a bitter pill to swallow: unpleasant, but has to be acceptedExamples: Losing my job was initially a bitter pill to swallow. It’s a bitter pill to swallow but a difficult cure promises the best result.

to lay off: to abstain from, stop using as a habit; to release or discharge from a job (also: related idiom: to let go) Examples of TO LAY OFF Today is my 30th birthday, but I should probably lay off the cake and champagne. He said the company had to lay off employees and has…

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 keep away (from): to stay at a distance (from) ; to avoid use of (also:stay away from) Examples of TO KEEP AWAY Keep candles away from any combustible items such as curtains, bed spreads, etc. We try to eat healthily and like to stay away from preservatives and pesticides.

Kill two birds with one stone: produce two useful results by just doing one action.Examples: Biking to work kills two birds with one stone. It saves money travelling and will help to lose weight. John learned the words to his part in the play while peeling potatoes. He was killing two birds with one stone.

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…