Top 80 Slang For Not Do – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing the act of not doing something, language can get pretty creative. From slang terms to casual phrases, there are plenty of ways to convey this concept with a touch of flair. Join us as we break down some of the most popular and intriguing slang for not do out there. Get ready to expand your linguistic repertoire and add some fun new phrases to your everyday conversations!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Skip

To skip something means to intentionally avoid doing it or to choose not to participate. It can be used in various contexts.

For example, “I’m going to skip the party tonight and stay home instead.”
A student might say, “I always skip class on Fridays.”
In a conversation about trying new foods, someone might say, “I think I’ll skip the spicy dish and go for something milder.”

2. Bail

To bail means to leave or abandon a situation or activity, often unexpectedly or without warning.

For instance, “I can’t handle this party anymore, I’m going to bail.”
A person might say, “I bailed on the meeting because it was going nowhere.”
In a discussion about plans, someone might say, “I’m sorry, but I have to bail on our hiking trip this weekend.”

3. Pass

To pass on something means to decline or reject it, usually an offer or an opportunity.

For example, “I’ll pass on the dessert, I’m too full.”
A person might say, “I passed on the job offer because it didn’t align with my career goals.”
In a conversation about attending a party, someone might say, “I think I’ll pass this time, I’m not in the mood.”

4. Ditch

To ditch means to abandon or leave someone or something behind, often without their knowledge or consent.

For instance, “I had to ditch my friends at the concert because I lost my ticket.”
A person might say, “I’m going to ditch this old car and get a new one.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “He ditched me without any explanation.”

5. Opt-out

To opt-out means to choose not to participate in something or to decline involvement.

For example, “I decided to opt-out of the group project because I prefer working alone.”
A person might say, “I’m going to opt-out of attending the family gathering this year.”
In a conversation about a social event, someone might say, “I think I’ll opt-out this time, I’m not feeling up to it.”

6. Sit out

This phrase is commonly used to indicate someone choosing not to participate in a particular activity or event. It can also refer to someone not taking action in a certain situation.

For example, if a group of friends is playing a game and someone doesn’t want to join, they might say, “I’ll sit out this round.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, a person might decide to sit out and not voice their opinion.
If a person is tired and doesn’t feel like going out, they might say, “I think I’ll sit out tonight and just stay home.”

7. Back out

This slang phrase is used to describe someone reneging on a previous agreement or commitment. It implies that the person initially agreed to something but later decided not to follow through.

For instance, if someone agrees to go to a party but then changes their mind and decides not to go, they are backing out.
In a business context, if a person agrees to a deal but then decides not to proceed, they can be accused of backing out.
If a friend cancels plans at the last minute, you might say, “Don’t back out on me again!”

8. Shirk

This term is used to describe someone avoiding or neglecting their duties or responsibilities. It implies that the person is not fulfilling their obligations.

For example, if an employee consistently avoids doing certain tasks, they can be accused of shirking their responsibilities.
In a school setting, if a student doesn’t complete their assignments or actively participates, they may be called a shirker.
If someone intentionally avoids helping out with household chores, you might say, “Stop shirking your duties and pitch in!”

9. Dodge

This slang word is used to describe someone evading or avoiding a situation or responsibility. It implies that the person is actively trying to escape or sidestep something.

For instance, if someone tries to avoid answering a difficult question, they are dodging it.
In a game of dodgeball, players try to dodge or avoid getting hit by the ball.
If a person consistently finds excuses to not attend social events, you might say, “He’s always dodging our invitations.”

10. Neglect

This term is used to describe someone failing to give proper care or attention to something or someone. It implies a lack of responsibility or disregard.

For example, if someone fails to take care of their plants and they die, they are neglecting them.
In a relationship, if one partner consistently ignores the other’s needs, they can be accused of neglecting the relationship.
If a person doesn’t maintain their car and it breaks down frequently, you might say, “He’s neglecting his vehicle.”

11. Abstain

To choose not to do or participate in something. “Abstain” is often used in the context of avoiding or not indulging in a particular activity or behavior.

