to wear off: to disappear gradually Examples of TO WEAR OFF Thankfully, most of the initial feelings of awkwardness wear off fairly quickly. It will wear off as we get older.

to die out: not to exist anymore; to be in the process of disappearing Examples of TO DIE OUT Even the idea that all the dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago is now passe. That strange, new style of dancing is slowly dying out.

to take up: to begin to do or study, to undertake; to occupy space, time,or energy Examples of TO TAKE UP Prime Stage Theater’s offering takes up the challenge somewhat self-consciously. At 6-foot-3 he takes up nearly half of the room when he leans back in his chair.

to keep away (from): to stay at a distance (from) ; to avoid use of (also:stay away from) Examples of TO KEEP AWAY Keep candles away from any combustible items such as curtains, bed spreads, etc. We try to eat healthily and like to stay away from preservatives and pesticides.

to give birth to: to bear a human being or animal Examples of TO GIVE BIRTH TO His wife, Olivia, had given birth to their second son two days before the crash. His reliable nanny goat, Honeybear, had given birth to five baby goats, or kids.

to take pains: to work carefully and conscientiously Examples of TO TAKE PAINS She takes pains to do everything well; she’s our best employee. She takes pains to conceal his true identity from her villagers and even her husband.