Meaning: 'Unless' means 'except if' or 'if not,' indicating a condition that must be fulfilled for something to happen.

Wrong options:

• since: 'Since' implies a reason or cause, which does not fit the conditional nature of the sentence.
• although: 'Although' introduces a contrast, which is not appropriate here as the sentence is not presenting opposing ideas.
• thereby: 'Thereby' indicates a consequence or result, which does not align with the conditional requirement expressed in the sentence.

Correct answer: lots

Explanation: 'Lots' is an informal term that indicates a large number or quantity, fitting well in the context of the sentence where it describes the various phrases that emerged over time.

Meaning: 'Lots' means 'a large number' or 'many,' suggesting that numerous phrases have come into use.

Wrong options:

• more: 'More' suggests an increase but does not convey the idea of a large quantity as effectively as 'lots.'
• many: 'Many' is a correct term but is less informal than 'lots,' which fits the conversational tone of the passage better.
• great: 'Great' typically refers to size or importance but does not directly indicate quantity in the same way 'lots' does.

Correct answer: common

Explanation: 'Common' indicates that the phrases share a similar characteristic, which is the idea of shirking responsibility for knowledge. This fits grammatically and contextually as it summarizes the shared theme of the phrases mentioned.

Meaning: 'Common' means 'shared by many' or 'frequently occurring,' highlighting the similarity among the phrases discussed.

Wrong options:

• contrast: 'Contrast' implies a difference, which does not align with the idea of shared characteristics among the phrases.
• total: 'Total' refers to the whole amount and does not fit the context of shared ideas or themes.
• relation: 'Relation' suggests a connection but does not convey the idea of similarity as effectively as 'common.'

Correct answer: most

Explanation: 'Most' indicates the majority or a high frequency of occurrence, which is appropriate in this context as it describes how often the law is applied in specific cases. This aligns well with the grammatical structure and meaning of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Most' means 'the majority of' or 'the greatest number of,' suggesting that the law is frequently applied in the mentioned contexts.

Wrong options:

• little: 'Little' implies a small amount, which contradicts the intended meaning of frequent application.
• few: 'Few' suggests a small number, which does not fit the context of the law being applied often.
• less: 'Less' indicates a reduction in quantity, which is not suitable here as the sentence emphasizes frequency of application.