a lost cause: a hopeless case, a person or situation having no hope of positivechange. Examples of A LOST CAUSE Repeat these steps as necessary to remove the stain, but it may be a lost cause. Even this late in the game, the search for the black boxes is not a lost cause.

to live down: to overcome the shame or embarrassment of something. Examples of LIVE DOWN It’ll take some time to live down this embarrassment; everyone has heard about it. With his charitable activities, Danial found it easy to live down his tax problems.

to see out: to accompany a person out of a house, building, etc. Examples of TO SEE OUT The Johnsons were certain to see their guests out as each one left the party. Would you please see me out to the car? It’s very dark outside.

to become of: to happen to (a missing object or person) Examples of TO BECOME OF In the meanwhile, what has become of us as a previously identified open society? I might have missed this, but what has become of the existing child trust funds?

to take a walk, stroll,hike, etc.: to go for a walk, stroll, hike, etc. Examples of TAKE A WALK Suffering from writer’s block, Haruki wanted to take a walk to clear his head. My favorite part of the vacation was when we decided to take a stroll along the beach at sunset. I hoped to…

to count on: to trust someone in time of need (also: to depend on) Examples of COUNT ON We’ll be able to count on Todd; everyone knows he’s reliable and gets things done on time. The store manager was able to count on the celebrity to make a big purchase.