to try out:to test, to use during a trial period Examples of TO TRY OUT The actress couldn’t wait to try out for the big movie role. I’m going to try out a new diner, if you’d like to come with me.

cut and dried: predictable, known beforehand; boring Examples of CUT AND DRIED For those who have never been seriously ill, treatment often seems cut and dried. In conversation, the director concedes that the issue is not so cut-and-dried.

to pick up: to lift from the floor, table, etc., with one’s fingers Examples of PICK UP He went to pick up his kids from soccer practice. Don’t forget to pick up milk at the store!  

to have it in for: to want revenge on, to feel hostile towards (also: to hold a grudge against) Examples of TO HAVE IT IN FOR Martina expects to lose her job because her boss has had it in for her for a long time. The teacher has held a grudge against Al ever since the…

now and then: occasionally, sometimes (also: now and again, at times,from time to time, off and on, once in a while) Examples of NOW AND THEN David offends people, now and then, without even meaning to do so, but it’s so rare that everyone still works with him. Every married couple fights now and then.

to dress up: to wear formal clothes, to dress very nicely Examples of DRESS UP There are whole websites full of people who like to dress up their cats and dogs. On casual Fridays, we don’t need to dress up at my office.