to leave open: to delay making a decision on. Examples: So, mark the date, get your list together, and make sure to leave the date open. While he tries to leave open spaces in his schedule, sometimes they get filled.

to eat in/to eat out: to eat at home/to eat in a restaurant Examples of TO EAT IN/TO EAT OUT We decided to eat in and I made spaghetti and meatballs. We decided to eat out and tried a new restaurant downtown.

to have (time) off: to have free time, not to have to work (also: to taketime off Examples of HAVE (TIME) OFF I wish that I could have taken some time off during my day to go out on a cycle. When it comes to graduate school, you might have no choice but to take…

to hold over: to extend, to keep for a longer time Examples of TO HOLD OVER It is typically up to a new coach to decide whether to hold over any staff members. The building will be able to hold over 50,000 people.

to stop by: to visit or stop somewhere briefly in order to do something Examples of TO STOP BY   Stop by and learn how you might be able to make a difference for your neighbors. If we stop by the house at dinnertime, Mom says she’s already eaten and is full.

to make a difference (to): to be of importance (to), to affect Examples of MAKE A DIFFERENCE The sociology student just wanted to make a difference in the lives of the poor. “I can’t figure out how to make a difference in this community,” the frustrated politician thought to himself.