to run its course - for something to naturally complete its process or cycle, without being interrupted, sped up, or slowed down

Unfortunately, doctors can't cure the common cold. We'll just have to let it run its course.

to call it a night - to say that something has ended, or to announce that one has had enough of something, and then go home and/or go to bed.

We still need to study another three chapters, but I'm too tired to concentrate. Let's call it a night.

straggler - one of the last people to finish something, or one of the last few people to continue to do something

The marathon started six hours ago, but a few stragglers have still not completed the race.

reluctant - not wanting to do something; hesitant; not looking forward to something

They're reluctant to sign a lease with such high rent, but they really want to live downtown.

politely - with consideration, good manners, and courtesy

If you want to have a successful career, you'll have to learn to give criticism politely.

hint - a gentle suggestion or slight indication, without clearly stating what the thing is

Randall won't tell his girlfriend where he's taking her, because he wants it to be a secret, but he has given her a few hints.

liable - likely; probably; something that could and probably will happen

If we plan an outdoor event in April, it's liable to rain, so make sure we have enough tents and umbrellas for all the guests.

beer run - a quick trip to a store to buy beer, especially after people have drunk all the was available at a party

If you're making a beer run, can you please bring back some chips and salsa, too?

to do the trick - to solve the problem; to be effective

That duct tape should do the trick and stop the leak until we can buy a new pipe.

to yawn - to open one's mouth wide and take a deep breath with a sighing sound, usually when one is very tired, but trying to stay awake

Your son often yawns during my classes. Is he getting enough sleep at home?

lateness of the hour - a formal phrase describing the late evening, especially when people are normally asleep

They usually go out for dessert after seeing a play, but given the lateness of the hour, they decided to go home instead.

subtlety - using delicacy and indirectness to express oneself

Are you able to appreciate the subtlety of this artwork?

to turn up the lights - to make the lights brighter and more intense in a room that was partially dark

At the end of the movie, they turned up the lights in the theater.

lights out - the time to turn off the lights and go to sleep, especially when used as a command to tell others to turn off the lights

Most nights, the kids are in bed and reading by 8:00, but it's lights out at 8:15.

to mean (something) - to sincerely believe what one is saying, without any doubt or hesitation

Did you mean it when you said that you'd quit your job if you had to work for Irene?

1037 - Ending a Party

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