For instance, someone might say, “I decided to abstain from drinking alcohol at the party.”
In a discussion about dieting, a person might mention, “I’m trying to abstain from eating sugary foods.”
A person discussing politics might say, “I’m going to abstain from voting in this election because I don’t support any of the candidates.”

12. Forgo

To choose not to have or do something, especially when it’s a sacrifice or a missed opportunity. “Forgo” implies a deliberate decision to go without or pass up on something.

For example, someone might say, “I’m going to forgo dessert tonight to stick to my diet.”
In a conversation about shopping, a person might mention, “I’m trying to forgo unnecessary purchases to save money.”
A person discussing travel plans might say, “I’ve decided to forgo the touristy attractions and explore the local neighborhoods instead.”

13. Idle

To not engage in any activity or work, often out of laziness or lack of motivation. “Idle” suggests a state of inaction or being unoccupied.

For instance, someone might say, “I spent the whole day idling around the house, watching TV.”
In a discussion about productivity, a person might mention, “It’s easy to fall into the trap of idling when working from home.”
A person discussing time management might say, “I try to avoid idling and make the most of my free time by pursuing hobbies or learning new skills.”

14. Eschew

To deliberately avoid or keep away from something, often due to personal preference or moral reasons. “Eschew” implies a conscious decision to steer clear of a particular action or behavior.

For example, someone might say, “I choose to eschew social media because it distracts me from my work.”
In a conversation about healthy eating, a person might mention, “I’ve decided to eschew processed foods and focus on whole, natural ingredients.”
A person discussing environmental conservation might say, “We should all eschew single-use plastics to reduce waste and protect the planet.”

15. Disregard

To pay no attention to or intentionally overlook something. “Disregard” suggests a lack of consideration or importance given to a particular matter.

For instance, someone might say, “You can disregard that email, it was sent by mistake.”
In a discussion about rules, a person might mention, “Some people tend to disregard traffic regulations and put others at risk.”
A person discussing advice might say, “It’s important not to disregard the wisdom of experienced individuals, even if it goes against our initial beliefs.”

16. Shun

To intentionally avoid or reject someone or something, often due to disapproval or disagreement.

For example, “She decided to shun social media and focus on real-life connections.”
In a discussion about a controversial figure, someone might say, “Many people choose to shun his work because of his offensive comments.”
A person might express their disapproval by stating, “I shun any form of animal cruelty.”

17. Negate

To nullify or cancel out the effect or validity of something.

For instance, in a debate, one might say, “His argument is negated by the lack of evidence.”
In a scientific context, a researcher might state, “The results of this study negate previous findings.”
A person might use the term in a personal context, saying, “I try to negate negative thoughts by focusing on positive affirmations.”

18. Dismiss

To reject or disregard someone or something, often without giving it further consideration.

For example, “He dismissed her idea without even listening to her explanation.”
In a court setting, a judge might dismiss a case due to lack of evidence.
A person might dismiss a rumor by saying, “I don’t believe it. It’s just gossip.”

19. Scrap

To abandon or discard something, often because it is no longer useful or relevant.

For instance, “They decided to scrap the project due to budget constraints.”
In a conversation about a failed plan, someone might say, “We need to scrap this idea and come up with a new strategy.”
A person might suggest scrapping old furniture and buying new ones by saying, “Let’s scrap these worn-out chairs and get some comfortable ones.”

20. Forego

To give up or abstain from something, often by choice or for a specific reason.

For example, “She decided to forego dessert to stick to her diet.”
In a discussion about sacrifices, someone might say, “I had to forego vacations for several years to save money.”
A person might explain their decision by stating, “I chose to forego attending the party to focus on my studies.”

21. Omit

To intentionally exclude something or someone from a group or action. “Omit” is often used to indicate the deliberate act of not including something.

For example, when writing an essay, a teacher might say, “Don’t omit any important details.”
In a recipe, the instructions might state, “Omit the salt if you prefer a low-sodium version.”
A person might apologize, “I’m sorry for omitting your name from the guest list.”

22. Forsake

To deliberately give up or renounce something or someone. “Forsake” is often used to convey the act of leaving behind or abandoning something or someone.

