1. He liked being a policeman, but he didn't like leaving his house at the drop of a .......... anytime he was needed.

2. He was bored at work, but at the end of the .......... he was happy to be helping people — even if it wasn't much fun.

3. I feel like I am at the end of my .......... now that I've lost my job and my sister in the same month, a depressed Sam told his wife.

4. He had to shout at the top of his .......... to get his wife to notice him when she was in the garden.

5. Don't worry. I'll have the project ready for you today. It's at the top of my .......... , Medford told his boss.

6. He knew he would be able to excel in his job. An average .......... could do any of the required duties.

7. I tell you, Joe-- the receptionist is away with the .......... today. I've asked her to give me the number to corporate three times today, but she keeps forgetting, Wes told Max.

8. His manager is a regular .......... in arms. She looks like she is in her early 20's, and that seems extremely young for this position.

9. I think we have another babe in the .......... here, Jack. I don't know why they keep sending inexperienced employees our way.

10. Analysts say that it is a good idea to invest in retirement housing now that the baby .......... are all retiring.