to have one’s way: to arrange matters the way one wants (especially whensomeone else doesn’t want to same way) (also: to get one’s way) Examples of TO HAVE ONE’S WAY My boss always insists that he has everything his way; he can’t compromise at all. You can have it your way, the fast-food chain advertised,…

on one’s toes: alert, cautiousThis idiom is usually used with the verbs stay and keep. Examples of ON ONE’S TOES So, city leaders will have to stay on their toes to deal with the demand, the mayor said. It makes folks stay on their toes.

to make out: to read or see clearly; to prepare a legal document, such as a will, a check, Examples of TO MAKE OUT The letter was so poorly handwritten that I couldn’t make out many of the words. Harold, please make the check out to Acme Piano Company.

breadwinner: a person who earns a livelihood, especially one who also supports dependents.Examples of BREADWINNER As long as I am the breadwinner in this house, I have the right to make some rules for everyone who lives here. Being a single mother was very difficult for Sheila – she was the breadwinner, the house cleaner,…

to go off: to explode; to sound as an alarm; to leave suddenly withoutexplanation Examples of TO GO OFF The journalist decided to go off on his own, quit the newspaper, and started his own website. The boring horror movie even had somebody who left to explore, despite being warned not to go off on…

to think over: to consider carefully before deciding Examples of THINK OVER “I’ll tell you tomorrow. I’m going to want to think over your proposal,” said the businessman to his associate. You’ll want to think over your options before picking the right college for you.