cut and dried: predictable, known beforehand; boring
o The results of the national election were rather cut and dried; the
Republicans won easily.
o A job on a factory assembly line is certainly cut and dried.
to look after: to watch, to supervise, to protect (also: to take care of, to
keep an eye on)
o Grandma will look after the baby while we go to the lecture.
o Who is going to take care of your house plants while you are away?
o I'd appreciate it if you'd keep an eye on my car while I'm in the store.
to feel like: to have the desire to, to want to consider
This idiom is usually followed by a gerund (the –ing form of a verb used as a
noun).
o I don't feel like studying tonight. Let's go to a basketball game.
o I feel like taking a long walk. Would you like to go with me?
once and for all: finally, absolutely
o My daughter told her boyfriend once and for all that she wouldn't date
him anymore.
o Once and for all, john has quit smoking cigarettes.
to hear from: to receive news or information from
To hear from is used for receiving a letter, telephone call, etc., from a person
or organization.
o I don't hear from my brother very often since he moved to Chicago.
o Have you heard from the company about that new job?
to hear of: to know about, to be familiar with; to consider
The second definition is always used in the negative.
o When I asked for directions to Mill Street, the police officer said that
she had never heard of it.
o Byron strongly disagreed with my request by saying, "I won't hear of
it!"
to make fun of: to laugh at, to joke about
o They are making fun of Carla's new hair style. Don't you think that it's
really strange?
o Don't make fun of Jose's English. He's doing the best he can.
to come true: to become reality, to prove to be correct
o The weatherman's forecast for today's weather certainly came true.
o Everything that the economists predicted about the increased cost of
living has come true.
as a matter of fact: really, actually (also: in fact)
o Hans thinks he knows English well but, as a matter of fact, he speaks
very poorly.
o I didn't say that. In fact, I said quite the opposite.