Fill in the blank in the following sentence with the most appropriate option:
The team needs to ________ this bottleneck for now and complete the project before the deadline.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → work around
Work around means to find a way of dealing with a problem without removing it. The words "for now" show that the team only needs a temporary way past the bottleneck so that the project is finished before the deadline.
Complete sentence: The team needs to work around this bottleneck for now and complete the project before the deadline.
Example: Until the software is updated, we will have to work around the error.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: work up — Incorrect. Work up means to develop gradually (work up an appetite) or to get excited or upset; it does not mean handling a problem.
Example: The long walk worked up my appetite.
Option 3: work out — Incorrect. Work out means to solve a problem fully or to exercise; "for now" asks for a temporary way round, not a final solution.
Example: We finally worked out the answer.
Option 4: work over — Incorrect. Work over means to examine or revise thoroughly, or informally to beat someone up.
Example: The editor worked over the draft before it went to print.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| work up | 12-05 S2 18-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |