1. to take part in: to be involved in, to participate in (also: to be in on)
- Example: Martin was sick and could not take part in the meeting yesterday.
- Ex: I didn’t want to be in on their argument, so I remained silent.
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2. at all: to any degree (also: in the least)
- Ex: Larry isn’t at all shy about expressing his opinions.
- Ex: When I asked Donna whether she was tired, she said, “Not in the least. I’m full of energy.”
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3. to look up: to locate information in a directory, dictionary, book, etc.
- Ex: Ellen suggested that we look up Lee’s telephone number in the directory.
- Ex: Students should try to understand the meaning of a new word from context before looking the word up in the dictionary.
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4. to wait on: to serve in a store or restaurant
- Ex: A very pleasant young clerk waited on me in that shop.
- Ex: The restaurant waitress asked us, “Has anyone waited on you yet?
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5. at least: a minimum of, no fewer (or less) than
- Ex: I spend at least two hours every night on my studies.
- Ex: Mike claims that he drinks at least a quart of water every day.
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| 6. so far: until now, until the present time (also: up to now, as of yet)
This idiom is usually used with the present perfect tense.
- Ex: So far, this year has been excellent for business. I hope that the good luck continues.
- Ex: How many idioms have we studied in this book up to now?
- Ex: As of yet, we have not had an answer from him.
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7. to take a walk, stroll, hike, etc.: to go for a walk, stroll, hike, etc.
- Ex: A stroll involves slow, easy walking; a hike involves serious, strenuous walking.
- Ex: Last evening we took a walk around the park.
- Ex: It’s a fine day. Would you like to take a stroll along Mason Boulevard?
- Ex: Let’s take a hike up Cowles Mountain this afternoon.
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8. to take a trip: to go on a journey, to travel
- Ex: I’m so busy at work that I have no time to take a trip.
- Ex: During the summer holidays, the Thompsons took a trip to Europe.
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9. to try on: to wear clothes to check the style or fit before buying
- Ex: He tried on several suits before he picked out a blue one.
- Ex: Why don’t you try these shoes on next?
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10. to think over: to consider carefully before deciding
- Ex: I’d like to think over your offer first. Then can we talk it over tomorrow?
- Ex: You don’t have to give me your decision now. Think it over for a while.
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11. to take place: to occur, to happen according to plan
- Ex: The regular meetings of the committee take place in Constitution Hall.
- Ex: I thought that the celebration was taking place at John’s house.
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12. to put away: to remove from slight, to put in the proper place
- Ex: Please put away your papers before you open the test booklet.
- Ex: John put the notepad away in his desk when he was finished with it.
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