to put on: to gain (pounds or weight); to present, to perform Examples of TO PUT ON It sounds odd but I actually managed to put on weight during my five-day ordeal. It reminded me of a family reunion where some of the kids got up to put on show.

as usual: as is the general case, as is typical Examples of AS USUAL As usual, forgetful Freddy didn’t attend the meeting. During the unseasonable heat wave, nobody could go about their day as usual.  

once in a blue moon: rarely, infrequently Examples of ONCE IN A BLUE MOON If once in a blue moon he smiled, it was such a rarity that it was like a scoop. These are discouraging times, but once in a blue moon a bit of hope appears.

to hold out: to endure, to be sufficient; to survive by resisting; to persist in one’s efforts Examples of TO HOLD OUT If our supply of food and water holds out, we plan to camp here for another week. However, whenever it gives out, we’ll have to leave. That nation’s troops cannot hold out much…

to lay off: to abstain from, stop using as a habit; to release or discharge from a job (also: related idiom: to let go) Examples of TO LAY OFF Today is my 30th birthday, but I should probably lay off the cake and champagne. He said the company had to lay off employees and has…

to take on: to employ, to hire; to accept responsibility for, to undertake Examples of TO TAKE ON That factory is taking a lot of new employees on for its new production line. Would you be willing to take on the task of organizing the next company picnic?