in vain: useless, without the desired result Examples of IN VAIN The last-minute get-out-the-vote effort was in vain, because the opposition candidate still lost. The director didn’t even see me, so all the rehearsing I did was in vain.

to hang up: to place clothes on a hook or hanger; to replace the receiver Examples of HANG UP I loved talking to Sam and I didn’t want to hang up the phone. My secretary decided to hang up on the crank caller.

to have one’s heart set on: to desire greatly, to be determined to Examples of TO HAVE ONE’S HEART SET ON She has her heart set on taking a trip abroad. She’s been thinking about it for months. Todd has his heart set on going to medical school and becoming a doctor.

to hold up: to delay, to make late; to remain high in quality Examples of TO HOLD UP The incident also prompted a pushing match and play was held up for six minutes. We didn’t score like 130 points, 140 points, but we really held up our opponent.

The acid test: A test which will really prove the value, quality, or truth of something.Examples: The acid test for the vaccine will be its performance in African countries where malaria is raging more fiercely than in Colombia. The new show was well received but viewing figures for the next episode will be the real…

to have (time) off: to have free time, not to have to work (also: to taketime off Examples of HAVE (TIME) OFF I wish that I could have taken some time off during my day to go out on a cycle. When it comes to graduate school, you might have no choice but to take…