to look up: to locate information in a directory, dictionary, book, etc. Examples of LOOK UP I needed to look up half a dozen words before I figured out what the complicated passage meant. We wanted to look up a new cleaning service because the old one didn’t do a good job.

to take up: to begin to do or study, to undertake; to occupy space, time,or energy Examples of TO TAKE UP Prime Stage Theater’s offering takes up the challenge somewhat self-consciously. At 6-foot-3 he takes up nearly half of the room when he leans back in his chair.

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 keep out: not to enter, not allow to enter Examples of TO KEEP OUT She ignored the sign saying to keep out of the spooky warehouse and it didn’t end well. I’ve told you to keep the dog out of the house.

on the whole: in general, in most ways (also: by and large) Examples of ON THE WHOLE He is, on the whole, a good student. Rents and occupancy rates in commercial real estate remain healthy on the whole.

clear-cut: clearly stated, definite, apparent Examples of CLEAR-CUT Zettel recently visited Michigan and said that school is his clear-cut favorite. Such success made him a clear-cut selection but tells a thin slice of the story.