to beat around the bush: to avoid discussing directly, to evade the issue
– 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.
at first: at the beginning, originally Examples of AT FIRST At first, I didn’t know what to think about Jamie, but now I think she’s pretty cool. She consulted, at first, with a general practitioner, but then she decided to see a specialist.
upside down: with the upper side turned toward the lower side Examples of UPSIDE DOWN Nobody noticed that the abstract painting was hung on the wall upside down. After the second hit, the truck rolled over into a ditch and landed upside down.
all in all: considering everything Examples of ALL IN ALL All in all, this was the best marathon I’ve ever run. All in all, I can’t wait to go back to Mackinac Island next year!
on edge: nervous, anxious; upset, irritable Examples of ON EDGE Sophia was on edge all day about the important presentation she had to give to the local citizens group. I don’t like being around Jackson when he’s on edge like that. Someone should tell him to calm down and relax.
as soon as: just after, when Examples of AS SOON AS Terry burnt his mouth by taking a bite of the pizza as soon as it was out of the oven, rather than waiting for it to cool. We tried to avoid the line by getting to the aquarium as soon as it opened.
to give up: to stop trying, to stop a bad habit; to surrender Examples of TO GIVE UP I wanted to give up in the last mile of the race, but I’m so glad that I finished! Getting a business or an engineering degree doesn’t mean you need to give up on your love of…