to change one’s mind: to alter one’s decision or opinion Examples of CHANGE ONE’S MIND I tried to change his mind, but he insisted on leaving the office early on Friday. It’s easy for Kelly to change her mind; it seems like she never sticks with any one thing very long.    

a bitter pill to swallow: unpleasant, but has to be acceptedExamples: Losing my job was initially a bitter pill to swallow. It’s a bitter pill to swallow but a difficult cure promises the best result.

to take on: to employ, to hire; to accept responsibility for, to undertake Examples of TO TAKE ON That factory is taking a lot of new employees on for its new production line. Would you be willing to take on the task of organizing the next company picnic?

to make a difference (to): to be of importance (to), to affect Examples of MAKE A DIFFERENCE The sociology student just wanted to make a difference in the lives of the poor. “I can’t figure out how to make a difference in this community,” the frustrated politician thought to himself.  

hard of hearing: partially deaf, not able to hear well Examples of HARD OF HEARING The elderly man pretended to be hard of hearing, so nobody would bother him on the train. Playing in too many rock bands made the musician hard of hearing while he was still young.

all in all: considering everything Examples of ALL IN ALL All in all, this was the best marathon I’ve ever run. All in all, I can’t wait to go back to Mackinac Island next year!