stop working or functioning. "Sharon will be late for work today. Her car broke down on the freeway."
15
break in:
enter by using force and breaking a lock, window, etc.
"Jane's apartment was burglarized last night. Someone broke in while Jane was at the movies."
15
break up:
end a personal relationship.
"I'm sorry to hear that their marriage broke up. I'm sure the divorce will be difficult for the children."
15
bring up:
raise; rear.
"Lucy's parents died when she was a baby. Her grandparents brought her up."
15
burn up:
cause someone to become very angry.
"Did you hear how rudely Fred talked to me? That really burned me up!"
20
act up:
misbehave (for people); not work properly (for machines).
"The babysitter had a difficult time. The children acted up all evening."
20
add up:
find the total.
"What's the total of those bills? Could you add them up and see?"
15
back off:
not follow a threat.
"Tom was ready to call the police when I told him I'd wrecked his car, but he backed off when I said I'd pay for the damages."
20
blow up:
explode; destroy by exploding. A: "That old building really came down
quickly!"
B: "That's because the construction company
used dynamite to blow it up"
20
call off:
cancel something that has been scheduled.
"We don't have school today. The mayor called classes off because of the snow."
20
calm down:
become calm, less agitated or upset.
"Why are you so upset? Suzie didn't intend to spill orange juice on you. Calm down!"
20
care for:
take care of; supply care to; attend, watch.
"Amy's father got out of the hospital last week. The family is caring for him at home."
20
catch up with:
stop being behind.
"Terry stopped to rest for a few minutes. He'll catch up with us later."
20
check out:
follow procedures for leaving a hotel, etc.
"Don't forget to take your room key to the front desk when you check out.
15
come across:
find unexpectedly.
"I've lost my extra car keys. If you come across them while you're cleaning the room, please put them in a safe place."
20
come down with:
become ill with.
"George won't be at the office today. He came down with the flu over the weekend."
