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go off
- 1.used when something is activated, or when something explodes.
- The bomb went off. (The bomb exploded.)
- The gun went off. (The gun was fired.)
- The alarm is going off. (The alarm is sounding.)
- 2. to lose one's temper
- My boss went off on me for coming to work drunk.
- My wife will go off on me if I lose my job.
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trade STH in ( for STH)
- I traded my old car in on a new one. I traded in my old jalopy for a newer car.
- to return something, such as a car, to a place where cars are sold as partial payment on a new car.
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swing back around/by
- I'll swing back by
- I"ll go around and come back to you, later
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sit tight
- We were waiting in line for the gates to open when someone came out and told us to sit tight because it wouldn't be much longer before we could go in.
- to wait patiently
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swing by
- I told Paul we'd swing by his office about five today.
- to visit a place briefly
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stay cool!
stay calm, smart and don't be stupid
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keep a low profile
- He's been keeping a low profile at work ever since his argument with Peter.
- to behave in a way that does not attract attention
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stay put
- We've decided to stay put and not to move to Florida.
- not to move; stay where one is
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stay on top of SO/STH
- You have to stay on top of her if you want her to do it right. I will stay on top of this project.
- Fig. to keep well-informed about someone or something; to keep watch over someone or something.
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stay clear of SO/SHT
- Stay clear of me! I have a flu.
- to keep a distance from something, usually something from dangerous
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Keeping busy?/ keeping cool?/ keeping out of trouble?
How are you doing?
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keep a firm grip on SO/STH
- The manager keeps a firm grip on all the employees.
- Fig. to keep someone or something under firm control.
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keep a lid on it!
- 1.We can't keep the lid on this any longer. The press has got wind of it.
- Fig. a scheme to suppress a scandalous or embarrassing situation and keep it secret.
- 2.Keep the lid on the pot until the stew is almost done.
- Lit. a cover on something, such as a pot, pan, etc
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keep a tight rein on SO/STH
- The office manager kept a tight rein on the staff. Mary keeps a close rein on her children.
- Fig. to watch and control someone or something diligently.
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keep/be/get/remain/stay ahead of the game
- Without the full cooperation of my office stafj', I find it hard to stay ahead of the game.
- being early; having an advantage in a competitive situation; having done more than necessary.
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keep an eye out for SO/STH
- Please try to have an eye out for the bus.
- Keep an eye out for rain.
- Have your eye out for a raincoat on sale.
- Fig. to watch for the arrival or appearance of someone or something.
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keep one's eyes peeled
- Keep your eyes peeled for any policemen
- pay attention; be watchful
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out and about
- I am out and about on the town
- regularly going out of the house to work, take part in social activity, etc.,
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out cold
(out like a light)
1. Fig. unconscious. I fell and hit my head. I was out cold for about a minute. Tom fainted! He's out like a light!
2. Fig. intoxicated. Four beers and he was out cold. He sat in his chair at the table, out cold.
3. Fig. sound asleep. After a few minutes of tossing and turning, she was out like a light.
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out/down for the count
- He was injured at the last game and he is out for the count this week.
- not count someone on something
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out in left field
- Sally is a lot of fun, but she's sort of out in left field. What a strange idea. It's really out in left field.
- Fig. offbeat; unusual and eccentric.
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out in the open
- Is this matter out in the open, or is it still secret?
- Let's get this out in the open and discuss it.
- Fig. [for something] to be public knowledge.
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out of character
- It was out of character for Ann to act so stubborn.
- behave in an unusual way for SO, unlike SO's usual behavior
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