Phrases & Expressions

To deliberately exclude someone from a group or activity by being unfriendly.

• His colleagues froze him out after the argument.
• She felt the group was trying to freeze her out.

To express your opinions or complaints loudly and forcefully.

• He likes to sound off about politics whenever he gets the chance.
• Fans sounded off online about the new ticket prices.

To get into position to fight or compete.

• The boxers squared off before the final round.
• Two rival companies squared off in the market.

To pull air, liquid or small objects inwards with force.

• The technician found debris that had been sucked into the intake.
• A jet engine can suck in small stones from a dirty runway.

To cancel a debt or record it as a loss because it will not be paid.

• The bank wrote off the bad debt.
• The company wrote off two million dollars in unpaid bills.

For a jet engine to stop working because the flame inside it goes out.

• The engine will flame out if a heavy water ingestion blows the fire off the nozzle.
• Both engines flamed out as they crossed the volcanic ash cloud.

Of a jet engine, to increase speed after more power is selected; to make an engine do this.

• The engines spooled up as the pilot advanced the thrust levers.
• The pilot began to spool up the engines.

To help someone survive a serious illness or difficult situation.

• The doctors worked hard to bring her through the surgery.
• His family's support helped bring him through his illness.

To stay safely at home during a crisis or emergency, rather than leaving.

• During the storm, we decided to bug in.
• The advice was to bug in and stay indoors.

To turn an engine with the starter motor so that it starts.

• Turn the key and crank it over.
• The engine wouldn't crank over on the cold morning.