Suryavanshi Publications

“Better choice for knowledge”

English PHRASAL VERBS with Explanation

Chanakya raj
 PHRASAL VERB MEANING

1. Abide by Accept or follow a decision or rule.

Explanation: We have to ABIDE BY what the court says.

2. Account for To explain.

Explanation: They had to ACCOUNT FOR all the money that had gone missing.

3. Ache for Want something or someone a lot.

Explanation: My partner's been away for a fortnight- I am ACHING FOR her.

4. Act on To take action because of something like information received.

Explanation: The police were ACTING ON a tip from an informer and caught the gang
red- handed.

5. Act on Affect.
Explanation: The medicine only ACTS ON infected tissue.

6. Act out Perform something with actions and gestures.

Explanation: They ACTED OUT the story on stage.

7. Act out Express an emotion in your behaviour.

Explanation: Their anger is ACTED OUT in their antisocial behaviour.

8. Act up Behave badly or strangely.

Explanation: My computer's ACTING UP; I think I might have a virus.

9. Act upon To take action because of something like information received.

Explanation: The police were ACTING UPON a tip- off.

10. Act upon Affect.

Explanation: The enzyme ACTS UPON certain proteins.

11. Add on Include in a calculation.

Explanation: You have to ADD the VAT ON to the price they give.

12. Add up To make a mathematical total.

Explanation: We ADDED UP the bill to check it was

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13. Add up to Have a certain result.
Explanation: Trains delays are getting worse and with the high fares, it all ADDS UP
TO misery for the commuters.

14. Add up to Come to a certain amount or figure.

Explanation: The total costs ADD UP TO several million euros.

15. Add up to Come to a certain amount or figure.

Explanation: The total costs ADD UP TO several million euros.

16. Agree with Affect- usually used in the negative to show that something has had a
negative effect, especially is it makes you feel bad.
Explanation: I feel terrible- that food didn't AGREEWITH my stomach.

17. Aim at To target.

Explanation: They're AIMING AT reducing costs byten percent .

18. Aim at Intend to achieve.

Explanation: They're AIMING AT reducing costs by ten percent.

19. Allow for Include something in a plan or calculation.

Explanation: You should ALLOW FOR delays when planning a journey.

20. Allow of Make possible, permit.

Explanation: The rules don't ALLOW OF any exceptions.

21. Angle for Try to get something indirectly, by hinting or suggesting.

Explanation: He's been ANGLING FOR an invitation, but I don't want him to come.

22. Answer back To reply rudely to someone in authority.

Explanation: Her mother was shocked when she started ANSWERING her BACK
and refusing to help.

23. Answer for Be held responsible for a problem.

Explanation: The government should be made to Answer for Be held responsible for a
problem.

24. Answer for Speak on behalf of someone or from knowing them.

Explanation: I can ANSWER FOR my partner becauseI know her position on this
issue.
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25. Argue down Beat someone in a debate, discussion or argument.
Explanation: The teacher tried to ARGUE the girlDOWN, but she couldn't.

26. Argue down Persuade someone to drop the price of something they're selling.
Explanation: They tried to ARGUE DOWN theproposal.
27. Argue out Argue about a problem to find a solution.
If we can't ARGUE our differences OUT we will have to take them to
Explanation:
Court.
28. Ask about Ask how someone is doing, especially professionally and in terms of
health.
He ASKED ABOUT my father.
Explanation:

29. Ask after Enquire about someone's health, how life is going.
Explanation: Jenny rang earlier and ASKED AFTER you, so I told her you were fine.

30. Ask around Ask a number of people for information of help.

Explanation: I have no idea, but I'll ASK AROUND at work and see if anyone can
Help.
31. Ask around Invite someone.
Explanation: We ASKED them AROUND for dinner.

32. Ask for To provoke a negative reaction.

Explanation: You're ASKING FOR trouble.

33. Ask for Request to have or be given.

Explanation: I ASKED FOR the menu.

