Phrasal Verbs
Here there are definitions and examples for hundreds of phrasal verbs found in English.
BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
PHRASAL VERBS A act Act Up 1. Act in a stupid or silly manner/way. The teacher got angry because John began to act up and was distracting the class. 2. For a machine, to not work properly. The television has been acting up recently. I should telephone the technician. add Add Up Make sense; fit together logically. They have been going out for over five years now. It adds up that they will eventually get married. ask Ask After Enquire about the health of someone or general news about them. I met your friend Susan. She asked after you. Ask Out Ask out for a date. Trevor's main problem is that he is so shy. I don't think he would ever ask a girl out. Ask Over Invite to house. If you aren't doing anything tonight, why don't you ask Rebecca over.
B back Back Down Not follow a threat. The company was ready for a fight but backed down when they saw the workers were serious about the threat of strike action.
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Back Away/Off Not follow a threat, withdraw. The police backed off when they saw the man had a gun pointed at the hostage. Back On/Onto Where the back of something faces something. Our summer house backs onto a beautiful park. Back Out Of Withdraw support. He decided to back out of the plan once it started to cost too much. Back Up 1. Move backwards/in reverse. Back up the car a little way and then we can open the gate. 2. Confirm facts or information. If you don't believe me, talk to James. He'll back me up. blow Blow Up 1. Increase in size (especially printing, photography), inflate When you photocopy this, blow it up to double the size. We blew up more than 50 balloons for the party. 2. Explode, Detonate. The damage was caused when an old Second World War bomb blew up. 3. Become very angry quickly. Sheila blew up when she found her husband with another woman. break Break Down 1. When something mechanical stops working. My car broke down and I had to walk ten miles to the nearest phone box. 2. When talks, negotiations hit problems and stop. Talks between the unions and management have broken down and a strike now seems certain. 3. Become very sad. When she heard of her father's sudden death, she broke down. Break Something Down 1. Analyse something in detail, especially statistically. When you break down the figures, you see that it is young women who smoke the most. 2. In chemical reactions, one substance causes the destruction of another. Enzymes help to break down fat in the body. (don't e-mail me if this is not true...I know less than zero about chemistry!)
Página 2 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
Break Even When expenses and income are equal To break even, we need to sell another 8 televisions this year. After that, we will be in profit! Break In 1. Enter without permission, trespass The thieves broke in while the guard dog was sleeping. 2. Make something work better for you by using it often. These shoes hurt at first, but I have broken them in now and they are really comfortable. 3. Train a horse. 'The Horse Whisperer' is a book about a man who has an odd way of breaking in horses. Break Into 1. Change speed suddenly When the horse heard the gunshot, he broke into a fast gallop. 2. Use a large banknote. Sorry, I don't have change. I will have to break into this $50 note. 3. Suddenly start doing something. He was so happy that he broke into song. Break In On Interrupt Someone. Don't break in on me while I am thinking. Break Off 1. To stop talking He broke off in the middle of a sentence to answer the phone. 2. Stop negotiations, an engagement. She broke off the engagement when she found out he was racist. The government broke off all peace negotiations after the bomb. Break Out 1. To Start Suddenly (esp. disease, war) War broke out after the president was assassinated. Poor health facilities means disease is certain to break out. 2. Escape The prisoners broke out of the prison when then was a power cut. 3. To suddenly become covered in spots, etc. She broke out in a terrible rash after eating the mushrooms she had picked in her garden. Break Up End a relationship. They didn't love each other any more and so they broke up.
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Break Something Up 1. Destroy We can break up this chair to use on the campfire. 2. Destroy a friendship/relationship. He broke up their friendship when he told all those lies. 3. Divided into pieces. The land was broken up into three large areas, one for each brother. Break With Something Go against, break connection with. Let's break with tradition and go on vacation this Christmas. I don't want to stay at home again. bring
Bring About
To cause to happen.
The new government brought about economic reforms.
Bring Along
Help and Encourage.
This warm weather will bring the vegetables in the garden along.
Bring Back
1. Re-introduce
Many worry that the government will bring back higher taxes.
2. Cause to remember
Seeing his ex-wife bought back everything about their painful divorce.
Bring Something Forward
Change meeting or appointment to an earlier date.
I can't come on Friday. Let's bring the meeting forward to Wednesday.
Bring In
1. Take a person to the police, into custody.
Sergeant, bring him in before he robs any more banks!
2. Invite someone to join a plan.
We need to bring in a computer expert for this task.
3. Earn
The sales department will bring in over half of our profits this year.
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Bring Off
Manage to do something difficult.
I never thought she would do it, but she brought it off!
Bring On
Cause, encourage
The cold weather brought on his flu and he was powerless to stop it.
Bring Something Out
1. Publish, Introduce.
I heard Microsoft are bringing out a revolutionary new computer next year.
2. Produce an effect
Drinking whiskey brings out the very worst in him. Don't give it to him.
3. Show a particular feature, detail
That make-up really brings out your best features. You should wear it more often.
Bring Round
1. Help to regain consciousness.
He fainted but the doctor brought him round with a tot of whiskey.
2. Persuade someone to share your opinion.
He was against the idea but I brought him round when I mentioned the expected profits.
3. Invite and accompany someone.
If your wife isn't doing anything tonight, why not bring her round for dinner.
Bring Through
Help to survive, cope, manage.
Only the expert medical attention she received during her illness brought her through.
Bring Up
1. Care for and educate a child.
She had six children and she brought them all up in exactly the same way.
2. Cause to be talked about.
Don't bring up his divorce! He is still very unhappy about it. Talk about anything but that!
3. Vomit.
Her baby is still ill. He keeps bringing up his milk and she is very worried.
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brush
Brush Aside
Treat something as unimportant.
The boss brushed aside my reservations and continued with the plan.
Brush Off
Treat someone rudely, ignore.
I wanted to make peace with him, but he just brushed me off.
Brush Up On
Study, revise.
You need to brush up on your French if you plan to live there for six months. buckle
Buckle Down
Begin working, studying more seriously than before.
If you don't buckle down, you'll fail the exam. You have been warned! build
Build In
Include in a whole plan.
When we made the contract, we built in a clause about maximum liability.
Build On
Take advantage of a good start.
The team failed to build on their great start and lost the championship.
Build Up
1. Increase in quantity.
The traffic built up until no-one was moving at all.
2. Increase in strength.
Drinking a lot of milk will build you up.
3. Develop and strengthen.
She is building up a good reputation among other estate agents.
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bump
Bump Into
Meet by chance.
I bumped into Hawkins yesterday. I haven't seen him for years.
Bump Off
Kill (informal)
To get her inheritance, he decide to bump her off.
Bump Up
Increase prices, usually suddenly, often unfairly.
During the strike, dishonest manufacturers bumped up all their prices. bundle
Bundle Up
Put together into a group
When his house caught fire, he bundled up his belongings as fast as possible. burn
Burn Out
Someone who works too much and exhausts self.
John will burn himself out if he doesn't take a vacation soon. burst
Burst In
Enter, appear suddenly.
He burst in the room and caught me looking at his old photos.
Burst Into
Start suddenly to laugh, cry, sing, etc.
I knew she was happy when she suddenly burst into song without any warning.
Burst Out
Start suddenly to laugh, cry, sing, etc.
She burst out laughing when she first saw the photo.
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Burst With
Have a large amount of something, an emotion.
When his son got into Oxford University, he was bursting with pride.
butt
Butt In
Interrupt.
When I am speaking, don't ever butt in. I lose my train of thought completely. butter
Butter Up
Praise a person, flatter.
He is buttering up the boss as he is after a pay rise. buy
Buy Off
Pay a person so they will not act against you.
He would have gone to prison, but he managed to buy off the only witness in the case. C call
Call After
Give the same name as something else.
They called their first son after the father's favorite footballer.
Call In
Manufacturer recalls a faulty product.
The company called in all the toasters because of faulty wiring.
Call In On
To visit for a short time.
If you are in the area, John, call in on me.
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Call Off
Cancel, postpone.
The wedding was called off when the bride said she was a man.
Call Up
Ask someone to join the military in wartime.
He was called up even though he was nearly 30 at the time. calm
Calm Down
Cause a person to become calmer.
She was hysterical at the news, but her sister calmed her down eventually. care
Care About
Be concerned, worried about something.
He doesn't care about his wife!! He lets her do what she wants.
I wish more people would care about the economic situation in the third world.
Care For
1. Look after, provide food, shelter, etc for someone.
She is caring for her mother while she is ill.
2. Like something.
I don't care for football much. I prefer a good game of golf. carry
Get/Be Carried Away
To be filled with emotion, lose self-control.
The team won their first two games and were totally carried away, thinking they could win the whole championship.
Carry Back
Cause to remember.
Seeing John at the party carried her back to when they were married.
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Carry It Off
To do something very difficult with success.
He got worried when the audience asked him to juggle four dogs, but he carried it off and got a standing ovation.
Carry On
1. Continue
Despite the doctor's advice, he carried on smoking.
2. Complain, moan.
The way you are carrying on, you would think I had slept with your sister!!
3. Have relationship with.
Your brother is carrying on with that friend of his brother.
Carry Out
Do, perform.
We need to carry out more research into cancer.
He carried out his threat and left the company.
Carry Over
Hold for later discussion.
They carried over the discussion on the company's finances until the following week.
Carry Through
Complete a promise, threat.
If you leave me, I will carry through my threat to take the children. carve
Carve Out
Achieve something using hard work.
He is carving out a great career for himself in journalism. cash
Cash In
Take advantage of currently favorable circumstances...which may change.
You should cash in on those shares now and not wait any longer.
Some computer shops cashed in on the fear of the Millennium Bug.
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cast
Cast Out
Force a person to go away, leave.
The thief was cast out of the village after his second warning.
Cast Round For
To look for, search quickly.
When the tiger entered the village, the hunter cast around for a weapon.
catch
Catch On
1. Become popular.
I don't think those paper shoes will ever catch on.
2. To realize, understand.
He was joking with me all the time but I didn't catch on.
Catch Out
Discover a person doing wrong: lying, stealing, cheating, etc.
If you are cheating at this game, I will catch you out.
Catch Up With
Reach same position as someone.
Go ahead. I have to do something and I will catch up with you later.
Catch Up On
1. Get self up to date with news, friends, etc.
I haven't seen you for a fortnight. I have to catch up on all your news.
2. Do something which you have ignored recently.
When I go on holiday, I like to catch up on my reading. cater
Cater For
Provide for.
