Phrases & Expressions

To consider all parts or aspects of something carefully.

• We need to think through all the consequences.
• Did you think through the plan before starting?

To get rid of something unwanted, such as an illness or people following you.

• He finally threw off his cold.
• She managed to throw off the reporters who were following her.

To restrict someone's freedom or movement; to make someone unable to leave.

• He felt tied down by his job.
• I don't want to be tied down to one place.

To make something less strong, bright, or harsh.

• Please tone down your language.
• He toned down the criticism in his review.

To make small improvements or corrections to something.

• Please touch up the paint on the wall.
• The artist touched up the drawing with a pencil.

To join a discussion or argument by giving your opinion.

• Let me weigh in on this.
• Several experts weighed in on the debate.

To destroy something or someone completely.

• The earthquake wiped out the entire town.
• A hard frost wiped out most of the orange crop.

To neither make a profit nor lose money in a business or activity.

• After two difficult years, the café is finally breaking even.
• It will take years to break even.

To cause something to happen or exist, often a change.

• The new law brought about big changes.
• What brought about this decision?

To move closer from several sides, especially in order to surround or catch someone.

• The police are closing in on the thieves.
• The lions slowly closed in on the zebra.