For instance, a character in a novel might say, “I will never forsake my family.”
In a song, the lyrics might include, “I will never forsake you, no matter what.”
A person might reflect, “I chose to forsake my old life and start anew.”

23. Abandon

To completely and permanently give up or desert something or someone. “Abandon” is often used to indicate a total lack of support or care.

For example, a pet owner might sadly say, “I had to abandon my dog when I moved.”
In a relationship, one person might accuse the other, “You abandoned me when I needed you the most.”
A person might confess, “I feel like I’ve abandoned my dreams and settled for less.”

24. Reject

To dismiss or refuse something or someone. “Reject” is often used to indicate a strong negative response or a refusal to accept.

For instance, a job applicant might receive a letter saying, “We regret to inform you that your application has been rejected.”
In a social situation, a person might say, “I had to reject his advances because I wasn’t interested.”
A person might express their frustration, “I feel like I’m constantly being rejected by society.”

25. Renounce

To publicly declare that one no longer supports or has any association with something or someone. “Renounce” is often used to indicate a formal or official act of disowning or rejecting.

For example, a politician might renounce their party affiliation and declare themselves an independent.
In a religious context, a person might renounce their former beliefs and convert to a different faith.
A person might make a statement, “I renounce all ties to my past and am starting fresh.”

26. Waive

To voluntarily relinquish or surrender a right, claim, or privilege. “Waive” often implies a conscious decision not to exercise a right or take advantage of an opportunity.

For example, a person might say, “I’m going to waive my right to remain silent and answer the officer’s questions.”
In a legal context, a lawyer might advise their client, “You can choose to waive your right to a trial and accept a plea deal.”
A student might decide to waive certain course requirements and say, “I’m going to waive the foreign language requirement and take an extra science class instead.”

27. Discontinue

To stop or bring to an end. “Discontinue” implies a deliberate action to halt something that was previously ongoing.

For instance, a company might announce, “We will discontinue the production of this product due to low demand.”
A teacher might inform their students, “I’m going to discontinue the use of textbooks and switch to online resources.”
A person might decide to discontinue a subscription and say, “I’m going to cancel my gym membership and start working out at home.”

28. Drop

To stop doing or using something. “Drop” is often used informally to indicate a decision to no longer participate or engage in a particular activity.

For example, a person might say, “I’m going to drop smoking and focus on improving my health.”
In a conversation about hobbies, someone might mention, “I used to play the piano, but I dropped it years ago.”
A student might decide to drop a class and say, “I’m going to drop chemistry and take a different elective instead.”

29. Forswear

To formally reject or give up a belief, claim, or commitment. “Forswear” implies a conscious decision to distance oneself from something previously embraced.

For instance, a person might say, “I forswear all allegiance to that political party and will no longer support their candidates.”
In a religious context, someone might declare, “I forswear my previous faith and convert to a new religion.”
A former member of a club might announce, “I forswear my membership and no longer wish to be associated with this organization.”

30. Refrain

To deliberately choose not to do or engage in something. “Refrain” often implies exercising self-control or avoiding a particular action.

For example, a person might say, “I’m going to refrain from eating dessert to stick to my diet.”
In a discussion about social media, someone might advise, “It’s best to refrain from posting controversial opinions online.”
A teacher might remind their students, “Please refrain from talking during the exam to maintain a quiet testing environment.”

31. Withdraw

To remove oneself from a situation or cancel a plan. “Withdraw” is often used when someone decides not to participate or continue with something they previously committed to.

For example, a person might say, “I had to withdraw from the race due to an injury.”
In a group project, someone might announce, “I’ve decided to withdraw from the team.”
A student might inform their professor, “I need to withdraw from the course because of a scheduling conflict.”

32. Relinquish

To voluntarily let go of or surrender something. “Relinquish” implies a conscious decision to stop doing or possessing something.

For instance, a person might say, “I decided to relinquish my role as team captain.”
In a negotiation, someone might state, “I am willing to relinquish control of that aspect.”
A parent might advise their child, “Sometimes, you have to relinquish certain privileges for the greater good.”

33. Abjure

To formally reject or give up a belief, claim, or behavior. “Abjure” is often used in a more serious or formal context.