That hotel specializes in catering for business people on short trips.
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change
Change Over
Switch from one thing to another.
I changed over from high tar to low tar cigarettes.
Change Round
Swap places with someone.
I prefer that seat by the window. Would you mind changing round?
chat
Chat Up
Talk to someone of opposite sex to win attention.
Don't disturb John. He is chatting up that girl from his work he has been interested in all month. check
Check In
Arrive and register at a place.
You should check in for an international flight at least an hour before departure.
Check On
Control, examine, confirm something.
Go and check on the baby. I don't think she is sleeping yet.
Check Out
1. Leave a place and pay the bill.
We have to check out of the hotel early tomorrow as we have to be at the airport at 8am.
2. (inform.)Look at.
Wow, check out the wheels on that sports car! cheer
Cheer On
Support.
I'm going to the stadium to cheer on my son's soccer team.
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Cheer Up
1. Cause to feel happier.
I wanted to cheer Jane up as she looked so miserable when I saw her.
2. Become happier.
Jane cheered up when two of her friends came to visit her. chew
Chew Over
Consider, think over carefully.
It's such a difficult decision to make that we should chew it over for a few day.
chicken
Chicken Out Of
Fail to do something because of fear.
When he saw the size of the other boy, Fred chickened out of the fight. chip
Chip Away At
Gradually remove.
The opposition party is chipping away at the government's support.
Chip In
Contribute, give.
Everyone chipped in something to the fund to build a new roof for the church. choke
Choke Back
Hold tears, emotion back. Prevent from being seen.
He was very emotional when the family dog died, but he choked back the tears because he didn't want to upset the children any more. clean
Clean Someone Out Of Something
To win, take all money from someone.
I played poker with Brad yesterday evening and I cleaned him out completely.
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Clean Up
1. Win a lot of money.
Let's go to Vegas and clean up!!
2. Fight crime in a city.
The tough new major promised to clean up the town. clear
Clear Off
Go away, leave.
I told him to clear off. I didn't want to see him then.
Clear Out
Escape, leave town.
When the police arrived, the gangsters had cleared out of town.
Clear Up
Solve a mystery, problem.
Scientists hope to one day be able to clear up the whole 'UFO' question. climb
Climb Down
Withdraw, admit a mistake.
The politician was forced to climb down when the papers printed the photos. close
Close In On
Come nearer.
The army closed in on the beleaguered town.
Close Up
Close a shop, office, business.
Come to the check-out now please. We are closing up.
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come
Come About
Happen.
The investigation will look for answers about how the accident came about.
Come Across
1. Find by accident, by chance.
I came across our old typewriter when I was up in the attic today.
2. Be understood in a certain way in speech or writing.
When she talks on the phone, she comes across as being very unfriendly.
Come By
Pass.
A farmer came by as we were having our picnic.
Come Down With
Become ill with.
I came down with the flu twice last winter.
Came In For
To be the subject of criticism, praise, etc
After the divorce, her ex-husband came in for a lot of criticism.
Come Into
Inherit money.
They came into a fortune when their rich uncle died.
Come Of
Happen as a result, consequence.
If you argue with your boss, no good will come of it!
Come Off
1. Take place.
Our planned trip didn't come off. We couldn't afford it.
2. Happen with success.
The performance didn't come off very well. The sound and the costumes were terrible.
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Come Out
1. Be published
Her first novel came out in 1991.
2. Workers strike.
If the 'Yes' vote wins, everyone will come out on strike on Monday.
3. Secret becomes known.
If this comes out in the public eye, it will very embarrassing.
Come Round
1. Regain consciousness.
He came round when someone threw water at him.
2. Agree eventually.
She came round to the idea when she saw there was little alternative.
Come Through
Survive a difficult situation.
She came through her illness thanks to the wonderful doctors.
Come Up
Be mentioned, spoken about.
The issue of the company's finances comes up at every board meeting.
Come Up Against
Confront, oppose.
With it snowing so hard, they came up against the problem of how to travel.
Come Up With
Produce something.
I need to come up with $50 by 6 o'clock tonight. cool
Cool Down
Become less enthusiastic, excited.
When he heard he had won the lottery, he couldn't cool down for a week.
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copy
Copy Down
Write what is written/spoken elsewhere.
Copy down this address and then sent the letter there.
Copy Out
Write exactly what is written elsewhere.
Copy out the poem and then return the book to the library. count
Count Against
To be considered a disadvantage.
He was very well qualified for the job, but in the end, his age counted against him.
Count Among
To be considered as.
I count John among my best friends.
Count For
To be of importance.
His ten years of experience in this job will count for a lot when they decide who to promote.
Count In
To include a person.
If you are planning a trip to the theater tonight, count me in.
Count On
Rely, depend on.
Please don't tell me you're ill! I was counting on you to babysit the children tonight. cover
Cover Against
To buy insurance for something.
We bought a special insurance policy to cover the house against storm damage.
Cover For
Substitute for a person, take the place of someone.
If you want to go for a quick coffee, I will cover for you if the boss returns.
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Cover Up
Keep information secret.
The Republicans were accused of covering up during the Watergate scandal. crack
Crack Down On
To use authority or force to prevent something.
After the drug related shootings, the local police used emergency powers to crack down on local gangs.
Crack Up
To lose self-control or mental stability.
If you don't stop working so hard, you are going to crack up. cross
Cross Off
Remove items from a list by putting a line through them.
As we interview each person, please cross them off that list I gave you.
Cross Out
Put a line through something on a list.
Your name has been crossed out because you are ineligible.
Cross Something With Something
To mix one animal breed with another.
The zoo tried to cross a panda with a grizzly bear. cry
Cry Off
When a person withdraws from a previous promise, arrangement.
He promised to come to the party, but he cried off with flu at the last moment.
Página 18 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
cut
Cut Back/Down On
Reduce something, especially something considered a bad habit.
My doctor says I have to cut down on smoking.
Cut In
Interrupt.
Stop cutting in just when I start speaking to you all the time.
Cut Off
1. Stop a telephone connection.
When I asked to speak to his daughter, he cut me off!
2. Stop someone speaking.
She cut me off as I was starting to explain my side of the story.
3. Be prevented from travelling, usually by the weather.
The heavy snow cut her off and she couldn't reach her home for two days.
Cut Out
Electrical appliance stops working suddenly.
The TV cut out just as the film ended.
Cut To
Switch scenes quickly in a film.
Just as the shark attacks, the camera cuts to the deserted beach. D die
Die Down
To become less strong, weaker, quieter.
The noise from that party didn't die down until after 3a.m.
Die For Something
Want something very much.
By the time I arrived at the bar, I was dying for a cold drink.
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Die Out
Become extinct; not be used anymore.
The dinosaurs died out millions of years before humans appeared. dig
Dig Up
Discover information by investigating.
After the divorce, he dug up a lot of terrible things about her. do
Do Away With
Get rid of, abolish something.
We should do away with all written exams in schools.
Do Down
Make someone feel unimportant or inferior.
The grumpy old professor was always doing down the new students in the class.
Do In
Kill someone (very informal).
He did in his wife with a cake made with rat poison.
Do Out
Decorate.
When your brother comes to stay, we will have to do out the old guest room.
Do Up
Fasten, attach.
It's cold out, so do up your coat before you go out.
Do Without
Survive without, to not need.
You can use my car today as I can do without it. I'll work at home.
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dole
Dole Out
To distribute food, clothes, money - especially to the poor.
Every winter, the local government doles out hot soup and blankets to the homeless. double
Double As
Be used for two purposes.
We put the bed in the lounge and it doubles as a sofa.
Double Back
Go back on original path.
We realized we had lost the money so we doubled back to look for it.
Double Up
Begin laughing a lot.
When she saw what her husband was wearing, she doubled up in laughter. drag
Drag On
Continue for a long time, longer than you would like.
The German opera dragged on for four and a half hours. How boring!!
Drag Out
Make something last longer than necessary.
He drags out meetings because he loves to feel important.
Drag Up
Mention something to someone, usually an embarrassing story, situation.
He humiliated Eric by dragging up that old story about him and his wife. draw
Draw Ahead
Move in front of someone.
The winning car began to draw ahead with only 5 kilometers left of the race.
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Draw Off
1. Attract something away from something else.
We drew off the security guards and robbed the money truck.
2. Remove liquid.
The doctors drew off the excess blood before beginning the operation.
Draw On
Use something as a source for inspiration.
I drew on my experience as a teacher when I had my first child.
Draw Out
1. Make a person less reserved.
Teachers are good at drawing out shy children.
2. Make something last longer than necessary.
I don't want to draw out this argument. Let's agree to disagree!
3. Take something out (esp. money from a bank)
He drew out a thousand dollars to buy the car.
Draw Up
1. Come near and stop (esp. vehicles)
The bus drew up and we all got on.
2. Prepare a report, set of rules, list.
I drew up a list of possible guests for the wedding. dream
Dream Up
Think of an amazing plan, excuse.
He arrives late every day and always manages to dream up something that the boss believes. dress
Dress Down
Criticise, discipline someone with angry words or in a humiliating way.
He dressed down his secretary about making personal calls at work.
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Dress Up
Put on formal, smart clothes for a special occasion.
I love dressing up for weddings and similar events. drive
Drive At
To mean when speaking.
He uses such complicated language that I never understand what he's driving at!
Drive Off
Force someone, something to leave.
He left home at 15, driven off by his violent father he claims. drop
Drop Away
Become less gradually.
Opposition to the Euro is dropping away in Britain. (this is sarcasm!)
Drop In/By
Pay a call on someone, visit for a short time.
Drop by if you are in the area. I would love to see you.
Drop Off
1. Same as Drop Away.
2. Fall asleep.
My father always drops off in front of the TV. E eat
Eat Into
Use up, consume unwillingly.
He complained that correcting all the tests by hand was eating into his free time too much.
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egg
Egg On
Urge someone to do something, often bad.
I didn't want to break the window but all the other boys were egging me on. end
End Up
Finally become/do.
She wanted to work in advertising but ended up a teacher.
If you keep spending money like that, you'll end up poorer than before. F face
Face Out
Act bravely and ignore criticism.
Despite his guilt and shame, he went to work and faced it out.
Face Up To
Accept (responsibility for) something negative.
After his heart attack, he faced up to the fact that he had to stop smoking. fall
Fall Away
Gradually disappear.
Support for the plan fell away when the cost became clear.
