over and over (again): repeatedly (also: time after time, time and again) Examples of OVER AND OVER I told you, over and over, not to call me by that nickname, and you still call me by that nickname. The monkey with the miniature cymbals banged them together over and over again.

in the long run: eventually, after a long period of time Examples of IN THE LONG RUN In the long run, my car accident wasn’t that bad, and it motivated me to be a more cautious driver. Working out was hard, but in the long run, it got easier and made me feel better.

To figure out: to solve, to find a solution; to understand Examples of FIGURE OUT I hoped to figure out a better way to get from Chicago to St. Louis, because there was construction on my usual route. I want to be the one to figure out a solution to this impossible math problem.

clear-cut: clearly stated, definite, apparent Examples of CLEAR-CUT Zettel recently visited Michigan and said that school is his clear-cut favorite. Such success made him a clear-cut selection but tells a thin slice of the story.

to show up: to appear, to arrive; to be found or located Examples of TO SHOW UP He promised to come on Tuesday but he never showed up. It really gets on my nerves that Grace shows up late for every meeting.

to tear up: to rip into small pieces Examples of TO TEAR UP Let’s tear up the rule book and just do our own thing! Reports said he tore up the check and threw some of the pieces out of the window.