I don’t think we are smart enough to distinguish bullying someone from just playing a joke on them.

The fast-paced meeting kept everyone on their toes.

From then on, she made a habit of writing in her journal every night.

Even though she was nervous, she tried to put on an act of confidence during the interview.

As the police began to close in on the suspect, he tried to escape through the back door.

Under pressure from the police, Marco decided to put the finger on his former boss.

Don't believe his tears; he tends to put it on when he wants sympathy.

Your analysis of the problem was dead on.