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 hold on: to grasp tightly or firmly; to wait, to be patient Examples of TO HOLD ON They don’t give up and they hold on to hope that things are going to get better. He finally broke off and told her to hold on a second because Daddy was talking.

to look forward to: to expect or anticipate with pleasureThis idiom can be followed by a regular noun or a gerund. Examples of TO LOOK FORWARD TO Without a vacation coming up, I have nothing to look forward to. Mark and Kyle were looking forward to a chance to talk.

to cut down on: to reduce, to lessen (also: to cut back on) Examples of TO CUT DOWN ON As she was making her budget, she realized she needed to cut down on her expenses. My doctor told me to cut down on desserts.

to buy up: to buy the complete stock of Examples of TO BUY UP Foreign investors are taking advantage of the housing bust to buy up properties. The Treasury would buy up mortgage securities to stabilize the financial system.

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?