Phrases & Expressions

To begin suddenly, usually something bad.

• A fire broke out in the kitchen.
• War broke out in 1914.

To cause something, often something unpleasant or difficult, to start or happen.

• Stress can bring on a headache.
• What brought this on?

To produce and start selling something new.

• The company brought out a new phone.
• He brings out the best in me.

To become very tired and unable to work well because of too much work or stress.

• She worked twelve hours a day and burned out after a year.
• Take regular breaks so you don't burn out.

To visit someone for a short time.

• I'll call on you tomorrow.
• We called on my aunt on the way home.

To perform or complete a task, plan, or instruction.

• They carried out the plan perfectly.
• Scientists carry out experiments.

To become popular or fashionable.

• The new dance quickly caught on among teenagers.
• The idea never really caught on in our town.

To check that someone is safe and well, or is doing what that person should.

• Could you check up on grandma while I'm away?
• He checks up on her every day.

To decide not to do something because you are too scared.

• He chickened out at the last minute.
• Don't chicken out now.

To empty a place or container and clean the inside thoroughly.

• We need to clean out the fridge before the holiday.
• He spent Saturday cleaning out his old wardrobe.