to be the matter: to be unsatisfactory, to be improper, to be wrong
In a question, this idiom is used with what or something. In an answer,
something or nothing is usually used.
o A: What is the matter, Betty? You look very upset.
o B: Yes, something is the matter. I've lost my purse!
o A: Is something the matter, Charles? You don't look well.
o B: No, nothing is the matter. I'm just a little under the weather.
to bring up: to rear, to raise from childhood (S); to mention, to raise an issue,
to introduce a topic (S)
o Parents should bring up their children to be responsible members of
society.
o Sarah wanted to bring the scheduling problem up at the club meeting,
but finally she decided against doing so.
o One of the students brought up an interesting point related to the
subject in our textbook.
to get lost: to become lost; to go away in order not to bother
The second definition provides a very informal, even rude, meaning that
should be used only with close friends. It is sometimes used in a joking
manner.
o While driving in Boston, we got lost and drove many miles in the wrong
direction.
o Todd kept bothering me while I was studying, so I told him to get lost.
o Lisa joked that she wanted her sister to get lost forever.
to hold up: to delay, to make late (S); to remain high in quality
o A big accident held up traffic on the highway for several hours.
o Deidre is amazed at how well her car has held up over the years.
to run away: to leave without permission; to escape
o The young couple ran away and got married because their parents
wouldn't permit it.
o That cat is just like a criminal --- it runs away from anyone who tries to
come near!
to rule out: to refuse to consider, to prohibit (S)
o Heather ruled out applying to college in Texas because she would
rather go to school in Canada.
o I'd like to watch a good movie on TV tonight, but a ton of homework
rules that out.
by far: by a great margin, clearly
o Jacquie is by far the most intelligent student in our class.
o This is by far the hottest, most humid summer we've had in years.
to see off: to say good-bye upon departure by train, airplane, bus, etc. (also:
to send off) (S)
A noun or pronoun must divide the idiom.
o We are going to the airport to see Peter off on his trip to Europe.