The acid test: A test which will really prove the value, quality, or truth of something.Examples: The acid test for the vaccine will be its performance in African countries where malaria is raging more fiercely than in Colombia. The new show was well received but viewing figures for the next episode will be the real…

to make good time: to travel a sufficient distance at a reasonable speed Examples of TO MAKE GOOD TIME We loaded the car with snacks; we don’t want to stop because we need to make good time to the coast. The flight made good time and we landed twenty minutes early.

over and over (again): repeatedly (also: time after time, time and again) Examples of OVER AND OVER I told you, over and over, not to call me by that nickname, and you still call me by that nickname. The monkey with the miniature cymbals banged them together over and over again.

to cross out: to cancel by marking with a horizontal lines Examples of TO CROSS OUT I want to cross out this line from the contract; I don’t agree to it. She crossed out the items from her shopping list as she put them into her cart.

never mind: don’t be concerned about it; ignore what was just said Examples of NEVER MIND “Just never mind!” mom snapped, when I wouldn’t stop asking her questions. Everything will be fine, so just never mind the people who are criticizing you now.

to beat around the bush: to avoid discussing directly, to evade the issue Examples of TO BEAT AROUND THE BUSH – Most candidates beat around the bush on controversial topics like health care.– We sensed his genuine interest, but we beat around the bush in terms of money.