Phrases & Expressions

By a great margin; used to emphasize a comparison.

• This is by far the best pizza I have ever eaten.
• Mediterranean Grill is by far the best restaurant in town — no wonder it's hard to get a reservation.

Following rules or official procedures very strictly and exactly.

• He does everything by the book.
• We must do this by the book.

To stop working or doing something for the rest of the day.

• It's 6 pm, let's call it a day.
• I'm tired, I'll call it a day.

to decide to stop doing something, or to end a relationship

• Let's call it quits for today.
• They called it quits after 10 years.

To visit someone for a short time.

• I'll call on you tomorrow.
• We called on my aunt on the way home.

To perform or complete a task, plan, or instruction.

• They carried out the plan perfectly.
• Scientists carry out experiments.

To become popular or fashionable.

• The new dance quickly caught on among teenagers.
• The idea never really caught on in our town.

To check that someone is safe and well, or is doing what that person should.

• Could you check up on grandma while I'm away?
• He checks up on her every day.

To decide not to do something because you are too scared.

• He chickened out at the last minute.
• Don't chicken out now.

To empty a place or container and clean the inside thoroughly.

• We need to clean out the fridge before the holiday.
• He spent Saturday cleaning out his old wardrobe.