to burn out: to stop functioning because of overuse; to make tired from toomuck work Examples of TO BURN OUT Nissan says the clutch has burned out after just 1,290 miles and my driving is to blame. The housing market has burned out like a spent comet.

to take after: to resemble a parent or close relative (for physical appearanceonly, also: to look like) Examples of TO TAKE AFTER Little Kevin was a very good soccer player; he must take after his father. My son doesn’t take after me at all.

to do without: survive or exist without something (also: to go without) Examples of TO DO WITHOUT The split pea soup recipe can do without including potatoes for thickening. I’m unable to do without at least eight hours of sleep every night.

To figure out: to solve, to find a solution; to understand Examples of FIGURE OUT I hoped to figure out a better way to get from Chicago to St. Louis, because there was construction on my usual route. I want to be the one to figure out a solution to this impossible math problem.

to fool around: to waste time (also: to screw around); to joke, not to be serious Examples of TO FOOL AROUND – The problem doesn’t seem to be that participants are bored and fooling around.– I’ve been fooling around with the 5mx and find it a generally agreeable machine.

to turn off: to cause to stop functioning (also: to switch off, to shut off) Examples of TURN OFF I forgot to turn off the television after I recorded the program. She needs to turn off the waterworks; crying won’t help in this job.