Vocabulary, lesson 3: Advanved level

Hi again guys! It's time for vocabulary! We are reaching the end of this course so you have now a list of new idioms a little bit difficult, you can hear me and take notes or just read my explanations, but we have to bear in mind the importance of a listening.

To let up: to slacken, to lessen in intensity; to relax or ease one's effort (also related idiom: to take it easy).

                -If the rain doesn't let up soon, we won't be able to have our picnic.

                -When Jane is working, she never lets up for a moment.

                -Jane should take it easy or she'll get exhausted.

To lay off: to abstain from, stop using as a habit; to release or discharge from a job (also: related idiom: to let go).

                -If you're trying to lose weight, you should lay off sweet things.

                -If business continues to be slow, we will have to lay off some workers.            

                -It will be necessary to let the youngest employees go first.

To bring out: to show or introduce (to the public); to make available.

                -Most automobile companies bring out new models each year.

                -My mother brought some snacks out for my friends and me to have.

To bring back: to return a bought or borrowed item (also: to take back). To bring back is used when you are speaking at the place that speaking at another place.

                -Ma'am, our store policy is that you can bring back the dress as long as you have your sales receipt.    

                -You can borrow my car if you promise to bring it back by six o'clock.

                -I have to take this book back to the library today.

To wait up for: to wait until late at night without going to bed.

                -Don't wait up for me . I may be back after midnight.

                -We waited up for our son until two o'clock in the morning before we called the police.            

To leave (someone or something) alone: not to disturb, to stay away from (also: to let alone).

                -Leave the baby alone for a while and she may go to sleep.

                -After the cat had scratched Peter twice, he let it alone.

Let alone: and certainly not (also: not to mention, to say nothing of). Let alone is used after negative forms.  The example that follows let alone is much less possible than the example that precedes let alone.

                -I'm too sick today to walk to the kitchen, let alone to go to the zoo with you. 

                -He doesn't even speak his own language well, let alone French.

To break off: to terminate, to discontinue.

                -After war began, the two countries broke off diplomatic relations.

                -Elsa and Bob were once engaged, but they have already broken it off.

To wear of: to disappear gradually.

                -My headache isn't serious. It will wear off after an hour or so.              

                -The effect of painkilling drug didn't wear off for several hours.

To wear down: to become worn gradually through use (also: to wear away, to wear through).

                -If you drag your feet while you walk, you'll wear down your shoes quickly.

                -The pounding of ocean waves against the coast gradually wears it away.

                -Johnny has worn through the seat of his pants.

On the whole: in general, in most ways (also: by and large).

                - He is, on the whole, a good student.

                -By and large, I agree with you suggestions.

Touch and go: risky, uncertain until the end.

                -The complicated medical operation was touch and go for several hours.

                -The outcome of the soccer final was touch and go for the entire match.