as a matter of fact: really, actually (also: in fact) Examples of AS A MATTER OF FACT I know you thought I’d forgotten your birthday, but as a matter of fact, I’ve been planning a surprise party all along. As a matter of fact, I was hoping that New England would lose.

to make up one’s mind: to reach a decision, to decide finally Examples of MAKE UP ONE’S MIND He needs to make up his mind what restaurant to go to, otherwise we’ll never eat. She can’t make up her mind between two great jobs.

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 sell out: to sell all items; to arrange for the sale of a company or business Examples of TO SELL OUT – That store is closing its doors for good and is selling out everything this weekend.– If my new business enterprise is successful, I’ll sell it out for a few million dollars.

to make out: to read or see clearly; to prepare a legal document, such as a will, a check, Examples of TO MAKE OUT The letter was so poorly handwritten that I couldn’t make out many of the words. Harold, please make the check out to Acme Piano Company.

to tell apart: to distinguish between (also: to pick apart, to tell from) Examples of TO TELL APART Mark and Andy look so alike I can’t tell them apart. I don’t know anything about jazz, so I couldn’t tell any of the songs apart.