butter up

a lost cause: a hopeless case, a person or situation having no hope of positivechange. Examples of A LOST CAUSE Repeat these steps as necessary to remove the stain, but it may be a lost cause. Even this late in the game, the search for the black boxes is not a lost cause.

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.

quite a few: many Examples of QUITE A FEW The journalist was about to tell quite a few secrets about the politician. There are quite a few problems with the presentation, and it’ll take a lot of time to fix.

to make up one’s mind: to reach a decision, to decide finally Examples of MAKE UP ONE’S MIND He needs to make up his mind what restaurant to go to, otherwise we’ll never eat. She can’t make up her mind between two great jobs.

button your lip: do not tell anyone Examples of BUTTON YOUR LIP – Button your lip about the speeding ticket. Don’t tell Dad.– Chris, if it’s all the same to you, could you just pitch and button your lip?

once and for all: finally, absolutely Examples of ONCE AND FOR ALL We’re going to solve this mystery once and for all, the detective thought to himself. After trying repeatedly, they were able to get the engine fixed once and for all.