Many young ladies in the street have __________ their summer dresses in late spring.
Mr. Smith gradually _____ a knowledge of the subject.
His new appointment takes _____ from the beginning of next month.
It was a great _____ for him to be pleasant to people he didn't like.
He has impressed his employers considerably and _____ he is soon to be promoted.
The managing director took the _____ for the accident, although it was not really his fault.