to take down: to remove from an elevated place; to write what is said, to note Examples of TO TAKE DOWN We should take the pictures down from the wall and clean off the dust. The secretary took down everything that was said at the meeting.

have got to: must (also: have to) Examples of HAVE GOT TO You have got to check out a new restaurant I found; it’s wonderful. I have got to get my essay turned in on time!

to run into: to meet someone unexpectedly; to crash or collide into Examples of TO RUN INTO Just the other day, I ran into a colleague who was on her way to a tango lesson. While researching Wednesday’s post, I ran into a number of strange case studies.

to be about to: to be at the moment of doing something, to be ready (often used with the adverb just) Examples of TO BE ABOUT TO I was just about to send you the email you requested. I am about to lock the doors and turn the lights off in the shop.

to break off: to terminate, to discontinue Examples of TO BREAK OFF Venezuela broke off diplomatic relations, and Argentina withdrew its ambassador. Olivia and Alex were once engaged, but they have already broken it off.

to knock out: to make unconscious; to impress or attract greatlyThis idiom can be made into the noun from knockout for both definitions. Examples of TO KNOCK OUT The prizefighter knocked out his opponent with one punch. The stone hit her on the head and knocked her out for a few minutes.