For example, a person might declare, “I abjure all ties to that organization.”
In a legal setting, someone might testify, “I abjure any involvement in the crime.”
A religious follower might state, “I abjure my previous beliefs and embrace this new faith.”

34. Leave out

To intentionally omit or not include someone or something. “Leave out” suggests a deliberate decision to not involve or consider someone or something.

For instance, a person might say, “They purposefully left me out of the meeting.”
In a group activity, someone might complain, “They always leave me out of the fun.”
A teacher might remind their students, “Please don’t leave any important details out of your presentations.”

35. Cease

To come to an end or halt an action. “Cease” is a more formal or dramatic way of expressing the act of not doing something anymore.

For example, a person might declare, “I demand that you cease all communication with me.”
In a war, a commander might order, “Cease fire!”
A parent might sternly say, “Cease your misbehavior immediately!”

36. Disavow

To disavow means to reject or deny any responsibility or connection to something. It is often used in a political or legal context.

For example, a politician might disavow a controversial statement made by a member of their party.
In a court case, a defendant might disavow any knowledge or involvement in a crime.
A company might disavow any responsibility for a faulty product.

37. Disclaim

To disclaim means to deny any legal responsibility or ownership. It is commonly used in legal or contractual situations.

For instance, a company might disclaim any liability for damages caused by their product.
In a contract, a party might disclaim any warranty or guarantee.
A website might have a disclaimer stating that they are not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided.

38. Cut out

To cut out means to stop doing something or end a relationship. It can be used in various contexts.

For example, someone might say, “I need to cut out sweets from my diet.”
In a friendship, one person might say, “I had to cut out toxic people from my life.”
A person might decide to cut out negative habits or behaviors from their daily routine.

39. Desist

To desist means to stop doing something, especially in response to a request or order. It implies a sense of compliance or obedience.

For instance, a person might be asked to desist from making loud noises in a public place.
In a legal context, a court might issue an order for someone to desist from a certain action.
A parent might tell their child to desist from misbehaving.

40. Disengage

To disengage means to withdraw or detach from a situation or relationship. It suggests a deliberate act of creating distance or removing oneself from a particular context.

For example, a person might disengage from a heated argument to avoid further conflict.
In a professional setting, someone might disengage from a project that is no longer aligned with their goals.
A person in a toxic relationship might choose to disengage in order to prioritize their well-being.

41. Jettison

This term means to get rid of something or to abandon it. It is often used in situations where something is considered unnecessary or burdensome.

For example, “We need to jettison these old files to make room for new ones.”
In a discussion about simplifying one’s life, someone might say, “I’m jettisoning all the clutter in my house.”
A person might use this term metaphorically and say, “I’m jettisoning toxic relationships from my life.”

42. Kick

To “kick” something means to quit or stop doing it. It can also refer to breaking a habit or addiction.

For instance, “I’m kicking my soda habit and switching to water.”
In a conversation about a bad habit, someone might say, “I finally kicked smoking after years of trying.”
A person might say, “I need to kick procrastination and start being more productive.”

43. Shelve

This term means to postpone or set aside something for a later time. It can also imply that something is being temporarily abandoned or put on hold.

For example, “Let’s shelve this project until we have more resources.”
In a discussion about priorities, someone might say, “I’ve decided to shelve my travel plans and focus on my career.”
A person might use this term metaphorically and say, “I’m shelving my dreams of becoming an artist for now.”

44. Stand down

To “stand down” means to cease or stop doing something, especially in a military or authoritative context. It can also imply stepping back or relinquishing control.

For instance, “The soldiers were ordered to stand down after the threat was neutralized.”
In a conversation about leadership, someone might say, “Sometimes, you have to stand down and let others take charge.”
A person might use this term metaphorically and say, “I’m standing down from this argument to avoid further conflict.”

45. Terminate

To “terminate” something means to end or finish it. It can imply a sudden or abrupt ending, often with a sense of finality.

For example, “The company decided to terminate the project due to budget constraints.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “I had to terminate the friendship because of constant betrayal.”
A person might use this term metaphorically and say, “I’m terminating my involvement in this project to focus on other priorities.”

