to fill out: to complete a form Examples of TO FILL OUT The tax professional enjoyed the process of filling out forms for people; it was relaxing. Those who said they could serve were given forms with 125 questions to fill out.

in vain: useless, without the desired result Examples of IN VAIN The last-minute get-out-the-vote effort was in vain, because the opposition candidate still lost. The director didn’t even see me, so all the rehearsing I did was in vain.

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 fall in love: to begin to love Examples of FALL IN LOVE I don’t believe her when she says it’s impossible to fall in love more than once in your life; I do it all the time. I never wanted to fall in love, then I met you.

to turn down: to reduce in brightness or volume; to reject, to refuse Examples of TO TURN DOWN I hate to turn down a tired traveler, but my hotel doesn’t have any more rooms available. Sarah turned down my offer to take her to dinner.

butter up: be nice to, suck up to Examples of BUTTER UP – Butter him up before you ask to borrow his car.– So I’m trying to butter up those officials so we do get a call once in a while.