Fall Back On
Use as support.
When he lost his job, he fell back on his family for help.
Fall Behind
Fail to keep pace with someone, something.
When she injured her ankle, she fell behind the rest of the runners.
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Fall Behind With
Fail to pay, produce something before agreed time.
They repossessed the car when he fell behind with the payments.
Fall For
1.To Believe.
He told his girlfriend an enormous lie and she fell for it totally.
2. To be very attracted towards someone.
He fell for his wife as soon as he met her.
Fall Off
When standards fall.
The quality of his work has fallen off since the new year.
Fall Out With
To quarrel, have dispute with someone.
He fell out with his family over a financial row.
Fall Through
When a plan, agreement collapses or fails
They had a plan to build a new road but it fell through due to stiff opposition in the local area. fan
Fan Out
Spread out wide.
The police hunt for the killer fanned out across the whole county. feed
Feed Into
Put information into, normally, a computer.
To make the database, she had to feed data into the computer for three days.
Feed Off
Use something as a supply, source.
She's a great writer but she fed off her mother for inspiration.
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feel
Feel Like
Have the desire to do something.
I feel like going shopping and spending a lot of money!
Feel For
Have sympathy for someone.
I feel for you having to work 14 hours a day. It must be terrible.
Feel Out
Discover someone's opinion on something by careful questioning.
He tried to feel out the boss about his plans for restructuring the company.
Feel Up To
Know someone is healthy, willing to do something.
She has the flu. She won't feel up to going out tonight. fight
Fight Back
To use effort or force to return to a previous high position.
He was demoted but fought back to a management position in only two years.
Fight Off
Fight to prevent attack by something, someone.
He had his critics in the company but he managed to fight them all off.
She was ill for only a day and then she fought it off and returned to work. figure
Figure Out
Deduce, Solve a problem.
When he didn't return to the house by 8pm, I figured out he was stuck at work.
I can't figure out how to put this table together. Can you help me?
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fill
Fill In
1. Give information to someone to bring them up to date.
I missed the meeting on the new campaign. Can you fill me in?
2. Substitute for someone.
You will have to fill in for Jane who is on holiday this week.
3. Complete a form, etc.
Just fill in the form and then we can talk about how much money you want to borrow. find
Find Against
Judge against. Deliver a negative verdict.
He found against the accused and sentenced him to ten years prison.
Find Out
1. Discover information.
I found out yesterday that I have a sister I have never met!
2. Discover a person has done wrong.
Don't worry about John. They will find him out and sack him immediately. finish
Finish Off
1. Kill someone, something.
He finished off the injured cat with his rifle.
2. Finish a job by completing last part.
He finished off the speech by giving us some examples.
Finish Up
End an activity, evening, event.
They finished up by having some wine in a nearby wine bar. fit
Fit In
1.Feel comfortable and at ease with people.
My son loved his first day at school. He fitted in well with the other kids.
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2. Find time for someone, something.
If you come along to the office at nine, I can fit you in.
Fit Out
Supply a person, thing with equipment.
His new car is fitted out with all the latest technology. fix
Fix Up
Arrange a job, date, object for someone.
He doesn't deserve to work there. He only got the job because his brother fixed him up with it. flush
Flush Out
To force a criminal out of hiding.
The police finally flushed the killer out by using dogs. follow
Follow Through
Continue doing something (as promised) until it is finished.
You shouldn't stop now...follow your ideas through.
Follow Up
Find out more about something, show interest.
I was initially interested in the job but I didn't follow it up in the end.
fork
Fork Out
Spend money - usually too much!
I forked out an absolute fortune for that holiday to Jamaica.
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G get
Get About
Travel or move around.
Despite her age, she gets about very easily.
Get Across
Explain successfully.
I spoke very slowly but I couldn't get my ideas across at all.
Get Along
Be on friendly terms with someone.
He doesn't get along at all with his sister. They are always fighting.
Get Around
Same as Get About.
Get Around To
Reach the point of doing something.
I am too busy to get around to ringing my father.
Get At
1. Criticise often
The teacher is always getting at me. I've done nothing wrong!
2. Attempt to explain, make understood.
What are you getting at Jason? Explain it again, slowly!
Get Away
1. Escape.
Despite the best efforts of the police, the criminals got away.
2. Go on holiday.
If we have a couple of weeks free in July, we hope to get away.
Get Away With
Escape punishment for something.
He got away with stealing from the shop because no-one saw him do it.
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Get Back
1. Retreat a sensible distance from something.
The police told the crowd to get back from the burning house.
2. Return to a previous position of power.
Though they lost the last election, they are hoping to get back next time.
Get By
Survive financially.
I don't know how she gets by with the money she earns from that job.
Get Down
Depress, make feel miserable.
Weather like this always gets me down.
Get Down To
Begin work.
We must get down to work if we want to finish by tonight.
Get Off
1. Leave a bus, train, etc.
You have to get off at the next station for the museum.
2. Avoid a serious sentence or punishment.
The accused got off because of the excellent character witnesses.
3. Start an informal relationship with someone.
Mike got off with that girl at the disco on Friday night.
Get On
1. Enter a bus, train, etc.
I couldn't get on the bus as it was too full.
2. Begin work, duties, day.
I have to get on, it's late.
3. Become late.
It's getting on! It's nearly nine o'clock.
4. Manage to put clothes, shoes on.
This dress is too small. I can't get it on.
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Get On With
1. Continue doing work.
I can't get on with my work if that noise continues!
2. Have a friendly relationship with someone.
I left the house as I didn't get on with the people there.
Get Out
1. Leave a bus, train, building, etc.
I always get out at this station.
2. Remove something with difficulty.
After an hour, the mother managed to get the thorn out of her boy's hand.
Get Out Of
Avoid doing something.
I was supposed to do a year of military service but I got out of it due to ill health.
Get Over
1. Convey, communicate successfully
The police tried to get over to the motorist the seriousness of his offence.
2. Survive a traumatic experience.
It took him five years to get over the loss of his son.
3. Defeat a negative feeling.
I got over my fear of dogs when I stayed with my dog-loving uncle one summer.
Get Round
1. Use flattery or persuasion to convince someone.
He got round his mother by buying her a box of chocolates.
2. Avoid a law, rule, regulation.
Many rich people are rich because they find a way to get round tax laws.
Get Through
1. Communicate by telephone.
In the snow storm, it was impossible to get through to anyone.
2. Spend money.
The way he drinks vodka every night, he must get through a fortune!
3. Progress in a competition.
Página 31 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
Liverpool got through to the final by hammering Manchester United 7-1 to leave their manager in floods of tears.
Get Up To
To do something wrong, bad, mischievous.
Roger is making a lot of noise in there - what's he getting up to? give
Give Away
1. Present to someone free of charge.
He gave away all his kittens as he didn't have space for them.
2. Allow a secret/hiding place, etc to be known.
He spoke too freely and gave away the thieves' hiding place.
Give In
1. Admit defeat.
I give in! This crossword puzzle is too difficult.
2. To give something to someone, usually in authority.
I found a set of keys and gave them in to the police.
After the students had finished their exams, they gave them in.
Give Off
Produce smoke, smell, etc.
I like the color of those flowers but they do give off a strange smell.
Give Out
1.Strength, supplies which become used up.
His strength gave out when the fourth man climbed on his back.
2. Distribute.
Mark, give these papers out to the other students.
Give Over
Stop saying, doing, thinking, etc something. Usually imperative.
Oh John! Give over! You've been saying the same thing for half an hour.
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Give Up
1. (As "give in") Admit Defeat.
2. Stop doing something.
I gave up trying to convince her to buy the dress as she was interested in a skirt.
I gave up drinking whiskey on my doctor's advice.
3. Sell something because of poverty.
I had to give up my house in the country after my uncle died. go
Go By Something
Use something to help you.
Going by my watch, it's nearly six o'clock.
Go Down With
1.Become ill with.
Listen to that cough of yours. You are coming down with flu I think.
2. Be accepted by someone in a positive or negative way.
His story about the naked nun didn't go down well with the vicar, did it?
Go For
1. Apply equally.
What he said about not working on Sundays goes for me too!
2. To be attracted to something, somebody.
She really goes for thin men, especially bald ones.
3. Sell for.
The Van Gogh sketch went for over a thousand pounds at the auction.
Go Off
1. Food which goes bad, unsuitable for consumption.
Milk goes off in a few hours on a hot day if left out of the fridge.
2. To proceed, happen.
The meeting went off well for all concerned.
3. Lose interest in someone, something.
I've gone off milk ever since I saw that documentary on cows.
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4. To sound (a machine), explode (a bomb).
My alarm clock didn't go off this morning and I overslept.
Go On About
Speak too much about something, often a problem.
Hilda does go on about her hip operation, doesn't she?
Go On (To Do)
Proceed to do something after something else.
After studying history at university, she went on to work in a museum.
Go On Doing
Continue.
She went on studying until she finally graduated in 1998.
Go Over
1. To be received.
His speech didn't go over too well with the elderly audience.
2. Check, examine a piece of work.
Let's go over that report again before we submit it.
3. Change political loyalty.
He went over to the liberals after the taxation row.
Go Through
1. Go through all supplies of something.
Last winter, we went through 100 kilos of wood for the fire.
2. Discuss or examine something.
Let's go through your account of what happened, shall we?
3. Suffer stress, difficult period, etc.
She went through a lot after her mother died suddenly.
4. Qualify for next part of a tournament, competition.
The team surprised everyone by going through to the semi finals.
Go Towards
Contribute towards the cost of something.
All fines collected by the police for speeding will go towards building a new school for the children of the village.
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Go Without
Suffer the absence of something.
I will have to go without a holiday this year. I have no money at all! grow
Grow Into
1. Develop/change into something after time.
Alice will grow into a beautiful woman in a few years.
2. Increase in size until clothing fits.
It's a bit big for her but she'll grow into it.
Grow On
Become more attractive after time.
I hated Sue when I first met her, but she does grow on you after a while.
Grow Up
1. Develop into an adult.
When I grow up, I want to be a train driver.
2. Act like an adult.
Tom needs to grow up and realize that you can't tell lies all the time about your friends. H hand
Hand Back
To give something back to the owner.
When he realized the wallet was John's, he handed it back.
Hand Down
1. Pass to next generation.
The old house was handed down to him by his eccentric aunt.
2. (Legal). Give a sentence to a criminal.
The judge handed down a heavy fine to the burglar.
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Hand In
Give something to an official because it is finished, found or unwanted.
