Idioms

to call on: to ask for a response from; to visit (also: to drop in on) Examples of CALL ON I thought it would be fun to call on my friend while I was doing my presentation. The teacher managed to call on me in every class.

to tire out: to make very weary due to difficult conditions or hard effort (also:to wear out) Examples of TIRE OUT We need to tire out our puppy every night, or he’ll be so energetic we won’t be able to sleep. The first time we attended the spin class, we were the first to tire…

little by little: gradually, slowly (also: step by step) Examples of LITTLE BY LITTLE Little by little, we built up our investment portfolio so we could have a good retirement. The old building was slowly falling apart, little by little.

all along: all the time, from the beginning (without change) Examples of ALL ALONG After we searched and searched, it turned out that the turtle was in his crate all along! We knew all along that Jeremy would win the election.

all right: acceptable,fine; yes, okay Examples of ALL RIGHT I told her after the accident that everything was going to be all right. All right, team, let’s go win this game!

to look for: to try to find, to search for Examples of LOOK FOR If you’re playing poker, you need to look for very subtle cues from the other players. My landlord told me to look for a package at the front door.

to look at: give one’s attention to; to watch Examples of LOOK AT “Roll up your sleeve,” the doctor said. “I’ll need to look at your arm.” I went to the museum to look at the Max Ernst exhibit.

to find out: get information about, to determine Examples of FIND OUT I’ll need to check my calendar to find out where I’m going to be that day. Jean couldn’t wait to leave his small town and was excited to find out what adventures Paris had in store for him!

as usual: as is the general case, as is typical Examples of AS USUAL As usual, forgetful Freddy didn’t attend the meeting. During the unseasonable heat wave, nobody could go about their day as usual.  

at last: finally, after a long time. Examples of AT LAST “At last, I’ll be in New York City,” the tourist thought to herself excitedly. At last, Sherlock solved the mystery.