英検準1級（実用英語技能検定 準1級）「会話・場面表現」の一問一答

英検準1級（実用英語技能検定 準1級）の会話・場面表現に関する一問一答（全60問）の正解と解説の一覧です。上の一問一答で実際に解いてから、ここで復習・確認できます。

1. 問1．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I'm afraid the project is behind schedule."

   • ア．Let's figure out how to catch up.
   • イ．Congratulations on finishing early!
   • ウ．Help yourself to the snacks.
   • エ．I couldn't care less.

   正解：ア．Let's figure out how to catch up.

   解説：進捗が遅れているという報告。「では挽回策を話し合おう」と前向きに対応する Let's figure out how to catch up. が場面に即して自然。

2. 問2．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "Do you think she'll accept the offer?" B: "( ) She's been looking for a change."

   • ア．I doubt it very much.
   • イ．I wouldn't be surprised.
   • ウ．That's none of my business.
   • エ．Let's call it a day.

   正解：イ．I wouldn't be surprised.

   解説：転職を望んでいた相手なので「まず間違いないね」と肯定する I wouldn't be surprised. が文脈に合う。

3. 問3．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Could you finish the report by tomorrow?"

   • ア．You can say that again.
   • イ．Don't mention it.
   • ウ．I'll get back to you on that.
   • エ．It's a piece of cake, isn't it?

   正解：ウ．I'll get back to you on that.

   解説：締切を尋ねられ即答を避け「確認して折り返す」と答える I'll get back to you on that. が職場で自然。

4. 問4．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I think we should invest all our savings in this stock."

   • ア．You took the words right out of my mouth.
   • イ．Let's not jump to conclusions.
   • ウ．I'm all ears, go on.
   • エ．That's a load off my mind.

   正解：イ．Let's not jump to conclusions.

   解説：性急な判断を戒め「早合点はやめよう」と慎重を促す Let's not jump to conclusions. が適切。

5. 問5．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "Whose fault was the mistake, anyway?" B: "( ) Let's focus on fixing it instead."

   • ア．That's beside the point.
   • イ．Better late than never.
   • ウ．It's on the house.
   • エ．You have my word.

   正解：ア．That's beside the point.

   解説：誰のせいかという話題をそらし「それは論点ではない」と切り返す That's beside the point. が自然。

6. 問6．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "This new policy is going to be a disaster, mark my words."

   • ア．I'm afraid I beg to differ.
   • イ．You can say that again.
   • ウ．Don't get your hopes up.
   • エ．Suit yourself, then.

   正解：イ．You can say that again.

   解説：相手の悲観に強く同意する You can say that again. が口語慣用として自然。

7. 問7．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Will the merger go through next month?"

   • ア．It's a done deal already.
   • イ．I'll take a rain check.
   • ウ．It's still up in the air.
   • エ．The ball is in your court.

   正解：ウ．It's still up in the air.

   解説：確定していない事柄を「まだ未定だ」と表す It's still up in the air. が文脈に合う。

8. 問8．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "Just tell me directly what you want." B: "All right. I won't ( ) any longer."

   • ア．take it for granted
   • イ．beat around the bush
   • ウ．let the cat out of the bag
   • エ．play it by ear

   正解：イ．beat around the bush

   解説：率直に言えと言われ「遠回しに言うのはやめる」と返す beat around the bush が慣用として正しい。

9. 問9．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Saving money sounds easy, but it never is for me."

   • ア．That's easier said than done.
   • イ．Be my guest, then.
   • ウ．It's now or never.
   • エ．Look on the bright side.

   正解：ア．That's easier said than done.

   解説：言うほど簡単ではないという嘆きに共感する That's easier said than done. が自然。

10. 問10．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "Should we book the venue now or wait?" B: "Let's ( ) and decide once we know the guest count."

    • ア．call it a day
    • イ．cut corners
    • ウ．play it by ear
    • エ．clear the air

    正解：ウ．play it by ear

    解説：状況次第で柔軟に決めようという play it by ear が文脈に合う。

11. 問11．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Do you think the budget proposal will pass?"

    • ア．By all means, go ahead.
    • イ．Consider it done.
    • ウ．You're telling me!
    • エ．I wouldn't count on it.

    正解：エ．I wouldn't count on it.

    解説：可能性が低いと見て「当てにしない方がいい」と答える I wouldn't count on it. が自然。

12. 問12．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Have we met before? Your name sounds familiar."

    • ア．That rings a bell.
    • イ．Mind your own business.
    • ウ．It's a steal at that price.
    • エ．I'm at my wits' end.

