the law and crime

back down

stop demanding sth, stop saying that you will do sth

But the occupiers couldn't BACK DOWN without losing face.

break out

escape (from prison)

They spent two years planning the escape before they finally BROKE OUT of prison.

bring in

introduce a new law or system

The government is thinking of BRINGING IN a law to allow on-the-spot fines for hooligans.

chase after

follow somebody or something quickly in order to catch them.

The policeman CHASED AFTER the pickpocket, brought him to the ground and finally arrested him.

come forward

offer help or information

So many witnesses have CAME FORWARD that it will take days to interview them all.

Get away with

Escape punishment for

Maybe she thought that she might GET AWAY WITH a punishment this way.

Go off

Explode; be fired for (for a gun, usually accidently)

Luckily, the bomb disposal squad defused the bomb before it WENT OFF.

Hand in

give to a person in authority

Students must HAND IN their projects to the teacher by Friday afternoon.

Hold up

Rob while threatening violence; delay

robber has HELD UP three banks in town in the last week.

Let off

Give little or no punishment; make a bomb, etc explode

Tom got caught speeding but was let off with a warning

Look into

Investigate

Police are looking into allegations of corruption in the mayor's office.

Make off

Escape

The two robbers made off on a motorbike.

Take down

Write down that someone says

Let me take down your email address so I can send you the report.

Take in

Trick somebody into believing something that is not true.

It was a practical joke for a TV show. And I'd been completely taken in!