Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.

Having finished the voluminous novel, (it was being put away by him).

To throw up the sponge means to give up a contest or to acknowledge defeat or surrender

To talk through one’s hat means to say foolish things i.e. to talk nonsense.

To hold something in leash means to control and ‘to restrain’ also means to control

Sceptic means doubterCryptic means mysteriousBeliever means who believes in the truthwhich is nearly opposite in meaning to ScepticEminent means prestigious

Acrimonious means angry (typically of speech or discussion)Legal means relating to lawSevere means extremeCursive means written with the letters joinedHarmonious means sweet-soundingwhichis nearly opposite meaning to Acrimonious

Insolent means ill-manneredSullen means moodyAffable means good-naturedwhich is nearly opposite to InsolentDetermined means purposeful

Refractorymeans unmanageablewhich is nearly opposite to manageable.Refreshing means revivifyingBurdensome means troublesomePrivileged means advantage

Penchant means habitual liking for something which is nearest in meaning to liking.