to come about: to happen
o I didn't find any explanation in the newspaper about how the political coup came about.
o The flood came about as a result of the heavy winter rains.
to bring about: to cause to happen
This idiom is used to indicate who or what caused something to come about.
o John brought about the accident because of his carelessness.
o The heavy rains we have each spring bring about serious flooding.
to build up: to increase slowly, to make stronger gradually (S)
o They built up their savings account so that they could buy a new house.
o The professional athlete exercises regularly to build her strength up.
to die down: to decrease, to lessen in strength
o The hurricane became a less serious tropical storm when its winds died down.
o We let the fire in the fireplace die down and enjoyed watching the embers as they glowed in the dark.
to fade away: to diminish gradually in time or distance
o The memory of that unpleasant experience has slowly faded away.
o The music of the band gradually faded away as the parade passed down the street.
to die out: not to exist anymore; to be in the process of disappearing
o Scientists still are not sure exactly why the dinosaurs died out.
o That strange, new style of dancing is slowly dying out.
to make out: to read or see clearly (S); to prepare a legal document, such as a will, a check, etc. (S)
o The letter was so poorly handwritten that I couldn't make out many of the words.
o Harold, please make the check out to Acme Piano Company.
to live up to: to fulfill (a standard or promise)
o It was clear that the lazy student would never live up to his family's expectations.
o It surprised us that the car salesperson lived up to all the promises he made.
to stick to: to adhere to (a promise), to follow or obey (a set of rules, procedures, etc.)
o He made a promise to his wife to quit smoking and drinking, and so far he has stuck to it.
o All organizations expect their employees to stick to established work rules and procedures.
o If you try hard to stick to your principles, then you'll be able to live up to them.
to stick it to: to cheat, to take unfair advantage of (also: to rip off, the ripoff)
o Be careful in doing business with that salesperson. He'll stick it to you at the first opportunity.
o The car dealership certainly ripped me off when I bought this car. It has caused me trouble constantly.
o You paid over $400 for that jacket? What a ripoff!
to stand up for: to insist on, to demand; to defend, to support
o If you don't stand up for your rights in court, the lawyers will try to stick it to you.
o Frank stood up for his friend, who was being put down by other teenagers nearby.
to cut corners: to economize, to save money
o Most students live on limited budgets and have to cut corners whenever possible.
o The Livingstons have nine children, so it is essential that they cut corners at all times.
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