This is the second of 12 pages (2/12) of alphabetically organized idiomatic expressions. These expressions begin with the letters A and B. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find a challenging quiz about these idiomatic expressions.
- call it a day – stop working for the day or decide to stop doing something.
Example: We’ve done enough. Let’s call it a day. - call off – cancel something.
Example: They called off the meeting due to the storm. - call on – visit someone or ask someone to speak or do something.
Example: The teacher called on Maria to answer the question. - calm down – relax after being angry or excited.
Example: Take a deep breath and calm down. - care for (1) – like or enjoy.
Example: I don’t really care for horror movies. - care for (2) – take care of someone or something.
Example: She cares for her elderly mother. - catch on – become popular or understood.
Example: That dance trend is starting to catch on. - catch on to – understand something.
Example: He finally caught on to the joke. - catch up with – reach the same level or update someone.
Example: I need to catch up with work after my trip. - check in (or into) – register at a hotel or airport.
Example: We checked into the hotel at 3 p.m. - check out of (1) – leave a hotel and pay the bill.
Example: We checked out of the hotel early. - check out of (2) – stop being involved or interested.
Example: He checked out of the conversation halfway through. - cheer up – become or help someone become happier.
Example: Here’s a joke to cheer you up! - chip in on/for – contribute money or effort.
Example: Everyone chipped in for a birthday gift. - clear up (1) – become sunny (for weather).
Example: It’s supposed to clear up by afternoon. - clear up (2) – resolve a misunderstanding or clean up.
Example: Let’s clear up this confusion right now. - come across – find or meet by chance.
Example: I came across an old photo yesterday. - come around (to) – change your mind to agree.
Example: She finally came around to my idea. - come down with – become sick with something.
Example: He came down with the flu last night. - come up with – think of an idea, solution, or plan.
Example: She came up with a great proposal. - cost an arm and a leg – be very expensive.
Example: That designer bag cost an arm and a leg! - count on – rely on someone or something.
Example: You can count on me for help. - count out – eliminate from a possibility or exclude.
Example: You can count me out of this plan. - cut off – stop or interrupt suddenly.
Example: The phone call was cut off. - cut out for – be suited or have the qualities for something.
Example: She’s cut out for teaching.