34. Ask in To invite somebody into your house.

Explanation: 'Jon's at the door.' 'ASK him IN.

35. Ask out He wanted to ASK her OUT but was too shy.
Explanation: To invite someone for a date.

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36. Ask over Invite.
Explanation: They have ASKED us OVER for drinks on Friday.

37. Ask round Invite someone.

Explanation: We ASKED John ROUND for diner. They AUCTIONED OFF their
Property.
38. Auction off Sell something in an auction.
Explanation: They AUCTIONED OFF their property.

39. Back away Retreat or go backwards.

Explanation: The crowd BACKED AWAY when the man pulled a knife.

40. Back down Retract or withdraw your position or proposal in an argument.

Explanation: She refused to BACK DOWN and was fired.

42. Back into Enter a parking area in reverse gear.

Explanation: He prefers to BACK his car INTO the garage.

43. Back off Retreat.

Explanation: The police told the protesters to BACK OFF.

44. Back out Fail to keep an arrangement or promise.

Explanation: He BACKED OUT two days before the holiday so we gave the ticket to
his sister.
45. Back out of Fail to keep an agreement, arrangement.
Explanation: She BACKED OUT OF the agreement at
the last minute.

46. Back out of Exit a parking area in reverse gear.

Explanation: She BACKED the Rolls OUT OF its parking space.

47. Back up Make a copy of computer data.

Explanation: You should always BACK UP important files and documents so that
you won't lose all your work if something goes wrong with the hardware.

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 48. Back up Support.
Explanation: The rest of the staff BACKED her UP when she complained about
working conditions.

49. Back up Drive a vehicle backwards.

Explanation: Tom BACKED UP without looking and ran over his laptop.

50. Bag out To quit or abandon an activity.

Explanation: Don't bag out BAG OUT Australian English.

51. Bail out Save, rescue.

Explanation: The government had to BAIL OUT the airline because it was losing so
much money .
52. Bail out Remove water from something that is flooded.
Explanation: The boat was leaking so they had to BAIL it OUT.

53. Bail out To jump out from plain when its going to be crash .
Explanation: The pilot BAILED OUT when he saw that engines had failed .

54. Bail out of Pay a bond to release someone from jail.

Explanation: I must BAIL my drunken brother OUT OF jail.

55. Bail out on Stop supporting someone when they are in trouble.
Explanation: Everybody BAILED OUT ON him when the scandal broke.

56. Bail up Talk to someone and delay them.

Explanation: I was late because he BAILED me UP on the phone and wouldn't shut
up.
57. Bail up Rob someone at gunpoint.
Explanation: He was BAILED UP by a couple of muggers as he came out of the
Bank

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 58. Ball up Confuse or make things complicated.
Explanation: The new project has BALLED me UP- I have no idea what to do.
59. Ball up Roll or form into a round shape.
Explanation: He BALLED UP his napkin when he had finished eating.
60. Balls up Spoil, ruin.
Explanation: He BALLSED the presentation UP.
61. Bang about Move in a place making a lot of noise.
Explanation: He's BANGING ABOUT in the kitchen.
62. Bang around Move in a place making a lot of noise.
Explanation: I can hear him BANGING ABOUT upstairs.
63. Bang on Talk at great length.
Explanation: He BANGED ON for half an hour but no one was listening.
64. Bang on about Keep talking about something.
Explanation: He's always BANGING ON ABOUT football.
65. Bang out Play a musical instrument loudly.
Explanation: She BANGED the tune OUT on the piano.
66. Bang up Put someone in prison.
Explanation: The judge BANGED him UP for eight years.
67. Bang up Damage badly.
Explanation: He BANGED his car UP last night.
68. Bank on Count or rely on.
Explanation: I'm BANKING ON your help; I can't do it alone.
69. Bargain down Persuade someone to drop the price of something they're selling.
Explanation: I BARGAINED her DOWN to half what she originally wanted.
70. Bargain for Expect something to happen (usually negative).
Explanation: I hadn't BARGAINED FOR so many people coming.
71. Bargain on Expect something to happen (usually negative).
Explanation: I hadn't BARGAINED ON him coming.
72. Barge in Enter a place and interrupt.
Explanation: He keeps BARGING IN and asking stupid questions when I'm
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 trying to work.