46. Vacate

To leave a place or position, often quickly or suddenly. “Vacate” can also refer to moving out of a rented property or leaving a hotel room.

For example, a person might say, “I need to vacate the premises immediately.”
In a travel context, someone might say, “We need to vacate the hotel room by noon.”
A landlord might inform a tenant, “You have 30 days to vacate the apartment.”

47. Yield

To surrender or give up something, often in a passive or submissive manner. “Yield” can also refer to giving way to another person or vehicle on the road.

For instance, a person might say, “I had to yield my seat to an elderly person on the bus.”
In a conflict, someone might say, “I realized it was better to yield and avoid further arguments.”
A driver might signal and yield to oncoming traffic when making a left turn.

48. Nix

To cancel or reject something, often abruptly or without explanation. “Nix” can also mean to put an end to a plan or idea.

For example, a person might say, “Let’s nix the idea of going out tonight and just stay in.”
In a business setting, someone might say, “The boss nixed our proposal for a new project.”
A friend might suggest, “We should nix the restaurant and try a different place instead.”

49. Chuck

To discard or get rid of something, often in a casual or careless manner. “Chuck” can also mean to abandon or give up on something or someone.

For instance, a person might say, “I’m going to chuck these old clothes that I never wear.”
In a relationship context, someone might say, “I had to chuck that toxic friendship.”
A parent might tell their child, “Don’t just chuck your toys on the floor, put them away neatly.”

50. Quit

To stop or cease an activity, often permanently. “Quit” can also refer to resigning from a job or position.

For example, a person might say, “I need to quit smoking for the sake of my health.”
In a work context, someone might say, “I can’t take the stress anymore, I’m going to quit my job.”
A coach might motivate their team by saying, “Don’t quit, keep pushing until the final whistle.”

51. Evade

To purposely avoid or escape from something or someone.

For example, “He tried to evade the questions during the interview.”
A person discussing taxes might say, “Some people try to evade paying their taxes.”
In a game of tag, a player might shout, “I’m evading you!”.

52. Elude

To avoid or escape from someone or something skillfully.

For instance, “The suspect managed to elude the police.”
A person discussing a difficult problem might say, “The solution continues to elude me.”
In a game of hide-and-seek, a player might say, “You can’t catch me, I’m too elusive!”.

53. Ignore

To intentionally pay no attention to someone or something.

For example, “He chose to ignore her rude comments.”
A person discussing an annoying advertisement might say, “I always ignore those pop-up ads.”
In a group chat, someone might say, “Don’t ignore my messages, please!”.

54. Spurn

To reject or refuse someone or something with disdain or contempt.

For instance, “She spurned his advances and walked away.”
A person discussing a job offer might say, “I had to spurn their offer because it didn’t meet my expectations.”
In a romantic movie, a character might say, “He spurned her love and broke her heart.”.

55. Deflect

To cause something to change direction or avoid a direct impact.

For example, “He deflected the ball with a swift movement of his hand.”
A person discussing a difficult question might say, “She deflected the question and changed the topic.”
In a heated argument, someone might say, “Stop deflecting and answer the question!”.

56. Sidestep

To avoid or evade a difficult or uncomfortable situation. “Sidestep” implies finding a way around or bypassing something.

For example, in a job interview, a candidate might try to sidestep a question about their weaknesses.
In a heated argument, someone might sidestep the issue by changing the subject.
A politician might sidestep a controversial topic during a press conference.

57. Circumvent

To find a way around or avoid something, especially through clever or indirect means. “Circumvent” implies finding a loophole or alternative route to achieve a desired outcome.

For instance, a student might try to circumvent a school policy by finding a creative solution.
In a game, a player might try to circumvent the rules to gain an unfair advantage.
A company might attempt to circumvent taxes by using offshore accounts.

58. Skirt

To avoid or escape from something, usually by going around the edges or avoiding direct confrontation. “Skirt” implies staying on the outskirts or periphery of a situation.

For example, a person might skirt around a difficult question by giving a vague answer.
In a group project, someone might try to skirt their responsibilities by doing the bare minimum.
A driver might skirt around heavy traffic by taking back roads.

