to call off: to cancel Examples of CALL OFF We’re going to call off the rescue mission because the weather is too bad. Henry couldn’t convince them to call off the attack, even though he knew it was a bad idea.

to stand a chance: to have the possibility of accomplishing something Examples of TO STAND A CHANCE With coast guard teams using the Stiletto, smugglers seem not to stand a chance. Poor little child doesn’t stand a chance at a good life, being with such losers.

to die out: not to exist anymore; to be in the process of disappearing Examples of TO DIE OUT Even the idea that all the dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago is now passe. That strange, new style of dancing is slowly dying out.

to stay in: to remain at home, not to go out Examples of TO STAY IN On a rainy day, I like to stay in and read. We stay in almost every night and watch television.

cut and dried: predictable, known beforehand; boring Examples of CUT AND DRIED For those who have never been seriously ill, treatment often seems cut and dried. In conversation, the director concedes that the issue is not so cut-and-dried.

day in and day out: continuously, constantly (also: day after day; forlonger periods of time, year in and year out and year after year) Examples of DAY IN AND DAY OUT I need more responsibilities; I just make widgets, day in and day out. Day in and day out, all you do is complain! Lots…