<span>The answer is repetition of related words</span>
This seems like a more opinionated question. If I were you I'd agree and fire the least valueble employees to blance the underfunding.
This is false: it has a very negative connotation.
It refers to a smile that is mocking or contemptuous (or a remark that is mocking or contemptuos) - so it's not a genuine smile, but an ironic and sarcastic smile. It has a negative and not a neutral connotation.
Sentences? How about this:
Hitting the tree put a dent in my car.
I found a stash of candy hidden under my brother's pillowcase.
Or if you need them both in one sentence:
I tried to get to the stash of food behind the metal door, but I could barely make a dent.
Is that what you needed?
