make a dent: 引起注意，初见成效
The doctor told him to stop smoking, but it didn't make a dent.
医生让他停止抽烟, 但没有引起注意.

take up: 开始从事
He did not particularly want to take up a competitive sport.
他并不特别想从事竞技体育运动。
He left a job in the City to take up farming.
他辞去伦敦商业区的工作，开始务农。

step out: (尤指暂时的)离开
I don't regret stepping out of the security of marriage.
我并不后悔放弃了婚姻所带来的安全感。