Essential english idioms

t o b u r n o u t : to stop functioning because of overuse; to make tired from too much work (S) 
- This light bulb has burned out. Could you get another one? 
- Studying all day for my final exams has really burned me out. 
t o m a k e g o o d : to succeed
- He is a hard worker, and I'm sure that he will make good in that new job. 
- Alma has always made good in everything that she has done. 
stands to reason : to be clear and logical
This idiom is almost always used with the pronoun subject it and is followed by a that clause. 
- It stands to reason that a person without experience cannot do the work as well as an experienced one. 
- It stands to reason that he isn't going to pass the course if he never studies. 
to break out : to become widespread suddenly
- An epidemic of measles broke out in Chicago this past week. 
- If a nuclear war ever breaks out, it is unlikely that many people will survive. 
- The news says that a large fire has broken out in a huge chemical plant. 
as for : regarding, concerning (also: as to )
- As for the money, we will simply have to borrow some more from the bank. 
- There is no doubt as to her intelligence, she's the smartest one in the class. 
t o f e e l s o r r y f o r : to pity, to feel compassion for (also: to take pity on )
- Don't you feel sorry for someone who has to work the night shift? 
- I helped drive Pierre around when he broke his foot because I took pity on him. 

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= Easy English = 
www.ez-english.narod.ru
25
EXERCISES 
A. Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized word or words in each 
sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are indicated by number. 
1. I had to use a lot of paper and matches before I was able to get the wood in the fireplace to begin to burn.
a. to burn down
b. to catch fire
c. to burn up
2. If you stay up late every night,
it seems logical that you'll get sick. 
a. stands to reason
b. makes good
c. feels sorry for
3. The coach inflated several of the players' soccer balls that were too soft.
a. broke out
b. made out (Lesson 10)
c. blew up
4. From the beginning I knew that I wanted to go to medical school and to become a doctor.
a. All along (Lesson 2) b. As for
c. At least (Lesson 4)
5. This set of reference books is so old that the library should buy one that is more current.
a. out of date
b. first rate (Lesson 10) c. up to date
6. I pity Marilyn because everything of value in her house was stolen by thieves.
a. tick off
b. count on (Lesson 6) c. feel sorry for
7. If you continue without taking a break this difficult work will make you tired.
a. burn you out
b. burn you up
c. burn you down
8. Those two sisters look so much alike that I often get confused about their names.
a. mixed up (Lesson 10)
b. broken out 
c. out of date
9. Regarding me, I don't care where we go today. It's up to you.
a. To be about to (Lesson 8) 
b. As for
c. To think of (Lesson 7)
10. It makes me annoyed that Jocelyn didn't call to cancel our appointment.
a. burns me up
b. breaks me out
c. burns me down