59. Duck

To avoid or evade something by quickly moving out of the way. “Duck” implies a sudden, swift movement to avoid being hit or caught.

For instance, in a game of dodgeball, players must duck to avoid being hit by the ball.
A person might duck to avoid getting splashed by a passing car on a rainy day.
In a heated argument, someone might duck a difficult question by redirecting the conversation.

60. Weasel out

To avoid or evade a responsibility, commitment, or consequence by using deceit or cunning tactics. “Weasel out” implies using manipulative or dishonest means to avoid doing something.

For example, a person might weasel out of a bet by claiming they misunderstood the terms.
In a group project, someone might weasel out of their share of the work by making excuses.
A politician might weasel out of taking a stand on a controversial issue by giving vague answers.

61. Bypass

To bypass means to skip or avoid doing something. It can also refer to finding a way around a problem or obstacle.

For example, a student might say, “I bypassed the boring lecture by watching a movie instead.”
In a discussion about traffic, someone might suggest, “You can bypass the heavy congestion by taking the back roads.”
A person might say, “I bypassed the long lines at the store by ordering online.”

62. Opt out

To opt out means to choose not to participate or be involved in something. It can also refer to declining an offer or opportunity.

For instance, a person might say, “I opted out of the group activity because I wasn’t interested.”
In a discussion about a company event, someone might say, “I decided to opt out of attending this year.”
A person might say, “I opted out of the subscription service because it wasn’t worth the cost.”

63. Blow off

To blow off means to ignore or disregard something or someone. It can also refer to canceling or not showing up for a planned event or meeting.

For example, a person might say, “I blew off his rude comment and didn’t let it bother me.”
In a discussion about a party, someone might say, “I decided to blow off the event and stay home instead.”
A person might say, “I blew off the meeting because I had more important things to do.”

64. Slough off

To slough off means to avoid or neglect doing something, often due to laziness or lack of motivation. It can also refer to getting rid of something or someone.

For instance, a person might say, “I sloughed off my homework and watched TV instead.”
In a discussion about responsibilities, someone might say, “Don’t slough off your duties; take them seriously.”
A person might say, “He sloughed off his old belongings and donated them to charity.”

65. Overlook

To overlook means to miss or fail to notice something. It can also refer to disregarding or not considering something.

For example, a person might say, “I overlooked the small details and made a mistake.”
In a discussion about a report, someone might say, “You shouldn’t overlook the importance of this section.”
A person might say, “I overlooked his rude behavior and tried to give him the benefit of the doubt.”

66. Desert

To desert means to abandon or leave behind. It can refer to leaving a place or a person.

For example, “He desert his friends and went on vacation without them.”
Someone might say, “Don’t desert me now, I need your help.”
A person discussing a relationship might say, “I can’t believe he desert me after all we’ve been through.”

67. Rescind

To rescind means to revoke or cancel something, such as a decision, agreement, or law.

For instance, “The company rescind their job offer after discovering the candidate’s criminal record.”
A person might say, “I rescind my previous statement, I was mistaken.”
In a discussion about legislation, someone might argue, “We need to rescind this law, as it is unfair and discriminatory.”

68. Ghost

To ghost someone means to suddenly and completely cut off all communication with them, usually without explanation or warning.

For example, “He ghosted me after our third date, and I never heard from him again.”
A person might say, “I had to ghost my toxic friend for my own mental health.”
In a discussion about online dating, someone might advise, “If you’re not interested, it’s better to be honest than to ghost someone.”

69. Flake

To flake means to cancel or fail to follow through on plans or commitments.

For instance, “She flake on our dinner date at the last minute.”
A person might say, “I can’t believe he flake on his responsibilities again.”
In a discussion about unreliable friends, someone might say, “I’m tired of dealing with flakey people who never show up when they say they will.”

70. Bag

To bag means to skip or avoid doing something.

For example, “I’m going to bag the gym today and just relax at home.”
A person might say, “Let’s bag the boring meeting and go grab lunch instead.”
In a discussion about procrastination, someone might confess, “I always bag doing my laundry until the last possible moment.”

