Aid: help
Axe: cut, remove
Back (verb): support
Bar: exclude, forbid
Bid: attempt
Blast: explosion
Blaze: fire
Boost: incentive, encourage
Boss, head: manager, director
Clash: dispute
Curb: restraint, limit
Cut: reduction
Drama: tense situation
Drive: campaign, effort
Gems (noun): jewels
Go-ahead: approval
Hit (verb): affect badly
Key (adjective): essential, vital
Link: connection
Move: step towards a desired end
Ordeal (noun): painful experience
Oust (verb): push out/ remove
Plea (noun): request
Pledge: promise
Ploy (noun): clever activity
Poll: erection, public opinion survey
Probe: investigation
Quit (verb): leave, resign
Riddle (noun): mystery
Strife (noun): conflict
Talks (noun): discussions
Threat: danger
Vow: promise
Wed (verb): marry

(Source: English Vocabulary in Use, Cambridge Press)