little by little: gradually, slowly (also: step by step) Examples of LITTLE BY LITTLE Little by little, we built up our investment portfolio so we could have a good retirement. The old building was slowly falling apart, little by little.

to tear down: to destroy by making flat, to demolish Examples of  TO TEAR DOWN The reviewer tried to tear down the movie, but the review was so badly written that the reviewer just looked dumb. We need the savings, but it sure feels like we’re using them to tear the house down.

to go over: to be appreciated or accepted Examples of TO GO OVER A strategic planning board She knows that won’t go over well in a lot of places. This does not go over well with her friends or family, particularly her husband.

to all it a day/night: to stop working for the test of the day/night Examples of TO CALL IT A DAY/NIGHT I’m going to have to call it a night in a few minutes but thanks for all your emails. After working for ten hours, I decided to call it a day, even though my…

to keep in touch with: to maintain contact with (also: to stay in touch with) Examples of TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH Good managers are people you keep in touch with even after you leave a position. Once the Thanksgiving holiday passes, I promise to get in touch with all of you.

to take place: to occur, to happen according to plan Examples of TAKE PLACE The organization’s rules mandate that the conference has to take place in a new country every year. Jamie was frantic when he thought that the hearing was going to take place at 9:00, but it was really at 11:00.