to break off: to terminate, to discontinue Examples of TO BREAK OFF Venezuela broke off diplomatic relations, and Argentina withdrew its ambassador. Olivia and Alex were once engaged, but they have already broken it off.

once and for all: finally, absolutely Examples of ONCE AND FOR ALL We’re going to solve this mystery once and for all, the detective thought to himself. After trying repeatedly, they were able to get the engine fixed once and for all.

to step down: to retire or leave a top position, to resign Examples of TO STEP DOWN Next May the principal will step down after thirty-five years of service to the school. The angry shareholders wanted the company president to step down because of the stock scandal.

to cheer up: to make happier, to feel less sad Examples of TO CHEER UP We all tried to cheer up the little boy when he stared to cry. After the death of Deanne’s husband, it was difficult to cheer her up at all.

to go up: to increase (also: to drive up); to be constructed, to be erected Examples of TO GO UP As a matter of fact, that’s more often the case than when earnings are going up. Not because rates are going up, but because they were under-insured in the past.

by far: by a great margin, clearly Examples of BY FAR Germany continued to have by far the largest trade surplus in the currency area. This was one of the best dishes by far and nobody is reinventing the wheel here.