Phrases & Expressions

To make a brief stop on the way to another place.

• Let's stop off at the shop on the way home.
• We stopped off in Paris for two days on our way to Rome.

To stop suddenly, often because of surprise or fear.

• The car stopped short of the wall.
• He stopped short when he saw the snake on the path.

To attack or criticize someone who has attacked or criticized you.

• If they attack us, we will strike back.
• The country threatened to strike back.

To remove all or most of your clothes.

• It was hot, so he stripped down to his t-shirt.
• We need to strip down the old machine for parts.

To remove clothing quickly or completely.

• He stripped off his wet clothes.
• It was so hot that the children stripped off and ran into the sea.

To find something or meet someone by chance.

• I stumbled across this book in a second-hand shop.
• We stumbled across an amazing restaurant.

To try to gain favor by flattering someone.

• He always tries to suck up to the manager.
• Stop sucking up to her; it's embarrassing.

To get rid of something, like illness or stress, by sweating.

• I hope to sweat out this cold.
• He exercised to sweat out the alcohol.

To consider something important when making a decision or planning an action.

• Take account of the budget when planning.
• We must take account of all factors.

To destroy something by pulling it violently into pieces.

• The wind tore apart the old tent.
• The dog tore the cushion apart while we were out.