Phrases & Expressions

To not punish someone, or to give a lighter punishment than expected.

• The judge let him off with a warning.
• She let me off this time, but next time I'll be in trouble.

To become less serious, anxious, or angry; to relax and enjoy yourself.

• Lighten up! I'm sure Ted was only joking when he said your guitar playing gave him a headache.
• Don always takes his job too seriously — he needs to lighten up.

To experience and survive a difficult or unpleasant period or event.

• They managed to live through the harsh winter.
• She lived through a period of great change.

To think about or remember things that happened in the past.

• Looking back on my childhood, I feel nostalgic.
• We often look back on our university days.

To think that someone or something is less important or valuable than you.

• Never look down on anyone.
• She looks down on people without a degree.

To watch an event or situation without becoming involved.

• The crowd looked on as the argument grew.
• He just stood there and looked on.

To do something good to balance something bad, lost or missing.

• He worked all weekend to make up for the lost time.
• Nothing can make up for the loss of a parent.

To reduce the price of something that is for sale.

• The store marked down all winter coats.
• These shoes have been marked down by thirty percent.

To disappear gradually and completely.

• Watch your worries melt away in the heat.
• After a long walk, the stress seemed to melt away.

To die, said in a gentle way.

• My grandfather passed away last year.
• She passed away peacefully.