Phrases & Expressions

To think carefully about something for some time before deciding.

• Let me chew over your offer for a few days.
• They chewed over the problem for hours.

To add a remark or opinion to a conversation.

• Feel free to chime in if you have a question.
• He chimed in with a good idea.

To go from one side of something to the other, such as a road, bridge or border.

• Please use the bridge to cross over to the other platform.
• We crossed over into France early in the morning.

To make a score or share more equal between two sides.

• That goal evened up the match.
• Let's even up the teams before we start.

To meet directly to fight or compete, especially in sport.

• The two teams will face off in the final.
• He faced off against the champion in the third round.

To go somewhere or do something after other people, often a bit later.

• You go ahead and I'll follow on in an hour.
• The rest of the team will follow on by train tomorrow.

To do something harmful or unpleasant to someone because they did something harmful or unpleasant to you.

• He swore he would get back at them for the insult.
• She felt she had to get back at her boss for firing her unfairly.

To become big enough to wear clothes that were too large before.

• The jacket is a bit big but he will grow into it.
• Buy shoes a size larger so she can grow into them.

To stop doing or liking something as you get older.

• Most children grow out of their fear of the dark.
• He used to bite his nails, but he grew out of it.

To give something important to a younger person or generation.

• This ring was handed down from my grandmother.
• Recipes are often handed down within families.