Phrases & Expressions

To show that something is true or correct.

• The results bear out our theory.
• Witnesses bore out his story.

A confirmation from the flight deck that the aircraft's brakes have been released, allowing movement.

• After the tug connected, the pilot announced, 'Brakes released'.
• Confirm 'brakes released' before you start pushing the aircraft.

Used in radio communication to separate messages to different aircraft on a very busy frequency.

• The controller said "break break" before calling the next aircraft.
• On a busy frequency, "break break" separates messages to different aircraft.

To start speaking after a period of saying nothing about a topic.

• He finally broke his silence about the scandal.
• The witness refused to break her silence.

To start a legal case against someone in a court of law.

• They brought a lawsuit against the firm for negligence.
• She decided to bring a lawsuit for damages.

To leave a place or situation suddenly and quickly, often in panic.

• When the alarm sounded, everyone bugged out.
• They decided to bug out before the storm hit.

The collection of large quantities of data, often without specific selection criteria.

• The government engaged in bulk collection of phone records.
• Bulk collection can raise privacy concerns.

By a very small margin; just barely.

• Larry won the bicycle race by a hair — second place was just a second behind him.
• Was the tennis ball in or out? I think it was out by a hair.

To move something from one period, place, or situation to another.

• Unused holidays can be carried over to next year.
• You can carry over up to five days of leave into next year.

To complete a plan or task successfully, even when it is difficult.

• We need to carry this plan through to the end.
• It's a good idea, but can we carry it through?