ANSWERS and further information:
1. to back sb up
= to support someone in an argument or fight, or to say what someone has said is true
Synonym: to support sb
My wife told me that I never back her up when my mother complains to her about things.
Don't worry. If it gets violent, I'll back you up.
2. to come out
= to say that something (like a stain, something dirty etc.) is removed from something else (like a carpet, clothing, the bed etc.) by washing or cleaning
You should rub it with sparkling water otherwise the stain will never come out.
3. to do sth up
= to repair or decorate a house or a specific room
Synonym: to renovate sth
I don' t think we can get one of those fancy Japanese toilets unless we do up the bathroom.
4. to get in
= an informal way of saying to win an election
Synonym: to become elected
The election is soon. Do you think he has a chance of getting in, what with his extremely progressive views?
5. to lay off sth
= an informal way to say that you stop using (often eating or drinking) something. It's very common to use this with junk food, or any food or drink that is unhealthy, and you need to lose weight.
You're getting a bit round around the belly. You might want to lay off the donuts for a while.
6. to phase sth out
= to stop using or doing something in stages over a period of time. This is typically used to describe a new process or item replacing an older one.
In an effort to become more environmentally friendly, our company will begin phasing out traditional light bulbs for LED ones.
7. to step aside | to step down
= to leave an important positions (like CEO, politician etc.) and let someone else take your place
When the Managing Director was being investigated for murder, the CEO asked him to step aside for a while.
8. to wear sth out
= when something becomes thin (less strong, has less material, has less density) because you have used it so much, to the point you cannot use the item anymore
No wonder you slipped and fell. You've worn out the soles of your shoes. You'd better get them replaced.
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