To say something suddenly, and without thinking of the results: "I can't believe you blurted out the plans for her surprise party right to her face!"
10
BOTTLE UP
To keep thoughts or feelings inside instead of expressing them: "I know he's angry, but he bolts it up inside instead of talking to someone about it."
15
CHOKE BACK
To have difficulty not showing or expressing (tears, rage, anger, etc.): "He was choking back the tears as he talked about his late wife."
20
FEND OFF
To defend oneself against someone or something: "They have had to fend off allegations of voter fraud"
20
KEEP UP APPEARANCES
To maintain an impression of wealth, status or well-being:"They were very unhappily married but kept up appearances for the sake of their children."
25
SHOOT DOWN
To prevent an idea, suggestion, argument, etc. from being accepted: "A proposal to require students to take one AP course was shot down by concerned parents."
20
SWEEP ASIDE
To refuse to consider something or to treat it as important: They swept his doubts and objections aside."
15
TEASE OUT
To try to get information or understand a meaning that is hidden or not clear. OR To obtain by disentangling or freeing.
15
TONE DOWN
To make something less forceful or offensive: "The foul language in the original play has been toned down for television."
25
WHIP UP
To cause someone to feel strong emotions about something: "His speech whipped up the crowd."