    正解：ア．That rings a bell.

    解説：名前に心当たりがあるという反応「聞き覚えがある」を表す That rings a bell. が適切。

13. 問13．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "Why wasn't this invoice processed?" B: "I'm sorry, it must have ( ) during the busy period."

    • ア．hit the nail on the head
    • イ．slipped through the cracks
    • ウ．gone the extra mile
    • エ．broken the ice

    正解：イ．slipped through the cracks

    解説：忙しさで見落とされたことを表す slipped through the cracks が文脈に合う。

14. 問14．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "We've been at this for hours. I'm exhausted."

    • ア．Let's get the ball rolling.
    • イ．Don't count your chickens.
    • ウ．Let's call it a day.
    • エ．The sky's the limit.

    正解：ウ．Let's call it a day.

    解説：疲れた相手に「今日はこれで終わりにしよう」と提案する Let's call it a day. が自然。

15. 問15．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Should I accept the promotion or stay in my current role?"

    • ア．It's right up your alley.
    • イ．You're barking up the wrong tree.
    • ウ．I've got bigger fish to fry.
    • エ．I'd be in two minds about it too.

    正解：エ．I'd be in two minds about it too.

    解説：自分も迷っているという共感「私も判断がつかない」を表す I'm in two minds about it. が適切。

16. 問16．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "Let's discuss the details when we both have time." B: "Sure, let's ( ) sometime next week."

    • ア．touch base
    • イ．cut to the chase
    • ウ．throw in the towel
    • エ．bend over backwards

    正解：ア．touch base

    解説：後で連絡を取り合おうという touch base が職場の口語として自然。

17. 問17．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "It's a long shot, but could you ask the CEO directly?"

    • ア．You've got to be kidding me.
    • イ．That's the last straw.
    • ウ．I told you so.
    • エ．It's worth a try.

    正解：エ．It's worth a try.

    解説：望み薄でも頼む依頼に「やってみる価値はある」と前向きに応じる It's worth a try. が自然。

18. 問18．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I really appreciate you covering my shift yesterday."

    • ア．You're out of line.
    • イ．I beg your pardon?
    • ウ．Don't mention it.
    • エ．That's wishful thinking.

    正解：ウ．Don't mention it.

    解説：感謝への謙遜した返答「気にしないで、お互い様だ」を表す Don't mention it. が自然。

19. 問19．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "The client keeps changing the requirements." B: "( ) We just have to adapt as best we can."

    • ア．You asked for it.
    • イ．Better safe than sorry.
    • ウ．Easy come, easy go.
    • エ．That's the way it goes.

    正解：エ．That's the way it goes.

    解説：どうしようもない状況を受け入れる「それが現実だ」を表す That's the way it goes. が文脈に合う。

20. 問20．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I'm not sure I follow your reasoning."

    • ア．Let me put it another way.
    • イ．That makes two of us.
    • ウ．It's no use crying over spilt milk.
    • エ．You hit the jackpot.

    正解：ア．Let me put it another way.

    解説：理解されていないと知り「言い換えて説明する」と申し出る Let me put it another way. が自然。

21. 問21．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Did you really finish the entire proposal overnight?"

    • ア．The feeling is mutual.
    • イ．You must be joking.
    • ウ．I'll keep that in mind.
    • エ．Make yourself at home.

    正解：イ．You must be joking.

    解説：信じがたい話に半信半疑で「まさか冗談でしょう」と返す You must be joking. が自然。

22. 問22．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "Can we trust him to keep this confidential?" B: "Absolutely. He's the kind of person who ( )."

    • ア．always rocks the boat
    • イ．spills the beans easily
    • ウ．can keep a secret
    • エ．passes the buck

    正解：ウ．can keep a secret

    解説：口の堅い信頼できる人物を表す can keep a secret が文脈に合う。

23. 問23．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I think we should postpone the launch."

    • ア．You can count me in.
    • イ．It's a small world.
    • ウ．Better you than me.
    • エ．I'm afraid I have to disagree.

    正解：エ．I'm afraid I have to disagree.

    解説：反対意見を礼儀正しく述べる「失礼ながら賛成しかねる」を表す I'm afraid I have to disagree. が適切。

24. 問24．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Thanks for waiting. The doctor will see you shortly."

    • ア．No problem at all.
    • イ．Over my dead body.
    • ウ．That's the spirit, sort of.
    • エ．Tell me about it, ugh.

    正解：ア．No problem at all.