73. Barge into Enter a place and interrupt people rudely.

Explanation: knocking and started talking even though I was on the phone.
74. Bash about Mistreat physically.
Explanation: If you BASH your monitor ABOUT like that, it won't last long.
75. Bash in Break, damage or injure by hitting.
Explanation: The burglars BASHED the door IN to enter the house.
76. Bash out Write something quickly without much preparation.
Explanation: I BASHED the essay OUT the night before I had to hand it in.
77. Bash up Break, damage or hurt by hitting.
Explanation: They BASHED him UP in the fight in the pub last week and he had
to go to hospital.
78. Bawl out Scold, shout at someone.
Explanation: She BAWLED me OUT for coming home drunk.
79. Bawl out Scold.
Explanation: She BAWLED Raj OUT for getting there late.
80. Bawl out Sing or shout unpleasantly loudly.
Explanation: He BAWLED OUT our names at the top of his voice.
81. Be after Try to find or get.
Explanation: The police ARE AFTER him because of the theft.
82. Be along Arrive.
Explanation: The next bus should BE ALONG in the next quarter of an hour or so.
83. Be away Be elsewhere; on holiday, etc.
Explanation: She's AWAY on business for three weeks.
84. Be cut out for Be suitable, have the necessary qualities.
Explanation: She's not CUT OUT FOR this kind of work.
85. Be cut up Be upset.
Explanation: She was very CUT UP about coming second as she thought she
deserved to win.
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86. Be down Be depressed.
Explanation: He's BEEN DOWN since his partner left him.
87. Be down Be reduced or less.
Explanation: The firm's profits ARE DOWN by ten percent this quarter.
88. Be down on Have negative feelings toward someone.
Explanation: After the argument, James is DOWN ON his boss.
89. Be down with Be ill.
Explanation: Gul is DOWN WITH some bug and is off work today.
90. Be fed up Be bored, upset or sick of something.
Explanation: I AM FED UP of his complaints.
91. Be in Be at home or at work.
Explanation: They ARE never IN; I always get their answerphone.
92. Be in Be submitted, arrive.
Explanation: The application form must BE IN by 3pm on Friday.
93. Be in on Be involved in.
Example: Susan was the only one who WASN'T IN ON the plan.
94. Be not on Be unacceptable.
Explanation: The way he's behaving IS just NOT ON the plan.
95. Be off Be bad (of food).
Explanation: This yoghurt must BE OFF; it smells foul.
96. Be off Depart, leave.
Explanation: I'm OFF home; it's five o'clock.
97. Be on Be functioning (of machines).
Explanation: The computer IS ON.
98. Be on Take place.
Explanation: The show IS ON for the next three months.
99. Be on Take medication or drugs, especially when they affect the person
badly.
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Explanation: He IS ON anti-depressants and has become very difficult to please.
100. Be on Be at the top of one’s game, performing very well.
Explanation: He IS really ON right now- three goals in five minutes!
101. Be on about Mean, try to say.
Explanation: I couldn't understand what he WAS ON ABOUT- it made no sense.
102. Be onto Pursue, be aware of someone's true nature.
Explanation: He's being very careful because he thinks the police ARE ONTO
him.
103. Be out Be absent from a place.
Explanation: She IS OUT on a visit for the day.
104. Be out of Have no more left.
Explanation: We're OUT OF coffee so I'll have to go and get some.
105. Be out to Attempt.
Explanation: She IS OUT TO get him sacked because she hates him.
106. Be snowed under Have too much work.
Explanation: We're completely SNOWED UNDER atwork because it's the end
of the tax year.
107. Be taken aback Be shocked or surprised.

