once and for all: finally, absolutely Examples of ONCE AND FOR ALL We’re going to solve this mystery once and for all, the detective thought to himself. After trying repeatedly, they were able to get the engine fixed once and for all.

little by little: gradually, slowly (also: step by step) Examples of LITTLE BY LITTLE Little by little, we built up our investment portfolio so we could have a good retirement. The old building was slowly falling apart, little by little.

to get in/to get on: to enter or to board a vehicleto get in is used for cars; to get on is used for all other forms of transportation. Examples of GET IN It’s impossible to get in the car from the passenger’s side, since Steve’s accident. We need you to get in the game!

to make good time: to travel a sufficient distance at a reasonable speed Examples of TO MAKE GOOD TIME We loaded the car with snacks; we don’t want to stop because we need to make good time to the coast. The flight made good time and we landed twenty minutes early.

to hold off: to delay, or to be delayed, in occurring Examples of TO HOLD OFF They’re snapping pictures of the new open-air ballpark and hoping the rain holds off. The judge agreed to hold off making a decision until new evidence could be introduced into court.

to keep in mind: to remember, not to forget (also: to bear in mind) Examples of TO KEEP IN MIND The game show host reminded the contestant to keep in mind she hadn’t seen what was behind door number three yet. Keep in mind that losing weight doesn’t just mean eating healthy; you also need…