asif: You look depressed. Why are your spirits …………….. today? (Use such in the phrase)
Ashok: I have to write ten sentences using words that I never heard before.

(v) Shieba: Your big moment is close ………….
Jyoti: How should I welcome it?
Shieba: Get up and receive the trophy.