Can all room keys be handed in to reception by midday on day of departure.
Hand Out
1. Distribute.
The teacher handed out the exams while the students waited nervously.
2. Give aid to poor people, refugees.
The army helped to hand out supplies to the flood victims.
Hand Over
1. Give something to someone.
I handed over the gun to the policeman.
2. Give a criminal to the authorities that pursue them.
The Danish police handed the serial killer over to the French authorities. hang
Hang Around/About
Stand or wait doing nothing.
There's a large group of teenagers hanging about near the post office.
Hang Behind
Stay in a place after other people have left.
The teacher asked me to hang behind to speak to her about the homework.
Hang On
Wait.
Hang on John. I'm nearly ready. Just need to comb my hair.
Hang Out
Be in a place, frequent a place often.
Try looking for him at the "Rose and Crown" pub. He hangs out there in the afternoons.
Hang Up
End a phone conversation.
When I started telling her about her bad habits, she just hung up.
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have
Have In
Organize for builders, decorators to visit the house.
The television is broke, but we are having someone in next week to fix it.
Have On
Trick or deceive a person.
Three hundred dollars for that vase! Are you having me on?!
Have Out
Discuss an issue angrily.
I can't believe he didn't finish this before the deadline! I'll have it out with him on Monday morning.
Have Over/Round
Invite someone for dinner at your house.
We had the Smiths over for dinner last night. What a terribly boring couple they are! head
Head For
Go, move towards a place.
If we head for that mountain, we should reach it by nightfall.
Head Off
1. Block, get in front of something, someone.
The army headed off the enemy at the mountain pass.
2. (Informal) Leave a place.
Come on. It's late. Let's head off. hear
Hear About
Be told about a person or thing.
Have you heard about Wayne's party on Saturday? Are you coming?
Hear From
Receive communication from someone, get letter, postcard, phone call, etc.
Have you heard from your uncle Dan recently?
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Hear Of
1. Receive information about.
I've heard of cats with no tails but never dogs!
2. (Always negative). Refuse help politely.
Jane offered to pay half of the cost of the party! I won't hear of it!!
Hear Out
Listen to someone until they finish.
Excuse me, can I continue please. Oh! Hear me out! help
Help Out
Give someone help, often during difficult times.
My sister helped me out a lot last year when I was unemployed. hit
Hit It Off
Be on friendly terms quickly.
Clive and Marsella hit it off very quickly last night didn't they.
Hit On
1. Think of a good idea.
We were totally stuck, then Bryan hit on the idea of putting the switch on the top of the machine.
2. (Informal) Try to start conversation with someone (normally of opposite sex).
I can't believe you were trying to hit on Sara with your wife in the same room. hold
Hold Against
Allow previous bad reputation, behavior, etc, to affect judgement.
He was in prison for six years, but don't hold that against him. He is a really nice person.
Hold Back
1. Hesitate because of fear.
He held back from asking her to marry him when he saw she was in a bad mood.
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2. Prevent someone from making progress.
She was held back in the company as many of the men thought her too aggressive.
Hold Off
1. To be delayed.
The rain held off until the end of the match.
2. Stop someone or something attacking, etc.
Harry held off the burglar while his wife phoned the police.
Hold On
Wait.
Hold on while I get my father to speak to you.
Hold Out
1. Remain available.
Our food will not hold out until the next plane arrives. We have a serious problem.
2. Resist an attack.
The German army held out against the Russians for six months.
Hold Out For
Wait for a better proposition, offer.
The striking miners held out for a ten percent increase in wages and eventually won.
Hold To
Make a person keep a promise.
He said he would pay me for that job and I will hold him to it.
Hold Up
1. Delay.
The terrible weather held up the plane for two hours.
2. Stop and rob a person.
The mail train was held up by six men on motorbikes.
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I inquire
Inquire After
Ask about a person's news, health, etc.
He stopped me in the street to inquire after my brother. J join
Join In
Participate with others in something.
Withdrawn children often don't want to join in playing games with others.
Join Up
1. Become member of military forces.
My father joined up two days before the war ended.
2. Connect.
Join that red wire up with the blue one. K keep
Keep At
Continue working hard at something.
I want to finish this by tonight so I'll keep at it for a while longer.
Keep Away
To avoid or to not come near something.
Keep away from that old factory by the river. It's very dangerous.
Keep From
1. Prevent.
My flu is keeping me from going to work.
Página 40 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
2. Not to tell someone something.
Worried about her reaction, we kept the news of her aunt's illness from her.
Keep In
1. Stop someone going out.
I kept him in after school due to his behavior earlier in the day.
2. Maintain someone in a financial condition.
Her father's money keeps her in luxury. Otherwise, she would be poor.
3. Stop from being seen.
Despite her anger, she kept it in until he left the room.
4. Remain friendly with someone.
Keep in with the boss's wife if possible. It will help you later.
Keep Off
1. Not to touch, go on, etc.
Keep off the grass Sara, your father will be furious.
2. Avoid eating, drinking certain things.
I am keeping off red meat for a few months for my health.
3. Avoid talking about, mentioning certain things.
Keep off politics during dinner or we'll never get home!
Keep On
1. Continue.
Keep on going until you see the supermarket.
He keeps on about going to Barbados for a holiday this year.
2. Continue to employ.
I will keep you on for another two months - then I make no promises.
3. Continue to wear.
Keep you shoes on because we are going out again soon.
Keep To
1. Stay on/in a mentioned place.
Keep to the London road for about ten kilometers, then head east.
2. Follow a plan, regulation.
We must keep to the agreed schedule, otherwise we will have problems.
Página 41 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
3. Hold someone to a promise.
You promised payment and I will keep you to it.
Keep To Self
Not to tell anyone.
Tell us the wedding date then. Don't keep it to yourself.
Keep Up
1. Work, move, etc at the same speed as someone else.
You must work harder Jones! Keep up with the others.
2. Weather continues without changing.
If this wind keeps up, we will lose most of the fruit in the garden. kick
Kick Off
1. Start a game, match.
We kicked off at three o'clock under blue skies.
2. Start a speech, discussion, meeting.
He kicked off by berating us all for our late arrival.
Kick Up
Cause, produce a fuss about something.
She kicked up a real fuss when she saw the state of the room. knock
Knock About
(Informal) Stay in company with someone.
Your son is knocking about with some unpleasant characters these days.
Knock Back
1. Drink quickly.
He knocked back three vodkas and left.
2. (Informal) Cost someone.
That old chair knocked me back over a hundred dollars.
Página 42 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
Knock Down
Lower a price.
If you knock down the price of the car by fifty pounds, we have a deal.
Knock Off
1. (Informal) Finish work.
I knock off at five, so I'll meet you at half past.
2. Reduce a price by an amount.
If you knock off fifty pounds, we have a deal.
3. (Informal) Produce quickly.
Knock off an e-mail to the boss about the party tomorrow.
Knock Out
1. Hit someone unconscious.
The boxer won the fight by knocking out his opponent after two minutes.
2. Cause to sleep.
That second whiskey you gave me last night really knocked me out.
Knock Together
Put together something very quickly, approximately.
If you need somewhere to put your books, I can knock together a bookshelf. L laugh Laugh Off
Try to hide one's responsibility by not acting seriously.
He dropped his wife's favorite vase, then tried to laugh it off. She was really angry. lay
Lay In
Get a supply of something.
We need to lay in wood for the winter.
Página 43 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
Lay Into
(Informal) Attack someone verbally.
My father will really lay into me if I am late.
Lay Off
1. (Informal) To stop annoying someone, something.
Lay off the dog or it'll bite you.
2. Make someone redundant from a job.
The management regrets to inform you that it will have to lay off twenty people next summer.
Lay Out
1. Put out equipment ready for use.
Lay out the tools and we can start then.
2. Plan, arrange.
He has laid out the garden really well.
3. (Informal) Spend.
He laid out a huge amount for the wedding.
Lay Up
Cause someone to stay in bed due to illness.
He has been laid up for four days with the flu. ead
Lead Off
Start a talk, discussion.
I want to lead off by thanking you for coming today.
Lead On
1. Go in front and be the leader.
You know this part of the forest best Peter so you lead on.
2. Persuade and encourage someone by using false information.
He led her on until she fell in love with him, then he disappeared.
Lead To
Have as a result.
Her dishonesty will ultimately lead to her dismissal from the job.
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Lead Up To
Preparations for a final event.
There were a lot of silly arguments between them leading up to the divorce. lean
Lean On
1. Use as support.
I can always lean on my mother if I am going through difficulty.
2. (Informal) Threaten people for money.
In this area of the city, there are gangs of criminals who lean on the more vulnerable members of the community for protection money.
Lean Towards
Show some support towards something.
I agree with what Bob said but I personally lean more towards Kevin's position on this issue. leave
Leave Alone
Not to touch.
Leave that food alone until it's time to eat.
Leave Behind
Cause a person, thing to remain where it was.
In the film "Home Alone", a family leaves their son behind in the house when they go on holiday.
Leave In
Cause to remain in, inside.
Leave that clause in the contract. It could be important later.
Leave Off
(Informal) Stop talking, doing something.
Will she ever leave off talking about her money?
Leave Out
Cause something to be left out, outside.
When you write the letter, leave out any mention of the holiday next month.
Página 45 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
let
Let Down
Disappoint, delude someone.
I can't believe you didn't come to the party last week. You really let me down.
Let Off
1. Not to punish too severely.
The judge let him off with a small fine.
2. Not to make someone do something too difficult.
The teacher let us off homework as we had worked so well in the lesson.
3. Cause something to explode.
Kids letting off fireworks caused the fire to start.
Let On
(Informal) Allow someone to know that you know something.
He knew my wife was having an affair all the time but he never let on.
Let Up
To stop.
The rain didn't let up until nearly midnight. lie
Lie About
Be Very Lazy.
Don't lie about the house. Go and do something!
Lie Down
1. Be in horizontal position on a bed, sofa.
If you feel dizzy, go and lie down for half an hour.
2. Give up without a fight.
So the management have said we must accept this pay freeze! Are we going to lie down and take this?
Lie In
Stay in bed later than normal.
You don't have to be in work till gone ten so you can lie in if you want.
Página 46 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
line
Line Up
Put people, things in a row.
The police told the in-mates to line up outside the prison gates. live
Live Down
Cause past bad experiences, reputation, to be forgotten.
He humiliated his wife in front of everyone and will never live it down.
