Phrases & Expressions

To make a person or group respected and admired because of something you have done.

• His win brought honor to the team.
• She brought honor to her family with her success.

To cause something, often something unpleasant or difficult, to start or happen.

• Stress can bring on a headache.
• What brought this on?

To produce and start selling something new.

• The company brought out a new phone.
• He brings out the best in me.

To cause someone to perform or behave at their best.

• Her encouragement brings out the best in the students.
• This challenging project brings out the best in our engineers.

To become very tired and unable to work well because of too much work or stress.

• She worked twelve hours a day and burned out after a year.
• Take regular breaks so you don't burn out.

To suddenly start laughing loudly.

• We all burst out laughing.
• He burst out laughing at the joke.

To disappoint a person by saying something unwelcome that spoils that person's happy belief.

• Sorry to burst your bubble, but the concert was cancelled.
• Don't burst her bubble; let her enjoy her plans for now.

To purchase goods or services produced locally to support the local economy.

• The campaign encourages people to buy local.
• We should buy local whenever possible.

Used to give polite strong permission.

• May I sit here? — By all means.
• By all means, take your time.

Used to introduce a comparison, especially when highlighting a difference.

• Last winter was mild; this one, by comparison, is freezing.
• Our old flat was tiny; the new one feels huge by comparison.