Phrases & Expressions

To happen or occur, often in a way that is not planned or expected.

• How did this situation come about?
• The change came about gradually.

To produce something quickly and in large quantities, often mechanically.

• Last night, Nicole cranked out 200 signs for her campaign.
• We just bought a new printer at work — it can crank out 20 pages per minute.

To make someone feel disturbed, scared, or uncomfortable.

• That movie creeped me out.
• He creeps me out.

If a fact dawns on you, you suddenly understand it for the first time.

• It suddenly dawned on me that I had left my keys at home.
• It finally dawned on him that she was not coming back.

To get rid of something completely, or to abolish a system or rule.

• The school decided to do away with uniforms next year.
• They did away with the tax.

To make something, like a process or discussion, last longer than it needs to.

• Don't drag out the argument.
• The lawyers dragged the case out for over two years.

To become less strong, severe, or unpleasant.

• The rain eased off just before we left the house.
• By the evening the pain in my back had eased off.

To become less strict or less severe with someone.

• Ease up on him; he's only a beginner.
• The coach finally eased up on the team after the win.

To give information about results or performance back to someone.

• Please feed back your thoughts on the new design.
• The teams will feed back to the manager at the end of the week.

To move or head in a particular direction.

• The ship made for open water.
• Good planning makes for a smooth trip.