to cross out: to cancel by marking with a horizontal lines Examples of TO CROSS OUT I want to cross out this line from the contract; I don’t agree to it. She crossed out the items from her shopping list as she put them into her cart.

to break in: gradually to prepare something for use that is new and stiff;to interrupt (for the second definition, also: to cut in) Examples of TO BREAK IN It is best to break a new car in by driving it slowly for the first few hundred miles. While Carrie and I were talking, Bill broke in…

stands to reason: to be clear and logical Examples of STANDS TO REASON Because things are so far apart, it stands to reason that everyone in the suburbs would own a car. We’re doing so well right now that, it stands to reason that our team will win the game.

to give up: to stop trying, to stop a bad habit; to surrender Examples of TO GIVE UP I wanted to give up in the last mile of the race, but I’m so glad that I finished! Getting a business or an engineering degree doesn’t mean you need to give up on your love of…

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.

out of touch: not having contact; not having knowledge of Examples of OUT OF TOUCH The government is out of touch with the needs and aspirations of the electorate. Nature is self regulation but humans as a species are out of touch with nature.