a sore point/spot: a subject which someone would prefer not to talk about because it makes them angry or embarrassedExamples Try not to mention baldness while he’s here – it’s a sore spot for him. Annual running operation now comes to $5.4 million, a sore point in Parliament.

to keep in mind: to remember, not to forget (also: to bear in mind) Examples of TO KEEP IN MIND The game show host reminded the contestant to keep in mind she hadn’t seen what was behind door number three yet. Keep in mind that losing weight doesn’t just mean eating healthy; you also need…

to count on: to trust someone in time of need (also: to depend on) Examples of COUNT ON We’ll be able to count on Todd; everyone knows he’s reliable and gets things done on time. The store manager was able to count on the celebrity to make a big purchase.

to get away: to get free, to escape Examples of TO GET AWAY We always try to get away from the noise and heat of the city for a month or two each summer. o No one knows how the suspected criminal got away from the police.

to stand for: to represent, to signify; to tolerate Examples of TO STAND FOR He stands for shrinking the federal budget almost in half, legalizing marijuana. The citizens wouldn’t stand for the increase in crime in their city, so they hired more police officers and built another jail.

to turn off: to cause to stop functioning (also: to switch off, to shut off) Examples of TURN OFF I forgot to turn off the television after I recorded the program. She needs to turn off the waterworks; crying won’t help in this job.