Explanation: I WAS TAKEN ABACK when I saw him because he's lost all
his hair.
108. Be taken with Like something.

Explanation: I WAS very TAKEN WITH the performance- it was superb.

109. Be up Be out of bed.

Explanation: She's not UP yet.

110. Be up Have increased or risen.

Explanation: The company's profits ARE UP by fifteen percent.

111. Be up When the time for something finishes or expires.

Explanation: Time's UP, please finish your drinks and leave.

112. Be up for Be enthusiastic about an upcoming event.

Explanation: ARE you UP FOR the climb of Mt.Blanc?

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 113. Be up to Be good enough.

Explanation: He's not UP TO the job; get someone else.

114. Be up to Doing something naughty or wrong.

Explanation: What are those kids UP TO?

115. Bear down on Move towards.

Explanation: She spotted him on the other side of the room and BORE DOWN
ON him.

116. Bear on Influence, affect.

Explanation: The judge's character may well BEAR ON the final decision.

117. Bear out Confirm that something is correct.

Explanation: Statistics BEAR OUT the government's positions on the issue.

118. Bear up Resist pressure.

Explanation: How are you BEARING UP under the strain?

119. Bear up under Cope with something difficult or stressful.

Explanation: He's BEARING UP UNDER the pressure .

120. Bear with Be patient.

Explanation: Please BEAR WITH me a moment while I finish this email.

121. Beat down Strong sunshine.

Explanation: The sun WAS really BEATING DOWN and we couldn't stay
outdoors.

122. Beat down Get someone to lower the price of something.

Explanation: I managed to BEAT him DOWN to fifty Euros.

123. Beat out Narrowly win in competition.

Explanation: The marathon runner barely BEAT OUT his rival at the tape.

124. Beat up Attack violently.

Explanation: The mugger BEAT him UP and stole his wallet.

125. Beaver away Work hard.

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 Explanation: She's BEAVERING AWAY before her exams.

126. Beaver away at Work hard doing something.

Explanation: I have to BEAVER AWAY AT it or else I will fail the course.

127. Bed down Sleep somewhere less comfortable than normal.

Explanation: We had to BED DOWN on the floor for the night.

128. Bed out Move a plant outside.

Explanation: I BEDDED the plants OUT when the weather warmed up.
129. Beef up Make something stronger or more solid.

Explanation: The company BEEFED UP their case when they saw that the

public wouldn't accept their first explanation of the accident.

130. Belong to Be a member.

Explanation: He BELONGS TO a secret society.

131. Belong to Be connected to a time, place, belief, thing, etc.

Explanation: Their ideas BELONG TO the nineteenth century and seem old-

fashioned now.
132. Belong with Be in the correct or appropriate location with other items.

Explanation: Does this disc BELONG WITH those on the shelf?

133. Belt out Sing something loudly.

Explanation: They BELTED OUT the national anthems before the game.

134. Belt up Be quiet.

Explanation: She told the students to BELT UP because they were making so

much noise.
135. Belt up Fasten your seatbelt.

Explanation: I told the kids to BELT UP before I started the car.

136. Bend down Lower the top half of your body.

Explanation: I BENT DOWN to pick it up off the floor

137. Bend over Lower the top part of your body.

Explanation: I BENT OVER to do my shoes up.

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138. Bend over backwards Do a lot to try to help or please someone.

Explanation: I BENT OVER BACKWARDS for them .

139. Big up Exaggerate the importance.

Explanation: He BIGS himself UP all the time.

140. Big up Increase the size of muscles by exercise.

Explanation: They work out a lot to BIG themselves UP.

141. Bitch up Spoil or ruin something.
Explanation: I BITCHED UP the interview.

142. Black out Fall unconscious.

Explanation: He BLACKED OUT and collapsed on the floor.

