o It stands to reason that he isn't going to pass the course if he never
studies.to break out: to become widespread suddenly
o An epidemic of measles broke out in Chicago this past week.
o If a nuclear war ever breaks out, it is unlikely that many people will
survive.
o The news says that a large fire has broken out in a huge chemical plant.
as for: regarding, concerning (also: as to)
o As for the money, we will simply have to borrow some more from the
bank.
o There is no doubt as to her intelligence; she's the smartest one in the
class.
to feel sorry for: to pity, to feel compassion for (also: to take pity on)
o Don't you feel sorry for someone who has to work the night shift?
o I helped drive Pierre around when he broke his foot because I took pity
on him.
LESSON 13
to break down: to stop functioning
Compare this idiom with to burn out in Lesson 12. To burn out means that
electrical equipment becomes hot from overuse and stops functioning. To
break down means that something stops functioning mechanically, whether
from overuse or not.
o I just bought my new car yesterday and already it has broken down.
o The elevator broke down, so we walked all the way up to the top floor.
to turn out: to become or result; to appear, to attend (also: to come out)
The noun form turnout derives from the second definition of the idiom.
o Most parents wonder how their children will turn out as adults.
o Hundreds of people came out for the demonstration against new taxes.
o What was the turnout for the public hearing on the education reforms?
once in a blue moon: rarely, infrequently
o Snow falls on the city of San Diego, California, once in a blue moon.
o Once in a blue moon my wife and I eat at a very expensive restaurant.
to give up: to stop trying, to stop a bad habit (S); to surrender (S)
o I'm sure that you can accomplish this task. Don't give up yet!
o If you give up smoking now, you can certainly live a longer life.
o The soldiers gave themselves up in the face of a stronger enemy forces.
to cross out: to cancel by marking with a horizontal lines (S)
o The teacher crossed out several incorrect words in Tanya's composition.
o I crossed the last line out of my letter because it had the wrong tone to
it.