    解説：待たされて構わないという丁寧な返答 No problem at all. が自然。

25. 問25．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "How did the negotiation end up?" B: "We managed to ( ) that satisfied both sides."

    • ア．reach a compromise
    • イ．draw the line
    • ウ．jump the gun
    • エ．miss the boat

    正解：ア．reach a compromise

    解説：双方が納得する妥協点に至ったことを表す reach a compromise が文脈に合う。

26. 問26．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I've been meaning to apologize for last week."

    • ア．You've crossed the line.
    • イ．Let's put it behind us.
    • ウ．Serves you right.
    • エ．I rest my case.

    正解：イ．Let's put it behind us.

    解説：謝罪に対して「もう水に流したよ」と寛大に応じる Let's put it behind us. が自然。

27. 問27．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Could you possibly lower the price a little?"

    • ア．That's not my cup of tea.
    • イ．Money doesn't grow on trees.
    • ウ．I'm sure we can work something out.
    • エ．You snooze, you lose.

    正解：ウ．I'm sure we can work something out.

    解説：値下げ交渉に柔軟に応じる「相談の余地はある」を表す I'm sure we can work something out. が適切。

28. 問28．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "He promised to deliver by Friday, but I'm worried." B: "Don't worry, he ( ) his word."

    • ア．goes back on
    • イ．makes light of
    • ウ．is a man of
    • エ．turns a blind eye to

    正解：ウ．is a man of

    解説：約束を守る信頼できる人を表す is a man of が文脈に合う。

29. 問29．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I heard the rumor about layoffs. Is it true?"

    • ア．The early bird catches the worm.
    • イ．Practice makes perfect.
    • ウ．Out of sight, out of mind.
    • エ．I wouldn't read too much into it.

    正解：エ．I wouldn't read too much into it.

    解説：確証のない噂を否定し「噂を鵜呑みにしないで」と諭す I wouldn't read too much into it. が適切。

30. 問30．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Sorry, I completely forgot about our meeting."

    • ア．It happens to the best of us.
    • イ．You've really done it now.
    • ウ．That's a likely story.
    • エ．I won't take no for an answer.

    正解：ア．It happens to the best of us.

    解説：謝罪を受け入れ「誰にでもあること」と寛大に応じる It happens to the best of us. が自然。

31. 問31．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "Why is everyone so tense in the office today?" B: "I think we need to ( ) and talk openly."

    • ア．pull some strings
    • イ．clear the air
    • ウ．cut a deal
    • エ．raise the bar

    正解：イ．clear the air

    解説：緊張やわだかまりを解消するという clear the air が文脈に合う。

32. 問32．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Stop wasting time and tell me the main point."

    • ア．Let bygones be bygones.
    • イ．Let's agree to disagree.
    • ウ．Let me cut to the chase.
    • エ．Let's keep in touch.

    正解：ウ．Let me cut to the chase.

    解説：要点を急かされ「では本題に入ろう」と応じる Let me cut to the chase. が自然。

33. 問33．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Do you really think I can pass the exam?"

    • ア．Don't push your luck.
    • イ．It's a wild goose chase.
    • ウ．You're skating on thin ice.
    • エ．I have every confidence in you.

    正解：エ．I have every confidence in you.

    解説：励ましとして「君ならできる、信じている」を表す I have every confidence in you. が適切。

34. 問34．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "The presentation was a complete failure." B: "( ) You'll do better next time."

    • ア．Don't be so hard on yourself.
    • イ．You reap what you sow.
    • ウ．I have my doubts about that.
    • エ．You can't have it both ways.

    正解：ア．Don't be so hard on yourself.

    解説：落ち込む相手を励ます「自分を責めないで」を表す Don't be so hard on yourself. が自然。

35. 問35．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Could you give me a hand with these boxes?"

    • ア．That's a tall order, no way.
    • イ．You're pulling my leg.
    • ウ．I have no idea, honestly.
    • エ．Sure, happy to help.

    正解：エ．Sure, happy to help.

    解説：手伝いの依頼を快諾する「喜んで」を表す Sure, happy to help. が自然。

36. 問36．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "Their offer seems too generous to be real." B: "I agree. If it sounds too good to be true, ( )."

    • ア．the more the merrier
    • イ．it probably is
    • ウ．two heads are better than one
    • エ．every cloud has a silver lining

    正解：イ．it probably is

    解説：うますぎる話を警戒する慣用句 it probably is が文脈に合う。

37. 問37．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I think your idea has some serious flaws."

