to burn down: to burn slowly, but completely (usually said of candles); todestroy completely by fire Example of TO BURN DOWN The fire was able to burn down the house very quickly. After two days of the city burning down it began to rain and doused the remaining fire.

let alone: and certainly not (also: not to mention, to say nothing of) Examples of LET ALONE He would never walk again let alone play golf. He doesn’t even speak his own language well, let alone French.

for good: permanently, forever Examples of FOR GOOD “I’m ending this conversation for good!” she yelled, storming out and slamming the door. It feels great to have the race finished for good.

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.

Crocodile tears: False or fake tears. Examples: Politicians love to cry crocodile tears about how hard it is to cut government spending. President Obama shed his crocodile tears for the latest group of victims.

to get up: to arise, to rise from a bed; to make someone arise Examples of GET UP After a good sleep, Matt was ready to get up and go to work. You’ll need to get up the courage to tell your boss what you think.