to beat around the bush: to avoid discussing directly, to evade the issue
– Most candidates beat around the bush on controversial topics like health care.
– We sensed his genuine interest, but we beat around the bush in terms of money.
to turn around: to move or face in the opposite direction (S); to completelychange the condition of (S) Examples of TURN AROUND We need to turn around our terrible performance this year. The restaurant was closed and so we had to turn around and go home.
To figure out: to solve, to find a solution; to understand Examples of FIGURE OUT I hoped to figure out a better way to get from Chicago to St. Louis, because there was construction on my usual route. I want to be the one to figure out a solution to this impossible math problem.
to pick up: to lift from the floor, table, etc., with one’s fingers Examples of PICK UP He went to pick up his kids from soccer practice. Don’t forget to pick up milk at the store!
quite a few: many Examples of QUITE A FEW The journalist was about to tell quite a few secrets about the politician. There are quite a few problems with the presentation, and it’ll take a lot of time to fix.
to take after: to resemble a parent or close relative (for physical appearanceonly, also: to look like) Examples of TO TAKE AFTER Little Kevin was a very good soccer player; he must take after his father. My son doesn’t take after me at all.
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.