This is the tenth of twelve pages (10/12) of alphabetically organized idiomatic expressions. These expressions begin with the letters S and T. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find a challenging quiz about these idiomatic expressions.
- spick and span – extremely clean and tidy.
Example: The house was spick and span before the guests arrived. - stack up against – compare with; be as good as.
Example: How does this restaurant stack up against others in the area? - stamp out – eliminate completely.
Example: The government wants to stamp out corruption. - stand for (1) – represent or symbolize.
Example: The letters UN stand for United Nations.
stand for (2) – tolerate or allow.
Example: I won’t stand for that kind of behavior! - stand out – be noticeable or different in a good way.
Example: Her bright dress made her stand out in the crowd.
- stay out – remain away from home.
Example: He stayed out late last night. - stay out (or up) to all hours – stay awake or away very late.
Example: They stayed up to all hours watching movies. - stay up – remain awake when you would normally sleep.
Example: I stayed up until 2 a.m. studying. - stick with – continue with; not quit.
Example: Stick with your training and you’ll improve. - stock up on – buy a large quantity of something.
Example: We stocked up on snacks for the road trip. - a stone’s throw from – very close to.
Example: The hotel is just a stone’s throw from the beach.
- stop by – make a quick visit.
Example: I’ll stop by your office this afternoon. - straighten up – clean or organize.
Example: Please straighten up your room before guests arrive. - stuck with – unable to get rid of.
Example: I’m stuck with extra work this weekend. - take a break – rest from an activity.
Example: Let’s take a break and get some coffee. - take a lot of nerve – require courage or boldness.
Example: It takes a lot of nerve to speak in public. - take a lot out of (someone) – be very tiring.
Example: That long meeting really took a lot out of me. - take advantage of – use for one’s benefit, sometimes unfairly.
Example: He took advantage of the situation to make money. - take after – resemble a family member.
Example: She takes after her mother in personality. - take apart – disassemble.
Example: He took apart the engine to repair it. - take it easy – relax; not stress.
Example: Take it easy this weekend—you deserve it.