IDIOMS---2005/Oct/20

01. let up: stop
a. If the rain doesn't let up soon, we won't be able to have our picnic.
b. When Jane is working, she never lets up for a moment.
02. lay off: dismiss, reduce
a. If you're trying to lose weight, you should lay off sweet things.
b. If business continues to be slow, we will have to lay off some workers.
03. bring out : launch, take out (food)
a. Most automobile companies bring out new models each year.
b. my mother brought some snacks out for my friends.
04. bring back: return
a. You can bring back the dress as long as you have your sales receipt.
b. You can borrow my car if you promise to bring it back by six.
05. wait up for: wait, to stay up
a. Don't wait up for me. I will be home late today.
b. We waited up for our son until 2AM before we called the police.
06. to leave (someone or something) alone: don't bother
a. Leave the baby alone for a while and she may go to sleep.
b. Leave the project alone for a while. You may think of something new to add later.
07. let alone: not mention to, forget about it
a. I am too sick today to walk to the kitchen, let alone to go to the zoo with you.
08. break off: to terminate a relationship
a. After we began, the two countries broke off diplomatic relations.
b. Elsa and Bob were once engaged, but they have already broken it off.
09. wear off: disappear gradually
a. My headache isn't serious. It will wear off after an hour or so.
b. The effect of the painkilling drug didn't wear off for several hours.
10. wear down: torn. to tear, to make something old.
a. If you drag your feet while you walk, you'll wear down your shoes quickly.