Live Off
Use something as a financial source to live with.
He lives off the money his father left him.
She lives off her wages very well.
Live Over
Repeat for a second time.
If I could live it all over again, I wouldn't change anything.
Live Through
Endure a difficult period.
She lived through two wars and three marriages.
Live Under
Experience, live, a political regime.
I lived under both Fascism and Communism during the forties and fifties.
Live Up To
Meet the standards in life that others set.
They wanted their son to be a rich doctor but he left school young and could never live up to their expectations. lock
Lock On
1. Find and follow a target.
The missile locked on the ship and destroyed it.
2. Follow a plan through with determination.
He is locked on to the idea of becoming a lawyer.
Página 47 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
Lock Up
1. Close a house, shop well.
When you finish John, can you lock up and leave the keys with my brother.
2. Put a criminal in jail.
All murderers should be locked up for life. look
Look After
1. Take care of.
Nurses look after patients in hospital.
2. Take responsibility for.
I have to look after the company for a month or so while she's ill.
3. (Informal) Pay a bill.
I will look after this. Don't worry about it.
Look Ahead
Think about the future.
I'm looking ahead to a time when we will travel around in personal flying machines.
Look For
Search.
Help me. I am looking for my umbrella and I can't remember where I put it.
Look Forward
Think with anticipation about something in the future.
I'm looking forward to seeing my old friend again. I haven't seen her for nearly five years.
Look Into
Investigate.
The police are looking into a suspicious incident last night.
Look On
Watch as a spectator.
The firemen tackled the blaze while the crowd looked on.
Página 48 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
Look Out
1. Be careful.
Look out! There's a policeman coming!
2. Search.
If I go into town, I will look out for some of that wine you want.
Look Over
Carefully inspect something.
We need to look over that report again before submitting it.
Look To
Rely on someone for something.
If you really need help, don't look to him. He is useless!
Look Up
1. Search for information.
Look up his phone number in the directory.
2. Find a person a visit them.
If I come to New York next month, I will look you up.
Look Up To
Show great admiration for someone, usually older, more senior.
He looks up to his mother and follows every bit of advice she gives him. lose
Lose By
Suffer personally or financially if you do something.
You will lose by selling your house now. Wait a year.
Lose Out
Suffer personally or financially by not doing something. Do especially worse than others.
I lost out because I didn't know you could claim a refund.
Página 49 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
M make
Make After
Chase, run after someone.
The police made after the thief but he got away.
Make For
Move, travel towards.
We made for the hotel when it began raining.
Make Of
Understand, interpret.
I can't make anything of his argument. It doesn't make any sense.
Make Off
Escape with.
The thieves made off with the three statues from the museum.
Make Out
1. Claim something is true that isn't.
Stop making out that you were at school when I know you weren't!
2. See clearly.
From the hill, we could make out the old cathedral in the distance.
I can't make out your handwriting. Can you type next time?
Make Over
Transfer ownership.
The house was made over to her husband after the divorce.
Make Up
1. End an argument.
They argued a lot at the party but made up eventually.
2. Put cosmetics on.
It takes me half an hour to make myself up in the morning.
3. Invent a story, lie.
Página 50 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
He made up the whole story about him being a fisherman.
4. Prepare food.
We can make up some sandwiches for the journey tomorrow.
5. Recuperate a space in time or distance.
Hurry up. We have two hours to make up if we don't want to be late.
We need a thousand dollars. We have 800 and John said he would make up the rest.
Make Up For
Be a valid substitute.
Can all the money in the world make up for a loveless marriage? map
Map Out
Plan, arrange an action, event.
Geronimo has his whole career, his whole life mapped out for him. mark
Mark Down
1. Reduce the price.
The bananas were marked down to sell them quickly.
2. Reduce someone's mark, score because of something.
The skaters were marked down for their terrible costumes.
Mark Up
Increase the price.
The manager decided to mark up the new clocks that were selling so well. mess
Mess About
Act stupidly.
It's difficult to find a babysitter who wants to return because the kids always mess about so much.
Mess Up
To do something badly.
I've messed up the cake completely. I added salt instead of sugar!
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Mess With
Become involved with, tamper with.
Don't mess around with the TV. You'll get an electric shock. miss
Miss Out
Not to include something.
This list is not complete. You missed out all the people in group two.
Miss Out On
Lose a chance, opportunity.
I missed out on that job as I was ill when they were interviewing people. mix
Mix Up
Put things in the wrong order.
I mixed up the bride's and the groom's family at the wedding and it was a bit chaotic. move
Move Along
Go away, without stopping.
The police told the crowd to move along and stop hindering their work.
Move In
Begin living in a new home.
I moved in yesterday. I will have a house-warming party on Saturday.
Move On
Change to another job, city, relationship.
If you hate your job so much, maybe it's time to move on.
Move Out
Leave a home, base.
I am arguing too much with my girlfriend and thinking about moving out.
Move Over
Make space for another person.
If you move over a bit, I can sit down too.
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N nose
Nose About/Around
Search for something. Ask questions about someone.
There was a detective here before nosing around. O open Open Onto
Allow access to something from a door, window.
The kitchen door opens onto our new patio in the garden.
Open Out
To become bigger, wider.
After the bridge, the river opens out.
Open Up
1. Open a package, parcel.
Open up the new computer and let's set it up.
2. Talk frankly. (Informal)
After he had drunk a bit, he really opened up. opt
Opt For
Choose.
After some moments of indecision, he opted for the black car.
Opt In
Choose to take part in something.
If you want to opt in Mike, we need $500 from you.
Opt Out
Choose not to do something.
You guys go ahead without me. I'm opting out of this deal.
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own
Own Up
Admit to something.
If you own up that it was you, your father might not be so angry. P pack
Pack Away
Put things in box, container until later.
Pack that computer away - we don't use it anymore.
Pack In
1. (Informal) Stop doing something.
Pack in your playing around, kids!
2. Do a lot in a short time.
When we toured around Australia, we packed in a lot in only eight days.
Pack Off
Send a person away, on holiday, etc.
When the war started, many children were packed off to the countryside.
Pack Up
1. Put things in boxes ready to leave.
Pack up your belongings and leave this flat immediately.
2. (Informal) Stop working.
The car packed up as we got to the top of the hill. pad
Pad Out
Make something last longer.
He padded out his speech with a few jokes.
Página 54 BASICS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 2
pan
Pan Out
Turn out, happen in the end.
How did things pan out on holiday? paper
Paper Over
Hide faults, flaws in something.
The government is trying to paper over the divisions within the cabinet. part
Part With
Give something away.
He's a bit miserly. He hates to part with his money. pass
Pass Away
Die.
My uncle passed away last year.
Pass For/As
Be accepted for something, someone else.
My dad could pass for a Englishman the way he dresses.
Pass Off
1. Happen.
The demonstration passed off without any serious incident.
2. Present somebody as somebody else.
He passed his secretary off as his sister at the party.
3. Avoid attention being given to an embarrassing situation.
He was humiliated by his boss but he passed it off as a joke.
Pass Out
1. Faint.
The room was so hot that I passed out.
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2. Distribute, give.
Pass out these exam papers for me please.
Pass Over
Not to consider someone for a job, promotion, etc.
Due to his previous row with the boss, he was passed over for the new position.
Pass Up
Fail to take advantage of a situation, opportunity.
That's a great price for a car. I won't pass that up! patch
Patch Up
Agree to end an argument, a quarrel, etc.
They didn't speak for two days, but they eventually patched it up. pay
Pay Off
A risk that succeeds.
He put all his money on a horse and it paid off.
Pay Up
Pay all debts that you owe.
If you don't pay up, I will take you to court. peg
Peg Away
(Informal) Keep on working at something.
If you keep pegging away at the problem, you will find a solution.
Peg Back
Keep at a distance.
The government is trying to peg back inflation.
Peg Down
Make a person keep to a decision.
If he offers you a pay rise, peg him down to an exact amount.
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pick
Pick At
To eat food slowly or unenthusiastically.
No wonder you're hungry. You have only picked at your dinner.
Pick Off
Kill a person deliberately.
The sniper picked off the general among his soldiers.
Pick On
Bully a person. Choose someone repeatedly for punishment.
When I was young, two of my elder brothers always picked on me.
Pick Out
Select.
Look at these cards and pick one out.
Pick Up
1. Take a person in your vehicle.
I picked up Jon near the bank yesterday.
2. Learn without studying.
I picked up a lot of French when I was travelling there.
3. Arrest.
The police picked up their suspect at the border.
4. Receive radio signals.
I can pick up Swedish radio during the night.
5. Improve.
Prospects for small businesses are picking up. pig
Pig Out
(Informal) Eat greedily.
Don't pig out on the pizza! There are three other people arriving later.
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pipe
Pipe Down
To be less noisy.
Pipe down Steve! I'm trying to work here.
Pipe Up
To speak, sing more loudly.
What's the answer Brian. Pipe up! I can't hear you! play
Play At
1. Pretend to be something.
The boys are playing at soldiers.
2. Do an activity, especially in a foolish way.
What are you playing at Jenkins, get on with your work!
Play Down
Treat something as less important than it really is.
He tries to play down his importance to this company.
Play On
1. Continue playing.
Despite the heavy rain, the two tennis players played on.
2. Take advantage of something.
He played on her fear of flying to sell her an insurance policy.
Play Up
1. Be naughty, mess around.
The children have been playing up all day.
2. (Informal) Produce pain, work badly.
The TV is playing up again. I can't get Channel 2!
3. Treat something as more important than it really is.
Don't play up how ill you are. Go to work!
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plug
Plug Away
(Informal) Continue working hard at something.
Keep plugging away and we may finish before the evening. point
Point Out
Indicate.
I would like to point out the finer details of this painting. polish
Polish Up
Improve something.
I went to New Zealand to try and polish up my English.
Polish Off
(Informal) Finish a meal quickly.
He polished off the chicken stew in just a few minutes. pop
Pop In
Visit someone for a short time.
I popped in to see Marge yesterday.
Pop Out
Leave the house for a short time.
I am just popping out to get some sugar from the shops.
Pop Up
Spring up quickly.
As the holiday approached, a few problems began to pop up. press
Press Ahead/On
Keep going, work with added determination.
Let's press ahead even without the boss's approval.
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Press For
Demand action on something.
Many parents are pressing for tighter gun control laws. pull
Pull Ahead
Go in front of someone.
Thanks to his faster car, Mallin is now pulling ahead in the race.