71. Pass on

To choose not to participate or engage in something. It can refer to turning down an offer or opportunity.

For example, if someone offers you a slice of cake but you’re on a diet, you might say, “I’ll pass on the cake, thanks.”
In a conversation about going out to a party, someone might say, “I think I’m going to pass on this one and stay in tonight.”
If a friend invites you to see a movie that you’re not interested in, you could respond, “I’ll pass on that film and catch the next one.”

72. Bag it

To decide not to pursue or continue with something. It can imply quitting or abandoning a task or activity.

For instance, if someone suggests going for a hike but you’re not in the mood, you might say, “Let’s just bag it and do something else.”
In a conversation about a difficult project, someone might say, “I’ve been working on it for hours, but I think I’m going to bag it for now and come back to it later.”
If a person is struggling with a particular sport or activity, they might say, “I’ve tried for months, but I think I’m going to bag it and try something different.”

73. Stand up

To fail to meet someone’s expectations or let them down. It can refer to breaking a promise or not following through on a commitment.

For example, if someone promises to meet you for lunch but doesn’t show up, you could say, “They stood me up.”
In a discussion about trust in relationships, someone might say, “If your partner constantly stands you up, it’s a sign of disrespect.”
If a friend cancels plans at the last minute and leaves you without any explanation, you might feel stood up and say, “I can’t believe they stood me up again.”

74. Brush off

To disregard or minimize the importance of something. It can refer to not taking something seriously or not giving it proper attention.

For instance, if someone makes a joke that you don’t find funny, you might brush it off and say, “That’s not even worth laughing at.”
In a conversation about a minor inconvenience, someone might say, “Just brush it off and move on.”
If a person receives criticism but doesn’t think it’s valid, they might brush it off and say, “They don’t know what they’re talking about.”

75. Pass up

To let an opportunity go by without taking advantage of it. It can refer to not seizing a chance or not recognizing the value of something.

For example, if someone offers you a free ticket to a concert but you decline, you might later realize you passed up a great experience.
In a discussion about job opportunities, someone might say, “Don’t pass up a chance to interview for your dream job.”
If a friend suggests trying a new restaurant but you decide to stick with your usual spot, you could say, “I passed up the opportunity to try something different.”

76. Drop out

To drop out means to quit or leave a particular activity, group, or institution. It is often used in the context of leaving school or college before completing a degree or program.

For example, “I decided to drop out of college and pursue my passion for music.”
Another usage might be, “He dropped out of the race after facing criticism from his opponents.”
In a discussion about career choices, someone might say, “Sometimes it’s necessary to drop out of a job that doesn’t align with your values.”

77. Bow out

To bow out means to withdraw or exit gracefully from a situation, event, or competition. It implies a voluntary decision to step back or remove oneself from the spotlight.

For instance, “She decided to bow out of the competition due to personal reasons.”
In a discussion about retirement, someone might say, “It’s important to know when to bow out and let the next generation take over.”
Another usage might be, “He gracefully bowed out of the project, allowing others to take the lead.”

78. Shut down

To shut down means to close or terminate a system, operation, or activity. It can refer to the closure of a business, the end of a discussion, or the stopping of a process.

For example, “The company had to shut down due to financial difficulties.”
In a conversation about a heated argument, someone might say, “He shut down the discussion by refusing to listen to any opposing viewpoints.”
Another usage might be, “The government decided to shut down the illegal operation.”

79. Shut out

To shut out means to exclude or deny access to someone or something. It can refer to being left out of a group or activity or being denied entry or participation.

For instance, “She felt shut out of the popular clique in school.”
In a discussion about discrimination, someone might say, “Minorities often face being shut out of certain opportunities.”
Another usage might be, “They shut out all unauthorized personnel from entering the restricted area.”

80. Shut off

To shut off means to turn off or stop the functioning of a device, system, or flow. It can refer to cutting off the power supply, stopping the flow of water or gas, or ceasing the operation of a machine.

For example, “He shut off the lights before leaving the room.”
In a conversation about conserving energy, someone might say, “Remember to shut off all electronic devices when not in use.”
Another usage might be, “The water supply was shut off due to a pipe burst.”