Phrases & Expressions

To gradually become less close to someone.

• They grew apart over the years.
• After she moved abroad, she and her best friend slowly grew apart.

To allow someone to know a secret or be part of a plan.

• I'll let you in on a secret.
• He let her in on the plan.

To reveal a secret or information, often unintentionally.

• Don't let on that you know.
• He knew about the surprise party but never let on.

To make people believe that something false is true or real.

• He tried to pass off the copy as the original painting.
• She passed herself off as a doctor for months.

To introduce something new gradually over a period of time.

• They phased in the new system over six months.
• The new rules will be phased in over the next two years.

To gradually stop using or providing something over time.

• Many supermarkets are phasing out plastic bags.
• The company will phase out its oldest models over the next two years.

To finish something, especially food or a task, very quickly.

• He polished off the pizza.
• I polished off the report.

To stop feeling unhappy, angry, or ill and return to normal.

• Come on, snap out of it and let's go for a walk.
• He snapped out of his bad mood.

To speak to someone as if that person were less clever or important than you.

• Stop talking down to me; I understand the problem.
• Good managers never talk down to their staff.

To gradually reduce the amount or frequency of something, such as a medicine.

• You should taper down your coffee intake.
• The doctor advised him to taper down the medication.