Pull In
1. Stop a vehicle for a time.
We were tired from the journey so we pulled in for a couple of hours.
2. (Informal) Attract a crowd.
The new band pulled in a lot of people for their recent concert.
Pull Off
1. Drive a car off a road.
Pull off here. This is our exit.
2. Succeed in a risky deal, gamble, etc.
Despite all the risks, we pulled off a great deal.
Pull Over
Drive a car to the side of the road.
The police asked him to stop the car and pull over.
Pull Round
Make a person conscious again.
The sound of his wife's voice pulled him round.
Pull Through
Survive a traumatic experience.
The illness looked serious at one point but she pulled through.
Pull Up
1. Stop a vehicle at a certain place.
She pulled up at the school and waited for her son.
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2. (Informal) Indicate that someone's behavior, language, clothes is unacceptable.
He pulled me up on my use of the past tense. push
Push Ahead
Continue working.
We must push ahead if we want to finish this house by summer.
Push On
Like Push Ahead.
Push Through
Get a piece of legislation, a proposal accepted.
The government tried to push through a law allowing extra military spending. put
Put About
Spread gossip.
You shouldn't believe everything he puts about.
Put Across
Explain something to someone.
He didn't put his plan across very well and left everyone confused.
Put Away
1. (And "put aside") Save money, supplies for later.
I am trying to put aside ten dollars a week for my summer vacation.
2. Put in prison.
The judge put him away for ten years.
3. Put in a box.
It's dinner time now - put your toys away.
Put Back
Delay, postpone.
Due to a death in the family, the dinner party was put back a week.
Put By
Same as Put Away (1.)
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Put Down
1. Mercifully kill a pet who is old, ill.
We had our cat put down last year. It was 17 years old but very ill.
2. Allow person to leave vehicle.
Put me down here Nigel, I can walk. It's only just around the corner.
3. Sign as a different person.
She put herself down as "Mrs. Johnson".
4. Ridicule someone.
Never put me down in public like that again.
5. Write something in a book, diary, etc.
I'll put that address down on this piece of paper.
6. Regard something as a reason for something else.
We can put his poor performance down to tiredness, I believe.
Put Forward
Propose an idea.
He put forward the suggestion of expanding abroad.
Put Off
1. Same as Put Down (2.)
2. Cause a person to lose interest in something.
When I saw what she was putting on the cake, it really put me off.
3. Delay a meeting, game, etc.
The match was put off until the pitch dried out.
Put On
1. Add money, weight.
She has put on a lot of weight since Christmas.
2. Fabricated for effect.
He put on a sophisticated accent to try and impress her.
Put Out
1. Disturb somebody.
If I arrive late, I hope it won't put you out.
2. Transmit.
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The controversial film was put out by Channel 4.
3. Issue a statement.
The government put out a statement denying all responsibility.
Put Through
1. Connect on the phone.
If you wait a moment, I will put you through to the main office.
2. Cause someone to suffer.
The old headmaster really put his student through it during the grammar lesson.
Put To
Suggest.
I put it to her that maybe she would lose weight if she ate less.
Put Towards
Contribute financially.
The proceeds from this contest will be put towards the cost of a new roof.
Put Up
1. Provide accommodation for someone.
If you visit me, I will put you up.
2. Increase prices.
They have put up the price of petrol.
3. Offer action, resistance.
He lost finally but had put up a good fight.
4. Encourage someone to do something.
I was put up to come here by my friends. I didn't want to!
5. Suffer, tolerate.
I can't put up with that loud music anymore.
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R rake Rake In
Earn a lot of money.
That man selling chocolate underwear is raking it in!
Rake Up
Talk about a painful experience from the past.
Why does he keep raking up my divorce? range
Range Over
Cover a wide spectrum of topics.
His talked ranged over everything from zoology to anthropology. reach
Reach Out
Make contact with a person or group.
I have tried to reach out to Mandy but she is just too depressed. read
Read Back
Read something you have written to check it.
I read back over my report and it was full of silly errors.
Read Into
Find a meaning in something that is not intended.
I read into his statement that he feels very guilty.
Read Up
Study something.
I have to read up as much as possible about beer-making.
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reckon
Reckon On
Take into account.
We made dinner for only three people. We didn't reckon on my sisters coming too.
Reckon With
Deal with.
If you treat my daughter badly, you'll have me to reckon with. rent
Rent Out
Hire one's possessions to someone.
I will have to rent out the spare room to make some money. ride
Ride On
Gamble, risk money on something.
I have nearly a million dollars riding on that land deal.
Ride Out
Survive bad weather or a terrible situation.
The fishermen rode out the storm in a small bay and then sailed on.
Ride Up
(Clothes) Move up the body.
This skirt rides up too much. ring
Ring Back
Telephone someone again.
Jon is not here at the moment, can you ring back later?
Ring Off
End a phone call.
He sounded so depressed that when he rang off, I went round to see him.
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Ring Round
Telephone a lot of people, shops, businesses, etc.
To get the best price, it's best to ring round as many companies as possible.
Ring Up
Telephone somebody.
I will ring you up after you get home. rip
Rip Off
(Informal) Cheat someone.
He ripped me off selling those tickets for twenty dollars. They were worth about five! roll
Roll Back
Move back, remove.
Seeing my old school friends last week really rolled back the years.
Roll By
To pass.
Years just roll by when you are in prison doing nothing.
Roll In
Arrive at regular intervals.
Requests for that new song are just rolling in.
Roll On
To hope to come soon, to arrive quickly.
Roll on summer! Then we can have a nice holiday!
Roll Up
(Informal) Arrive.
I waited for you for two hours and then you roll up without even an apology.
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root
Root About
Search for in a very active way.
My sister is rooting about in her wardrobe looking for that dress she wore for the wedding last summer.
Root Out
Get rid of a bad thing.
The conservative party needs to root out the extremists that ruin its image. rub
Rub In
Force something humiliating, embarrassing to be remembered.
Don't rub in the fact that he doesn't have a job!
Rub Off
To be less bright, amazing, etc.
The new boss's initial friendliness has begun to rub off.
Rub Off On
Have an influence on someone, something else.
Don't socialize with Gary. His dishonesty is starting to rub off on you.
Rub Out
Erase, cancel out.
That's not correct what you have written. Rub it out.
Rub Someone Up (the wrong way)
To irritate, annoy somebody.
Your brother really rubs me up the wrong way. I can't stand him. rule
Rule Out
To declare as impossible.
In the current economic climate, we have to rule out any pay rises.
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run
Run Across
To meet by chance.
If you run across Giles, say hello, won't you?
Run Away
Escape, flee.
He ran away from three orphanages when a child.
Run Back Over
To discuss again.
Let's run back over the plan again so everyone is clear about what is involved.
Run Behind
To be late, behind schedule.
The new roof is running behind schedule by about two weeks.
Run Down
1. Hit someone with a vehicle.
Be careful! You almost knocked that woman over.
2. Find after a long search.
I finally ran her down in Donegal.
3. Say unkind things about a person.
Your wife is always running her sister down.
Run For
Contest an election.
The senator decided to run for President.
Run In
Begin using a machine slowly at the start.
Make sure you run in that car for at least two weeks.
Run On
1. Time to pass quickly.
Time is running on, let's finish up now.
2. Use as a source of energy.
This calculator runs on solar energy.
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Run Out
1. Come to a finish, an end.
Our time has run out. We must conclude here.
2. Finish supplies of something.
We have run out of petrol. Walk to the nearest filling station.
3. Abandon.
He ran out on his two kids.
Run Through
1. Go over a piece of work again.
I don't understand very well. Run through it again.
2. Play a piece of music.
Run through it without the drums.
Run To
Adds up to.
The bill for all of that runs to over a thousand dollars.
Run Up
Cause to accumulate.
She ran up a huge phone bill ringing her boyfriend in Peru. S saddle
Saddle With
Leave someone a large responsibility, burden.
I've been saddled with paying all these bills. sand
Sand Down
Make a surface smooth.
We will need to sand down those old doors.
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scare
Scare Off
Frighten away.
We heard a burglar in the garden but the dog scared him off. scrape
Scrape Along/By
Survive financially with difficulty.
We just scraped by once my husband lost his job.
Scrape Through
Just about qualify, pass an exam, etc.
She scraped through her chemistry exam with 51%.
Scrape Together
Collect with care and effort.
We managed to scrape together enough money for a new fridge. screw
Screw Out Of
(Informal) Force money out of.
The gang screwed protection money out of the neighborhood's businesses.
Screw Up
(Informal) Make a disaster of something.
I only asked him to book the restaurant and he even screwed that up! see
See By
Use something to help you see.
We used candles to see by.
See Off
Go to airport, station to say goodbye.
Will you come to see me off tomorrow at the airport?
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See Someone Out
Accompany someone to the door.
You don't have to see me out. I know the way.
See Through
1. Understand the real nature of someone.
You may be able to convince the others but I see through you.
2. Continue an activity until it's finished.
We have to see this project through. We have spent too much money to stop now.
See To
Take care of, deal with.
I'll see to it that the boss understands our feelings on this. sell
Sell Off
Sell things cheaply.
The government was accused of selling off the country's nationalized industries.
Sell Out
1. Sell all tickets, etc.
I'm sorry, we don't have any more apples left. We sold out an hour ago.
Sell Up
Sell house, business and leave town.
The harassment got so bad that he decided to sell up. send
Send Down
Send someone to prison.
The judge sent him down for ten years.
Send Off
1. Send a letter.
He sent off his application form for the job.
2. Say goodbye to someone at a station, airport.
All his friends went to the port to send him off.
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Send On
Send letters to new address.
The letters will be sent on to you at your new house.
Send Up
Ridicule someone, something.
The comedian sent up the President and made everyone laugh. set
Set About
Begin a job, task.
They set about cleaning the house with great enthusiasm.
Set Back
1. Cost.
The wedding set me back a huge amount of money.
2. Cause delay, problems.
The weather set the building work back by two days.
Set By
Use something to help you set a watch.
I always set my watch by Channel 2 news.
Set Down
Allow passenger to leave vehicle.
The driver set me down just outside the house.
Set In
Become established, likely to last a long time.
The snow has really set in now. We can't leave till tomorrow.
Set Off
1. Cause to explode.
The earthquake set off the old bomb.
2. Leave on a journey.
We have to set off tomorrow very early.
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3. To make something more attractive by comparison.
Your dress really sets off your hair.
Set Up
1. Prepare.
They carefully set up the experiment.
