to leave open: to delay making a decision on. Examples: So, mark the date, get your list together, and make sure to leave the date open. While he tries to leave open spaces in his schedule, sometimes they get filled.

to make clear: to clarify, to explain Examples of TO MAKE CLEAR I want to make clear to you that we won’t start construction until we’re paid in full. You need to make clear to your customers that they’ll regret not buying the extended warranty.

above all: mainly, especially Examples of ABOVE ALL The emperor demanded to be respected above all others in his retinue. When you’re under oath, above all, you must tell the truth.

to work out: to exercise; to develop, to devise (a plan) Examples of TO WORK OUT She home-schools her 15-year-old son, runs errands, cleans house, takes care of her family, works out at the fitness center and tries to sleep. Eventually we worked out a plan so that he could return to work.

a sore point/spot: a subject which someone would prefer not to talk about because it makes them angry or embarrassedExamples Try not to mention baldness while he’s here – it’s a sore spot for him. Annual running operation now comes to $5.4 million, a sore point in Parliament.

to find fault with: criticize, to complain about something Examples of TO FIND FAULT WITH You mustn’t be quick to find fault with everyone you date because you might learn to appreciate their flaws. Nobody could find any fault with Jennifer’s performance on the exam.