to cut corners: to economize, to save money Examples of TO CUT CORNERS Most students live on limited budgets and have to cut corners whenever possible. The Livingstons have nine children, so it is essential that they cut corners at all times.
to stand up for: to insist on, to demand; to defend, to support Examples of TO STAND UP FOR Encouraging people to think, and to stand up for what they believe, is terrific. Those men, while misguided on some fronts stood up for what they felt was right.
to stick it to: to cheat, to take unfair advantage of Examples of TO STICK IT TO Be careful in doing business with that salesperson. He’ll stick it to you at the first opportunity. He was late, and the boss really stuck it to him.
to stick to: to adhere to (a promise), to follow or obey (a set of rules, procedures, etc.) Examples of TO STICK TO All organizations expect their employees to stick to established work rules and procedures. If you try hard to stick to your principles, then you’ll be able to live up to them.
to live up to: to fulfill (a standard or promise) Examples of TO LIVE UP TO It was clear that the lazy student would never live up to his family’s expectations. It surprised us that the car salesperson lived up to all the promises he made.
to make out: to read or see clearly; to prepare a legal document, such as a will, a check, Examples of TO MAKE OUT The letter was so poorly handwritten that I couldn’t make out many of the words. Harold, please make the check out to Acme Piano Company.
to die out: not to exist anymore; to be in the process of disappearing Examples of TO DIE OUT Even the idea that all the dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago is now passe. That strange, new style of dancing is slowly dying out.
to fade away: to diminish gradually in time or distance Examples of TO FADE AWAY The memory of that unpleasant experience has slowly faded away. The music of the band gradually faded away as the parade passed down the street.
to die down: to decrease, to lessen in strength Examples of TO DIE DOWN On the plus side, the volatility in short-term money-market rates has died down. As the sun set, the winds began to die down and the 100-acre fire was contained.
to build up: to increase slowly, to make stronger gradually Examples of TO BUILD UP They certainly have built up a vibrant user community in a short period of time. These deficits have been built up over the past 10 years and nobody said a peep.