2. Start a business.
This company was set up in 1955. shake
Shake Off
Free self from something.
Thanks to all that vitamin C, he shook off his cold in just a day.
Shake Up
1. Disturb or shock someone.
The car crash really shook him up.
2. Get a person to perform, behave better.
Stopping all his privileges will shake him up a bit. show
Show Off
Draw attention to self to impress people.
She often showed off about all her jewelry.
Show Through
To be visible under a cover.
That black bra shows through your blouse too much!
Show Up
1. (Informal) Arrive.
He showed up drunk and two hours late!
2. Embarrass.
You showed me up at that dinner last night.
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shut
Shut Down
Stop production, working.
That factory shut down nearly five years ago.
Shut Off
Stop a supply of gas, water, etc.
Shut off the gas, otherwise it may explode.
Shut Out
Stop, block.
You need to shut out all memories of that accident.
Shut Up
Stop talking.
Can you shut your sister up. I can't hear the news. sign
Sign Away
Sign paper which gives possessions away.
He signed all his old cars over to his brother.
Sign Off
End a letter, TV program saying goodbye.
I would like to sign off by wishing you a wonderful evening.
Sign Up
Join something by signing a paper.
He has signed up to the army. single
Single Out
Choose someone for special attention.
I was singled out for praise in front of the rest of the school.
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sink
Sink In
Become absorbed.
The news of his promotion took a long time to sink in. sit
Sit Back
Not to get involved.
How can you sit back while thousands are dying in Africa every day from hunger.
Sit In
Stay in factory, university and refuse to work, study.
Students at the local university are sitting in until the authorities promise better studying conditions.
Sit Out
1. Not to participate.
This game looks a bit rough. I'll sit it out.
2. Stay until the end.
The play was terrible but I sat it out. slam
Slam On
Apply quickly, abruptly.
I saw the old lady crossing the road and managed to slam on the brakes just in time. sleep
Sleep Around
(Informal) Have many sexual relationships.
She doesn't know her boyfriend sleeps around. She'll be heartbroken if she finds out.
Sleep In
Stay in bed longer than usual.
It's Sunday today so you can sleep in for a while.
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Sleep Off
Recover from effects of something by sleeping.
He drank too much whiskey and has gone to bed to sleep it off.
Sleep On
1. Continue sleeping.
Let him sleep on - it's only seven o'clock.
2. Leave a decision till the next day.
I can't make up my mind which one I want. I will sleep on it. slip
Slip Up
(Informal) Make a mistake.
He really slipped up buying that car. It's falling to pieces!
snap
Snap Out Of
Stop acting in a stupid, immature way.
Stop feeling so sorry for yourself so much. Come on - snap out of it!
Snap Up
Take possession of something quickly and enthusiastically.
That car is a great bargain. You should snap it up. soak
Soak Through
Wet totally, completely.
That rain storm last night soaked me through.
Soak Up
Absorb information, atmosphere, etc.
We spent two weeks in Paris soaking up the culture, the language, the food. It was marvelous.
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sort
Sort Out
Arrange, deal with.
I need to sort something out and then I can come with you.
Sort out your room will you please. speak
Speak For Itself
To be obvious, clear.
The conclusions written in the board's report speak for themselves.
Speak Out
Oppose a plan, proposal vehemently.
We need to speak out against the treatment of women is certain states.
Speak Up
1. Speak louder.
Speak up Bill, we can't hear you!
2. Express an opinion.
If you disagree so much with the manager, you should speak up and say something. spell
Spell Out
Make details clearer.
You need to spell out exactly what you have in mind. spin
Spin Out
Make something last a long time.
You will have to spin out that money for another week. splash
Splash Out
Spend a lot of money on.
He really splashed out for their holiday.
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split
Split Up
Break a relationship with somebody.
Have you heard that Joe has split up with Mandy? stake
Stake Out
Watch a place carefully.
The police are staking out that café across the street looking for the suspect.
Stake Something On
Gamble something on.
I staked my whole life on building that house. stand
Stand By
1. Be ready for action.
The British aircraft carrier HMS Dougal is standing by awaiting government orders.
2. Not act in a situation.
Don't stand by while someone is insulting your wife.
3. Support, agree with somebody.
If it comes to an argument, you know I will stand by you.
Stand Down
Resign from a job, position.
After the scandal, the minister had no option but to stand down.
Stand For
1. Represent, support.
This company stands for family values.
2. Mean (abbreviations)
NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
3. Tolerate.
I won't stand for your bad attitude any longer.
4. Contest an election.
Max Miller is standing for mayor in the city elections.
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Stand In
Substitute someone.
Henry is standing in for Edward who is ill today.
Stand Out
Be obvious in comparison with something else.
Her great work this year has helped her to stand out from the rest of the office.
Stand Somebody Up
(Informal) Not to go on a date with someone.
I waited for an hour before I accepted that he had stood me up. start
Start Back
Start journey home.
It's time we started back. Look at the time.
Start Off
Begin.
I want to start off by talking about the history of this building.
Start Out
Start on a journey.
We started out from Boston. stay
Stay Away
Keep distant from.
Stay away from my daughter. I don't trust you.
Stay In
Not to go out.
I don' feel well tonight. I think I will stay in.
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step
Step Up
1. Approach something.
Step up to the microphone Derek. Sing us a song.
2. Increase.
We need to step up your vitamin intake, Mrs. Jones. stick
Stick At
Keep working, etc at an activity.
You can't quit another job. You never stick at anything!
Stick Out
1. Be obvious in comparison to something else.
You really stick out in those pink trousers.
2. Put something out, outside.
Stick your hand out of the window and see if you can catch a snowflake.
3. Keep doing something until conditions improve.
I hate my job but I will stick it out until I can get a better one.
Stick To
Stay to an agreed contract, decision.
Please stick to our agreed deal, Mr. Jones. We never said I would have to pay extra as you are saying now!
Stick Up
Give support for somebody.
I will stick up for you if they accuse you of doing it. stop
Stop By
Visit a person.
If I have time, I will stop by and see you tomorrow.
Stop In
Stay at home.
Look at the terrible weather, let's stop in tonight.
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Stop Over
Break your journey.
On the way to Melbourne, we stopped over for a day in Bangkok.
Stop Up
Block a hole with something.
We can stop up that hole with a bit of cloth. strike
Strike Off
Remove someone from a professional body.
The doctor was struck off for serious malpractice.
Strike Up
Begin, start.
I struck up a great friendship with a man in Paris last year. string
String Along
Deceive a person repeatedly.
He won't give you that job - he is stringing you along.
String Out
Make last longer than necessary.
I hate it when he strings out his jokes like that.
String Together
Join together.
He was so drunk that he couldn't even string together three words. strip
Strip Down
Take a machine to pieces.
I had to strip down the engine completely before finding the problem.
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suck
Suck Up To
(Informal) Ingratiate oneself to figure of authority.
Of course he gets the best marks. He is always sucking up to the teacher. swear
Swear By
Believe in something very much.
I swear by Tea Tree Oil for curing all my skin problems.
Swear On
Ask as a witness for your honesty, promise.
I swear on my son's life that I never killed her. T take Take Aback
Be surprised.
I was taken aback by her impolite attitude.
Take After
Resemble somebody else's character.
He takes after his father - both equally miserly.
Take Back
1. Bring faulty goods back to a shop.
I have to take that radio back and get my money back.
2. Remind someone of their past.
Seeing my ex-girlfriend again really took me back to when I was at university.
3. Withdraw a criticism, remark, insult, etc.
Look, I take back everything I said. I was drunk.
Take Down
Write something, take notes.
Here is his phone number, take it down.
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Take For
Think a person is something.
I took you for the manager. I didn't realize you were a salesman like the rest of us!
Take In
1. Allow someone to live in your house.
When I saw the flat she was living in, I agreed to take her in for a month or so.
2. (Informal) Deceive, trick somebody.
She was taken in by his promises and his charm.
3. Include.
Our day out took in the museum and the old cathedral.
4. Understand, digest information.
I wasn't listening very well and didn't take very much in. Can you repeat it please?
Take Off
1. Leave the ground.
The plane couldn't take off due to high winds.
2. Be a success, improve.
Our company will never take off unless we spend more money.
3. Do an impression of someone.
He takes off Michael Jackson really well.
4. Remove something from a list, menu, TV schedule.
The TV company decided to take off the program that had caused so many complaints.
Take On
1. Challenge.
You shouldn't take on IBM, they are much too big.
2. Employ.
We need to take on at least three more people for the Christmas period.
3. Accept new responsibilities.
I feel ready to take on more now that my children have left home.
Take Out
1. Go out with.
I hear he is taking out his secretary now. People will gossip!
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2. Extract.
The dentist took out three of my wisdom teeth.
3. Start a policy, licence.
You will need to take out a new insurance policy for your boat.
4. Show anger by treating someone badly.
Don't take out your frustration at losing your job on me!!
5. Cause stress, tiredness.
Looking after four young children really takes is out of you!
Take Over
1. Take control of.
IBM has taken over the small software company Hi-Tec Plc.
2. Accept responsibility, job from someone else.
Gina has taken over Jane's advertising office.
Take Through
Explain, guide someone through something difficult.
Don't worry about your first day at work. I will take you through it.
Take To
1. Start something as a habit
He has taken to staying up very late. He was never like that before.
2. Escape somewhere.
The prisoners took to the forest where they couldn't be found.
3. Develop keenness, liking for something.
I have really taken well to windsurfing.
Take Up
1. Start a new hobby.
He has taken up stamp-collecting to try and relax a little.
2. Discuss.
There's an important thing I would like to take up with you.
3. Occupy time.
We took up so long discussing the new company logo.
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talk
Talk Down
1. Underplay the quality, importance of something.
Boxers often talk down their opponents before a fight.
2. Talk insultingly to someone.
He always talks down to me like I'm a child.
Talk Into
Persuade.
I didn't want to come tonight, but my wife talked me into it.
Talk Out Of
Persuade not to.
I wanted to come tonight, but my wife talked me out of it.
Talk Over
Discuss.
The two men talked over the situation for more than an hour.
Talk Round
1. Persuade someone to do something.
Jon talked me round into going on holiday with him.
2. Avoid talking directly about a subject.
We didn't discuss the possibility of starting our own business exactly. We talked around it for a while.
Talk Through
Describe procedure, process with someone.
I will talk you through your first operation. Just listen to everything I tell you. tear
Tear Away
Leave a place under duress.
