Meaning: 'Worn out' means extremely tired or exhausted, often due to overwork.

Wrong options:

• comfortably off: 'Comfortably off' refers to having enough money to live well, which does not relate to the feeling of exhaustion.
• hard up: 'Hard up' means in need of money, which does not convey the sense of fatigue the speaker is expressing.
• rise with: 'Rise with' is not a coherent phrase in this context and does not relate to the speaker's state of being.
• got off: 'Got off' is a phrasal verb that typically means to leave or escape, which does not fit the context of feeling tired.
• up to date with: 'Up to date with' refers to being current with information, which is unrelated to the speaker's exhaustion.
• sold out: 'Sold out' means that no more of something is available, which does not apply to the speaker's feelings of tiredness.

Correct answer: up to date with

Explanation: The phrase 'up to date with' indicates being current or informed about modern developments. It fits grammatically as a prepositional phrase that complements the verb 'keep' and aligns with the context of needing to stay informed in a fast-moving field.

Meaning: 'Up to date with' means being informed about the latest information or developments.

Wrong options:

• comfortably off: 'Comfortably off' refers to financial stability, which does not relate to the need for current knowledge.
• hard up: 'Hard up' means in financial difficulty, which does not fit the context of staying informed.
• rise with: 'Rise with' is not a relevant phrase in this context and does not convey the idea of keeping informed.
• got off: 'Got off' does not relate to the context of being current with developments.
• worn out: 'Worn out' describes fatigue, which does not pertain to the concept of being informed.
• sold out: 'Sold out' refers to availability and does not connect to the idea of keeping up with information.

Correct answer: hard up

Explanation: The term 'hard up' describes a state of financial difficulty, which fits the context of the speaker expressing dissatisfaction with their pay. It is grammatically correct as it functions as an adjective describing the speaker's current situation.

Meaning: 'Hard up' means in need of money or financially struggling.

Wrong options:

• comfortably off: 'Comfortably off' indicates financial stability, which contradicts the speaker's expression of being in need.
• worn out: 'Worn out' refers to exhaustion, which does not relate to the financial context of this blank.
• rise with: 'Rise with' is not a coherent phrase in this context and does not pertain to financial status.
• got off: 'Got off' does not relate to financial conditions and is irrelevant here.
• up to date with: 'Up to date with' refers to being informed, which does not connect to the speaker's financial situation.
• cheesed off: 'Cheesed off' means annoyed, which does not describe a financial state.

Correct answer: cheesed off

Explanation: The phrase 'cheesed off' means annoyed or frustrated, which fits the context of the speaker feeling upset about their boss's refusal for a raise. It is grammatically correct as it serves as an adjective describing the speaker's emotional state.

Meaning: 'Cheesed off' means feeling annoyed or irritated.

Wrong options:

• comfortably off: 'Comfortably off' refers to financial stability, which does not relate to the speaker's feelings of annoyance.
• hard up: 'Hard up' describes financial difficulty, which does not fit the emotional context of this blank.
• rise with: 'Rise with' is not relevant in this context and does not convey annoyance.
• got off: 'Got off' does not relate to feelings and is irrelevant here.
• up to date with: 'Up to date with' refers to being informed, which does not connect to the speaker's emotional state.
• worn out: 'Worn out' describes fatigue, which does not pertain to feelings of annoyance.

Correct answer: comfortably off

Explanation: The phrase 'comfortably off' describes a state of financial security, which fits the context of the speaker comparing their situation to that of their friends. It is grammatically correct as it serves as an adjective describing the financial status of the friends.

Meaning: 'Comfortably off' means having enough money to live well without financial stress.

Wrong options:

• hard up: 'Hard up' means in financial difficulty, which contradicts the description of the friends' financial status.
• worn out: 'Worn out' refers to exhaustion, which does not relate to financial security.
• rise with: 'Rise with' is not relevant in this context and does not convey financial status.
• got off: 'Got off' does not relate to financial conditions and is irrelevant here.
• up to date with: 'Up to date with' refers to being informed, which does not connect to the financial situation of the friends.
• cheesed off: 'Cheesed off' means annoyed, which does not describe a state of financial well-being.