'By Thursday' = at or before Thursday (deadline). 'Till/until' = duration.

'Flow of traffic' is the standard collocation for movement of vehicles.

'Pediatrics' = medical care of infants, children and adolescents.

'Ecological' relates to ecology = study of organisms and their environment.

'Humorous' is the correct spelling.

A pilgrim journeys to a sacred or holy place for religious reasons.

'Autobiography' = life story written by the person themselves.

'White elephant' idiom = a possession that is useless or expensive to maintain.

'Concrete' figuratively = solid and definite → 'concrete proof' = clear evidence.

'Blow out' = extinguish a flame/light with air. Fits 'lights' and 'wind'.

Ongoing background action in past while decision was made → past continuous.

'Maiden speech' = the first speech given by a new member of a legislature.

'Out and out' = completely or in every way = 'thoroughly'.

'Between' = two people or things. 'Among' = three or more.

'Deny' = state that something is not true. Fits refuting someone's cleverness.

'While' connects two simultaneous actions. Ongoing sleeping → present continuous.

'Give up' (stop) + gerund (-ing) → 'gave up playing'.

Present perfect continuous + 'since' for a starting point in the past.