You will have to tear yourself away from the TV for just five minutes.
Tear Down
Destroy.
They are tearing down the old pub at the end of the road. What a shame!
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tell
Tell Against
Count against someone.
His criminal record will tell against him and he probably won't get the job.
Tell Apart
Distinguish, identify between two or more things.
When the twins dress the same, I can't tell them apart.
Tell By
Use to form an opinion.
I can tell by your mood that you didn't win the match today!
Tell Off
Blame, discipline a person.
It's so late. My father will really tell me off. think
Think Of
1. Consider.
You must think of the consequences before acting.
2. Remember.
I'm trying to think of where we were last year at this time.
3. Suggest.
Think of a good film we can go and see.
Think Out
Consider something with great care.
Think out what may happen if you don't pay this money!
Think Over
Consider for a long time.
This is a huge decision which we must think over carefully before making.
Think Up
Invent, create.
You always manage to think up a new excuse for why you arrive late to school.
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throw
Throw Away
1. Lose an opportunity.
You could have married her and you threw it all away.
2. Get rid of something permanently.
That old radio doesn't work at all. We can throw it away.
Throw In
(Informal) Include.
While chatting, he threw in an invite to his party.
Throw Out
Reject.
The board immediately threw out the new proposal.
Throw Together
Make quickly.
I will throw together a meal if you are hungry.
Throw Up
Vomit, be sick.
It's no surprise he threw up after six vodkas! tie
Tie Down
1. Limit someone to something.
He tried to be flexible but they tied him down to the contract.
2. Have freedom limited.
I won't get married until I am ready to be tied down.
Tie In With
Connect, link, agree with.
This new proposal ties in with what we were promised last year.
Tie Up
Be blocked.
All my money is tied up with my wife's company.
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tone
Tone Down
Make less obvious, notable, offensive.
Can you tone down your language? There are children present.
Tone Up
Make muscles stronger.
This aerobic class will tone you up nicely for the summer. top
Top Off
Add a finishing touch to something.
And he topped off his speech with a terrible joke.
Top Up
Refill.
Would you like me to top up your glass of wine? touch
Touch Down
(Plane) To land on the ground.
We touched down at JFK at just gone six in the morning.
Touch For
(Informal) Ask someone for money.
I think he is a bit poor as he has touched me for loans three times this month.
Touch Off
Cause a war, dispute, riot, etc.
What started as a local tribal dispute touched off a full scale war.
Touch On
Mention briefly.
He never even touched on our proposal!
Touch Up
Add a few details, new paint to something.
The picture is great except you need to touch up the background a bit.
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track
Track Down
Find after a long search.
I finally tracked him down to a small bar in Manchester. trade
Trade In
Exchange one thing for another - often for a discount.
I traded in my old Ford and got a new Jeep for half price.
Trade On
Take advantage of someone's weakness, sympathy.
She was trading on his weakness for blonde women. try
Try On
1. Test clothes for size.
Try on those jeans and see if they fit you or not.
2. (Informal) Behave in dishonest way.
You want fifty dollars for that old bicycle. Are you trying it on?
Try Out
Experiment with a new product, food, etc.
Let's try out that new restaurant near the bank. tuck
Tuck Away
Store something that is no longer needed.
Tuck away those old clothes in the wardrobe.
Tuck In
1. Eat food quickly.
You must be hungry going by the way you are tucking in!
2. Make someone comfortable in bed.
Can you tuck in the children while I finish the cooking?
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Tuck Up
Fold.
Tuck up your sleeves. They are hanging in the soup. tune
Tune In
Adjust a TV or radio to receive a certain station.
I tune in for this program every Sunday. turn
Turn Down
1. Reject, refuse to accept.
They turned down my book saying it was too long.
2. Reduce volume.
Turn down that music. We are trying to sleep here!
Turn In
1. Go to bed.
I am so tired, I think I will turn in.
2. Give someone over to the police.
The murderer was turned in by his brother.
Turn Into
Become.
That nice pub has turned into a horrible theme restaurant.
Turn Off
1. Leave a road.
You have to turn off at the next junction.
2. Make a person lose interest, appetite.
Men who swear really turn me off.
3. Use a switch, dial, button to stop a machine.
Turn off the light if you are leaving the kitchen.
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Turn On
1. Start a machine.
Let's turn on the TV and watch that film.
2. Cause pleasure, excitement in somebody.
Black lingerie really turns me on.
3. Attack.
The dog turned on him and bit him.
Turn Out
1. Attend, come to a performance, show, etc.
A large crowd turned out for the summer show in the park.
2. Happen.
It turns out that my brother and his wife are getting a divorce.
The weather turned out really nice today.
3. Dress.
They always turn themselves out very elegantly.
4. Empty.
Turn out your pockets and put everything on the table please.
Turn Over
1. Replace stock in a shop.
Supermarkets have to turn over their fruit and vegetable often.
2. Give control, possession to somebody else.
He turned over the small business to a local businessman.
Turn Round
Cause an improvement in something.
He is turning that company round with sheer hard work.
Turn To
1. Become, be changed.
Water turns to ice when the temperature is below 0ºC.
2. Go to someone for support, money, help.
If my wife leaves me, who can I turn to for help?
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Turn Up
Appear, arrive.
My key turned up under the bed.
What time will John be turning up?
V vote Vote Down
Reject something by voting against it.
The House of Lords voted down the proposal to ban fox hunting.
Vote Through
Approve of something by voting for it.
The new budget was voted through with a narrow majority. vouch
Vouch For
Express approval, trust in a person.
I will vouch for his story. He is an honest person.
W wait
Wait On
Do things for, serve a person.
I am not waiting on your like a slave!
Wait Out
Wait until the end of something.
We should wait out the storm before leaving the house. Wait Up
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walk
Walk Away With
Win a competition easily.
We were the best team by a long way and walked away with the cup.
Walk Into
Meet something unpleasant by accident.
They walked into a bank robbery and were taken hostage.
Walk Off With
Take, usually by accident.
I walked off with someone else's bag by mistake.
Walk Out
Leave, abandon.
Her husband walked out on her and left her to look after two young children alone. warm
Warm Down
To exercise slowly at the end of an activity.
We'll finish the match and then we'll warm down for ten minutes.
Warm To
Start liking something, someone.
I didn't like crab at first, but I'm warming to it.
Warm Up
To exercise slowly before an activity.
Don't go straight out and play before warming up otherwise you will pull a muscle. wash
Wash Down
Drink something after eating.
I had a great pizza washed down with premium beer.
Wash Over
When a sound, noise, argument happens near a person and is ignored.
The loud music my neighbors play every night washes over me now. I am used to it.
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Wash Up
Clean plates, dishes after a meal.
I will wash up if you put the plates in the cupboard after.
watch
Watch Out
Be careful, cautious.
With all this ice on the roads, watch out when you are driving.
Watch Over
Be responsible for safety, well-being of someone.
We need a new babysitter to watch over the children. water
Water Down
Dilute, add water to reduce strength of something.
This beer is terrible. I think someone has watered it down. wear
Wear Away
Use and damage something with constant use, exposure.
The wind has worn away the inscription on the stone.
Wear Down
Cause to become weaker, smaller, etc.
I have worn down these shoes totally. I need new ones.
Wear Off
Reduce the effects of something.
My headache isn't wearing off. I think I will take an aspirin.
Wear On
Time to pass.
As the evening wore on, I got really tired.
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Wear Out
Make tired.
The children really wore me out today. I am exhausted. weigh
Weigh Against
Count against in a decision.
His previous criminal conviction will weigh against him.
Weigh Down
Cause a person to be tired, depressed, stressed.
All this new responsibility is really weighing down on me.
Weigh In
Contribute to a discussion, etc.
Everyone gave money to the cause. Even James weighed in with a hundred dollars.
Weigh On
Cause concern in someone's mind.
His illness weighed on my mind for nearly a year before he recovered.
Weigh Up
Consider the advantages and disadvantages before deciding.
Don't take the job without weighing up everything.
Weigh With
Influence someone.
The new witness's evidence didn't weigh much with the jury. while
While Away
Pass time in a casual, lazy way.
I spent an hour by the canal just whiling the afternoon away. win
Win Over
Convince finally.
His final argument won over the jury and the case was won.
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Win Round
Gain a person's friendship.
He won his mother-in-law round by buying her a new house. wind
Wind Down
Cause to slow down.
The party started to wind down at about two o'clock.
Wind Up
1. Excite.
His behavior wound up the crowd and the police told him to calm down.
2. Cause a business to stop.
His company wound up last year due to bankruptcy.
3. Finish, end.
If you drive like that, you'll wind up in hospital. wipe
Wipe Out
Destroy, get rid of.
The bombers wiped out the village.
This holiday has wiped out my savings. work
Work Against
Have a negative effect.
Her poor health will work against her in that type of job.
Work In
To include.
Work in some references to the boss's wife in your speech.
Work Off
Get rid of something by work, exercise.
You have over a thousand dollars of debt to work off.
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Work On
1. Work and think about something.
We have a major problem but my group is working on it.
2. Have an effect on.
It's a great soap powder but it doesn't work on natural fibers.
3. Try to convince.
She said no but I am working on her.
Work Out
1. End successfully.
It looked bad at one point, but it all worked out in the end.
2. Solve, resolve.
Do you know how to work out these quadratic equations?
3. Do exercises, gym.
He works out three times a week. That's why he is so fit.
Work Up
1. Encourage, build up.
I have worked up a big appetite with all this running.
2. (Reflexive) Excite oneself to a high point of anger, excitement.
Stay calm! You're working yourself up to a frenzy.
Work Up To
Approach the climax of something.
It's getting busy at the factory. We are working up to the busiest time of the year. wring
Wring Out
1. Twist clothes to get rid of water.
This shirt is soaking wet. Didn't you wring it out?
2. Get a confession, promise out of someone.
The police were accused of wringing a confession out of the suspect using violence.
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write
Write Off
1. Apply for something.
I wrote off for that job in the bank.
2. Destroy something totally.
He has written off that car in an accident.
3. Accept something as a loss, failure.
Don't worry about the money you lent him. Write it off as a loss. You'll never get it back.
Write Up
Put notes into normal writing.
After I write up these lecture notes, I will lend them to you to read. Z zero
Zero In On
Get near to the point, target.
The police are zeroing in on the gang of robbers. zoom
Zoom In On
Move a camera towards something to see bigger and more clearly.
I want to see that man's face better. Zoom in on him.
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