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by oneself: alone, without assistance
- Francis translated that French novel by himself. No one helped him.
- Paula likes to walk through the woods by herself, but her brother prefers to walk with a companion.
on purpose: for a reason, deliberately
This idiom is usually used when someone does something wrong or unfair.
- Do you think that she didn't come to the meeting on purpose?
- It was no accident that he broke my glasses. He did it on purpose.
to get along with: to associate or work well with; to succeed or manage in doing
- Terry isn't getting along with her new roommate; they argue constantly.
- How are you getting on with your students?
to make a difference (to): to be of importance (to), to affect
This idiom is often used with adjectives to show the degree of importance.
- It makes a big difference to me whether he likes the food I serve.
- Does it make any difference to you where we go for dinner?
- No, it doesn't make any difference.
- It makes no difference to Lisa either.
to take out: to remove, to extract; to go on a date with
- Student, take out your books and open them to page twelve.
- Did you take Sue out last night?
- No, she couldn't go out with me.
to take part in: to be involved in, to participate in
- Martin was sick and could not take part in the meeting yesterday.
- I didn't want to be in on their argument, so I remained silent.
at all: to any degree
- Larry isn't at all shy about expressing his opinions.
- When I asked Donna whether she was tired, she said, "Not in the least. I'm full of energy."
to look up: to locate information in a directory, dictionary, book, etc.
- Ellen suggested that we look up Lee's telephone number in the directory.
- Students should try to understand the meaning of a new word from context before looking the word up in the dictionary.
to wait on: to serve in a store or restaurant
- A very pleasant young clerk waited on me in that shop.
- The restaurant waitress asked us, "Has anyone waited on you yet?
at least: a minimum of, no fewer (or less) than
- I spend at least two hours every night on my studies.
- Mike claims that he drinks at least a quart of water every day.
so far: until now, until the present time
This idiom is usually used with the present perfect tense.
- So far, this year has been excellent for business. I hope that the good luck continues.
- How many idioms have we studied in this book up to now?
- As of yet, we have not had an answer from him.
to take a walk, stroll, hike, etc.: to go for a walk, stroll, hike, etc.
A stroll involves slow, easy walking; a hike involves serious, strenuous walking.
- Last evening we took a walk around the park.
- It's a fine day. Would you like to take a stroll along Mason Boulevard?
- Let's take a hike up Cowles Mountain this afternoon.
to take a trip: to go on a journey, to travel
- I'm so busy at work that I have no time to take a trip.
- During the summer holidays, the Thompsons took a trip to Europe.
to try on: to wear clothes to check the style or fit before buying
- He tried on several suits before he picked out a blue one.
- Why don't you try these shoes on next?
to think over: to consider carefully before deciding
- I'd like to think over your offer first. Then can we talk it over tomorrow?
- You don't have to give me your decision now. Think it over for a while.
to take place: to occur, to happen according to plan
- The regular meetings of the committee take place in Constitution Hall.
- I thought that the celebration was taking place at John's house.
to put away: to remove from slight, to put in the proper place
- Please put away your papers before you open the test booklet.
- John put the notepad away in his desk when he was finished with it.
to look out: to be careful or cautious
Both of these idioms can occur with the preposition for.
- "Look out!" Jeffrey cried as his friend almost stepped in a big hole in the ground.
- Look out for reckless drivers whenever you cross the street.
- Small children should always watch out for strangers offering candy.
to shake hands: to exchange greetings by clasping hands
- When people meet for the first time, they usually shake hands.
- The student warmly shook hands with his old professor.
to get back: to return
- Mr. Harris got back from his business trip to Chicago this morning.
- Could you get the children back home by five o'clock?
to catch cold: to become sick with a cold of the nose for throat
- If you go out in this rain, you will surely catch cold.
- How did she ever catch cold in such warm weather?
to get over: to recover from an illness; to accept a loss or sorrow
- It took me over a month to get over my cold, but I'm finally well now.
- It seems that Mr. Mason will never get over the death of his wife.
to make up one's mind: to reach a decision, to decide finally
- Sally is considering several colleges to attend, but she hasn't made up her mind yet.
- When are you going to make up your mind about your vacation plans?
to change one's mind: to alter one's decision or opinion
- We have changed our minds and are going to Canada instead of California this summer.
- Matthew has changed his mind several times about buying a new cat.
for the time being: temporarily
- For the time being, Janet is working as a waitress, but she really hopes to become an actress soon.
- We're living in an apartment for now, but soon we'll be looking for a house to buy.
for good: permanently, forever
- Ruth has returned to Canada for good. She won't ever live in the United States again.
- Are you finished with school for good, or will you continue your studies some day?
to call off: to cancel
- The referee called off the soccer game because of the darkness.
- The president called the meeting off because she had to leave town.
to put off: to postpone
- Many student's put off doing their assignments until the last minute.
- Let's put the party off until next weekend, okay?
in a hurry: hurried, rushed
- Alex seems in a hurry; he must be late for his train again.
- She's always in a rush in the morning to get the kids to school.
under the weather: not feeling well, sick
- John stayed home from work because he was feeling under the weather.
- When you cat cold, you feel under the weather.
to hang up: to place clothes on a hook or hanger; to replace the receiver on the phone at the end of a conversation
- Would you like me to hang up your coat for you in the closet?
- The operator told me to hang the phone up and call the number again.