    • ア．That's rich, coming from you.
    • イ．None of your concern.
    • ウ．Could you be more specific?
    • エ．I'll have none of it.

    正解：ウ．Could you be more specific?

    解説：批判を受け止め「具体的に指摘してほしい」と促す Could you be more specific? が建設的で自然。

38. 問38．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "We're short-staffed and the deadline is tomorrow."

    • ア．Let's leave it at that.
    • イ．Don't hold your breath.
    • ウ．Easier done than said, surely.
    • エ．We'll just have to do our best.

    正解：エ．We'll just have to do our best.

    解説：窮地で「全力を尽くすしかない」と決意を示す We'll just have to do our best. が適切。

39. 問39．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "He never admits when he's wrong." B: "I know. He always ( ) someone else."

    • ア．passes the buck to
    • イ．gives the benefit of the doubt to
    • ウ．takes a back seat to
    • エ．sees eye to eye with

    正解：ア．passes the buck to

    解説：責任を他人に転嫁することを表す passes the buck to が文脈に合う。

40. 問40．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I'd like to hear your honest opinion on this."

    • ア．Don't quote me on this.
    • イ．To be perfectly honest, ...
    • ウ．That's water under the bridge.
    • エ．I'll cross that bridge later.

    正解：イ．To be perfectly honest, ...

    解説：率直な意見を求められ「では正直に言うと」と前置きする To be perfectly honest, ... が自然。

41. 問41．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Can I leave early today? I have a doctor's appointment."

    • ア．Suit yourself, see if I care.
    • イ．Out of the question, ever.
    • ウ．That's fine, go ahead.
    • エ．You've got some nerve.

    正解：ウ．That's fine, go ahead.

    解説：早退の許可を快く与える「構わないよ」を表す That's fine, go ahead. が自然。

42. 問42．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "I can't decide between the two job offers." B: "Why not ( ) the pros and cons of each?"

    • ア．brush off
    • イ．wear out
    • ウ．look down on
    • エ．weigh up

    正解：エ．weigh up

    解説：利点と欠点を比較検討するという weigh up が文脈に合う。

43. 問43．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I'm sorry, but we can't approve your request this time."

    • ア．May I ask why, if you don't mind?
    • イ．You'll regret this, trust me.
    • ウ．I knew you'd say that.
    • エ．Whatever, it's your loss.

    正解：ア．May I ask why, if you don't mind?

    解説：断られた際に礼儀正しく理由を尋ねる「差し支えなければ理由を伺えますか」が適切。

44. 問44．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Nice weather we're having for the meeting outdoors."

    • ア．So what's it to you?
    • イ．It certainly is.
    • ウ．Mind how you go, then.
    • エ．I'd rather not say.

    正解：イ．It certainly is.

    解説：天気の世間話に軽く同調する「本当にいい天気ですね」を表す It certainly is. が自然。

45. 問45．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "The two departments keep blaming each other." B: "They really need to ( ) and cooperate."

    • ア．fall out
    • イ．cut loose
    • ウ．see eye to eye
    • エ．drag their feet

    正解：ウ．see eye to eye

    解説：意見を一致させ協力するという see eye to eye が文脈に合う。

46. 問46．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Are you absolutely certain about these figures?"

    • ア．Take it or leave it.
    • イ．Don't bet on it, ever.
    • ウ．Who's asking, anyway?
    • エ．Let me double-check to be sure.

    正解：エ．Let me double-check to be sure.

    解説：確信を尋ねられ慎重に「もう一度確認させてください」と応じる Let me double-check to be sure. が適切。

47. 問47．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I really don't want to attend the conference alone."

    • ア．I'll come along if you like.
    • イ．That's your problem, not mine.
    • ウ．Rather you than me, honestly.
    • エ．Good luck with that one.

    正解：ア．I'll come along if you like.

    解説：不安な相手に同行を申し出る「よければ一緒に行くよ」を表す I'll come along if you like. が自然。

48. 問48．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "He criticized my work but his own is just as sloppy." B: "Yes, that's a case of ( )."

    • ア．a blessing in disguise
    • イ．the pot calling the kettle black
    • ウ．a storm in a teacup
    • エ．the tip of the iceberg

    正解：イ．the pot calling the kettle black

    解説：自分を棚に上げて他人を批判する皮肉を表す the pot calling the kettle black が文脈に合う。

49. 問49．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Shall we discuss the contract terms now or later?"

    • ア．Be that as it may, no.
    • イ．I couldn't agree less, sorry.
    • ウ．We might as well do it now.
    • エ．Says who, exactly?

