to call off: to cancel Examples of CALL OFF We’re going to call off the rescue mission because the weather is too bad. Henry couldn’t convince them to call off the attack, even though he knew it was a bad idea.

a lost cause: a hopeless case, a person or situation having no hope of positivechange. Examples of A LOST CAUSE Repeat these steps as necessary to remove the stain, but it may be a lost cause. Even this late in the game, the search for the black boxes is not a lost cause.

to find out: get information about, to determine Examples of FIND OUT I’ll need to check my calendar to find out where I’m going to be that day. Jean couldn’t wait to leave his small town and was excited to find out what adventures Paris had in store for him!

out of the question: impossible, not feasible Examples of OUT OF THE QUESTION Buying a new car is out of the question, especially before we pay off the old car. If we close this deal, a raise wouldn’t be out of the question for you!

to find fault with: criticize, to complain about something Examples of TO FIND FAULT WITH You mustn’t be quick to find fault with everyone you date because you might learn to appreciate their flaws. Nobody could find any fault with Jennifer’s performance on the exam.

to talk over: to discuss or consider a situation with others Examples of TALK OVER In fact, Yemenis get together to talk over a chew and it is a very social event. To talk over a poem with him is like getting you to put a sentence into dialect.