ANSWERS and further information:
1. to bring sth out
= to make something specific noticeable, easy to see or understand. This can refer to both concrete things (i.e. 'your eyes' in the first example) or abstract things (i.e. 'the best (qualities)' in the second example)
That pastel shirt and polka dot tie really bring out your bright blue eyes.
Parents really love our teacher because he brings out the best in all the students.
2. to change sth around
= to move people or objects into different positions or locations
We can definitely fit in your desk if we change the furniture around.
The teacher changed the students around because she didn't want Ben and Tim sitting next to each other.
3. to cotton on (to sth)
= to begin to understand something, like a situation, or when you begin to realise something on your own. This is mostly used to describe a situation that is secretive (to some or all people), or when you are hiding information from someone. You can use 'to sth' at the end to specify what the secretive situation is (second example).
I think he’s starting to cotton on that no one really likes him.
We can't believe she hasn't cottoned on to the fact that he's only nice to her because he's trying to take her money.
4. to dry up
= to say that a supply or amount of something is close to zero or there is no more of it. The tense you use will decide whether it's in progress to zero (continuous tense), or zero (present perfect simple or past simple). This is a water metaphor to describe when there is no more water in a lake or river or similar feature (second example).
After 9 months of being out of work, his savings began to dry up.
The lake has dried up and the fish have all died because it hasn't rained in over 6 months.
5. to get (a)round
= to say that somebody or something moves from place to place, often quickly. We can use it with abstract things like information, news or a message (first example) and this means that it spreads quickly. We can also to use it to say that someone travels from place to place often (second example).
You can’t keep a secret around here. News really gets around quick.
I'm finding it much easier to get around these days now that I have an electric scooter.
6. to hold sb/sth back
= to stop, prevent or make it difficult for someone or something to move forward or get past a certain point.
Synonym: to keep sb/sth back
Security guards tried to hold back the screaming fans when Beyoncé appeared in the doorway.
7. to lock sth up
= to lock all the doors and windows to keep a building/shop/place safe when you leave it. It's typically used for commercial places like shops and stores, but can be used with factories and warehouses.
I have to leave a little early so can you lock up the shop tonight?
8. to move in
= to start to live or work in a new place. This means that you are leaving an older place (a home or office) and going to a new building.
I really can’t wait to move in to my new apartment. It’s right on the beach.
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