to tear up
to tear up: to rip into small pieces Examples of TO TEAR UP Let’s tear up the rule book and just do our own thing! Reports said he tore up the check and threw some of the pieces out of the window.
to tear down
to tear down: to destroy by making flat, to demolish Examples of TO TEAR DOWN The reviewer tried to tear down the movie, but the review was so badly written that the reviewer just looked dumb. We need the savings, but it sure feels like we’re using them to tear the house down.
to try out
to try out:to test, to use during a trial period Examples of TO TRY OUT The actress couldn’t wait to try out for the big movie role. I’m going to try out a new diner, if you’d like to come with me.
to take for
to take for: to perceive or understand as Examples of TO TAKE FOR “Do you take me for a fool?” the policeman asked the suspect, when he started contradicting his story. I miss my ex-girlfriend; I shouldn’t have taken her for granted.
to be bound to
to be bound to: to be certain to, to be sure to Examples of TO BE BOUND TO “You’re bound to love this hit musical!” read the ad. Let me write down the shopping list; I’m bound to forget something.
according to
according to: in the order of; on the authority of Examples of ACCORDING TO Around $386 billion was spent, according to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. Demand for this game was, according to ticket seller StubHub, at a record level.
to do without
to do without: survive or exist without something (also: to go without) Examples of TO DO WITHOUT The split pea soup recipe can do without including potatoes for thickening. I’m unable to do without at least eight hours of sleep every night.
a lost cause
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.