    正解：ウ．We might as well do it now.

    解説：時間に余裕がない場面で「今のうちに済ませよう」と提案する We might as well do it now. が自然。

50. 問50．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I'm afraid I have some bad news about the funding."

    • ア．Spare me the details, please.
    • イ．Frankly, my dear, I don't care.
    • ウ．Don't even go there now.
    • エ．Let's hear it; I'll brace myself.

    正解：エ．Let's hear it; I'll brace myself.

    解説：悪い知らせに身構え「最悪の事態に備える、聞かせて」と促す Let's hear it; I'll brace myself. が適切。

51. 問51．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "Why didn't you tell me about the change earlier?" B: "I'm sorry, it ( ) my mind completely."

    • ア．slipped
    • イ．crossed
    • ウ．made up
    • エ．spoke

    正解：ア．slipped

    解説：うっかり忘れていたことを表す slipped が文脈に合う(it slipped my mind)。

52. 問52．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "You did an outstanding job leading this team."

    • ア．About time someone noticed.
    • イ．I couldn't have done it without the team.
    • ウ．Yeah, I'm pretty great, right?
    • エ．Don't push your luck with flattery.

    正解：イ．I couldn't have done it without the team.

    解説：称賛を謙虚に受け止め功績を分かち合う「チーム全員のおかげです」を表す I couldn't have done it without the team. が適切。

53. 問53．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "The whole plan fell apart at the last minute." B: "Well, there's no point ( ) over it now."

    • ア．laughing
    • イ．crying
    • ウ．arguing
    • エ．worrying

    正解：イ．crying

    解説：済んだことを悔やんでも無駄だという crying が文脈に合う(no use crying over spilt milk)。

54. 問54．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Could we possibly reschedule our lunch to Thursday?"

    • ア．Make up your mind already.
    • イ．You're really pushing it.
    • ウ．Thursday works fine for me.
    • エ．Some nerve, asking again.

    正解：ウ．Thursday works fine for me.

    解説：予定変更の依頼に快諾する「木曜で問題ありません」を表す Thursday works fine for me. が自然。

55. 問55．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I'm thinking of quitting my job to travel the world."

    • ア．Good riddance, I say.
    • イ．That's a pipe dream, obviously.
    • ウ．No skin off my nose, really.
    • エ．Have you thought it through carefully?

    正解：エ．Have you thought it through carefully?

    解説：大胆な決断に「よく考えた上での決断か」と確認する Have you thought it through carefully? が適切。

56. 問56．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "The boss took credit for my idea again." B: "That's so unfair. You should ( ) about it."

    • ア．speak up
    • イ．back down
    • ウ．give in
    • エ．hold off

    正解：ア．speak up

    解説：声を上げて主張すべきだという speak up が文脈に合う。

57. 問57．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "I'm worried I'll mess up the interview tomorrow."

    • ア．Don't get your hopes up too high.
    • イ．Just be yourself and you'll be fine.
    • ウ．Better start panicking now, then.
    • エ．That's a bridge too far for you.

    正解：イ．Just be yourself and you'll be fine.

    解説：緊張する相手を励ます「自然体でいれば大丈夫」を表す Just be yourself and you'll be fine. が自然。

58. 問58．次の会話の空所に入れるのに最も適切なものを選びなさい。 A: "This problem is far more complicated than it looks." B: "You're right. It's just ( ) of the iceberg."

    • ア．the edge
    • イ．the bottom
    • ウ．the tip
    • エ．the heart

    正解：ウ．the tip

    解説：問題の表面に過ぎないことを表す the tip が文脈に合う(the tip of the iceberg)。

59. 問59．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Honestly, I think you're overreacting to the situation."

    • ア．You've got a lot of nerve saying that.
    • イ．Take that back right now.
    • ウ．Mind your own business, will you?
    • エ．Let's just agree to disagree.

    正解：エ．Let's just agree to disagree.

    解説：見解の相違を穏便に収める「では意見が違うということにしよう」を表す Let's just agree to disagree. が適切。

60. 問60．次の発言への応答として最も適切なものを選びなさい。 "Thank you so much for all your help during the move."

    • ア．Anytime, that's what friends are for.
    • イ．You owe me big time now.
    • ウ．About time you thanked me.
    • エ．It was a real pain, frankly.

    正解：ア．Anytime, that's what friends are for.

    解説：感謝に謙遜して応じる「いつでも声をかけて、お安い御用」を表す Anytime, that's what friends are for. が自然。