to break in: gradually to prepare something for use that is new and stiff;to interrupt (for the second definition, also: to cut in) Examples of TO BREAK IN It is best to break a new car in by driving it slowly for the first few hundred miles. While Carrie and I were talking, Bill broke in…

to pay attention (to): to look at and listen to someone while they are speaking, to concentrate Examples of PAY ATTENTION (TO) I know I need to pay attention to you when you talk, but you’re just so boring! It’s important to pay attention when your boss is explaining your mistakes.

would rather: prefer to (also: would just as soon) Examples of WOULD RATHER I would rather go biking than running, because biking is easier on my knees. He would rather go to the salad bar, but she wanted to go to the steakhouse.

to clean out: to empty, to tidy by removing; to steal, to rob; to buy or purchase all of something Examples of TO CLEAN OUT I want to clean out that closet so that we can store these things in there. A burglar entered my apartment while I was gone and cleaned me out. He…

to mix up: to stir or shake well; to confuse, to bewilder Examples of TO MIX UP We’re going to mix up the team, so we can make sure that you’re playing your strongest position. A wonderful hostess, Amy is always ready to mix up a pitcher of sangria whenever somebody comes by.

to call for: to require; to request, to urge Examples of TO CALL FOR The insult wasn’t even mean enough to call for a response. A question calls for an answer.