Meaning: to give up a struggle
After hours of struggling with the complex math problem, Jane decided to throw in the towel
Meaning: to improve the performance, quality, skill, or talents
Matthew said to Sarah, "Step up your game," to which she replied, "I already have by memorizing every act in Shakespeare's The Tempest this week
Meaning: a significant change in circumstances
For most young adults, moving out is a whole new ball game
Meaning: doomed, finished, or defeated
I doubt she'll leave the hospital. Her illness has her down for the count
Meaning: a situation like a close contest, which induces anxiety or tension
Friday's nail-biter of a win over the Houston Texans was an excruciating contest
Meaning: to stop someone from feeling awkward or embarrassed
My teacher spoke up to spare the blushes of the new student
Meaning: declining an offer that might be taken up later
He said he would take a rain check on visiting us today
Meaning: to play with or tease someone
The cops do not like playing cat and mouse games with the culprits before catching them
Meaning: to give up a struggle
After hours of struggling with the complex math problem, Jane decided to throw in the towel
Meaning: making a valuable contribution to a group, company, or individual
I wish to bring to the table the issue of the current tax regime and how it affects our businesses
Meaning: describing an instance of direct interaction, conflict, or correspondence between two parties
We had a one-on-one meeting to discuss the details of the project
Meaning: to carelessly misuse one's wealth
He lost his job for playing ducks and drakes with the funds of a corporation
Meaning: when a situation is urgent or desperate
When the chips are down, you know who your real friends are
Meaning: to improve the performance, quality, skill, or talents
Matthew said to Sarah, "Step up your game," to which she replied, "I already have by memorizing every act in Shakespeare's The Tempest this week
Meaning: a significant change in circumstances
For most young adults, moving out is a whole new ball game