143. Black out Lose light.

Explanation: Everything BLACKED OUT when the power supply failed.

144. Blank out Censor text so that words cannot be read.

Explanation: The email addresses were BLANKED OUT in the documents shown

to the court.
145. Blank out Have a temporary memory failure.

Explanation: I was so nervous in the interview that I just BLANKED OUT and

Couldn’t answer their questions properly.

146. Blare out A loud sound or music.

Explanation: The music was BLARING OUT and I couldn't get to sleep.
147. Blast off Leave the ground- spaceship or rocket.

Explanation: The space shuttle BLASTED OFF on schedule yesterday.

148. Blaze away Fire a gun repeatedly.

Explanation: The shooters BLAZED AWAY at the pheasants.

149. Bleed out Cause sufficient blood loss to result in death.

Explanation: They BLED OUT their calves.

150. Bliss out Be extremely relaxed and happy.

Explanation: I BLISSED OUT on the beach all week.

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151. Block in Park a car and obstruct another car.

Explanation: I couldn't drive here this morning because someone had BLOCKED

Me IN.

152. Block in Shade or fill in.

Explanation: He BLOCKED IN the events in his calendar.

153. Block off Obstruct an exit to prevent people from leaving.

Explanation: The police BLOCKED OFF the road after the murder.

154. Block out Stop light from entering or leaving.

Explanation: The trees BLOCK the sun OUT most of the day.

155. Block out Try not think about or feel something because it is upsetting or

painful.

Explanation: It was so unpleasant that I try to BLOCK it OUT- otherwise, I'd just
be angry all the time.

156. Block up Fill a space so that nothing can pass.

Explanation: The pipe's BLOCKED UP and no water gets through.
157. Blow away Kill.

Explanation: He grabbed a gun and BLEW the police officer AWAY.

158. Blow away Beat rivals or competitors by a large margin.

Explanation: Their new product has BLOWN all the others AWAY.

159. Blow away Impress greatly.

Explanation: Her first novel BLEW me AWAY.

160. Blow away When the wind moves something from a place.

Explanation: The flag BLEW AWAY in the storm; we'll have to buy a new one.
161. Blow down When the wind forces something to fall.

Explanation: A tree was BLOWN DOWN in the storm.

162. Blow in Arrive, sometimes suddenly or unexpectedly.

Explanation: He BLEW IN from Toronto early this morning.

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163. Blow off Not keep an appointment.

Explanation: We were going to meet last night, but she BLEW m e OFF at the last

Minute.

164. Blow off Ignore, not do something.

Explanation: I BLEW the homework OFF and did badly.

165. Blow off Expel gas from the anus.

Explanation: He BLEW OFF in front of everybody.
166. Blow out Extinguish candles, matches, etc..

Explanation: She BLEW the candles OUT on her birthday cake.

167. Blow out Defeat decisively.

Explanation; The Broncos BLEW OUT the Raiders 55-

168. Blow over When a scandal gets forgotten.

Explanation: The scandal BLEW OVER within a fortnight when the press found
someone else to attack.
169. Blow up Explode.

Explanation: The bomb BLEW UP without any warning.

170. Blow up Inflate.

Explanation: The pressure was low, so I BLEW the tyre UP.

171. Blow up Enlarge (e.g., photograph)..

Explanation: BLOW UP that photo so we can see his face.

172. Blow up The beginning of a storm.

Explanation: A storm BLEW UP while we were out walking.

173. Blow up Lose your temper, become angry.

Explanation: They BLEW UP when they heard what I had done wrong.
174. Blurt out Say something quickly without thinking, especially if you shouldn't.
Explanation: I was really angry when he BLURTED OUT the secret.

175. Board out Arrange for pets to stay somewhere while you're away.
Explanation: We BOARD our dog OUT with friends when we go abroad.

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 176. Board up Cover windows or doors with wood, metal, etc..

Explanation: They BOARDED UP all the windows to stop people getting into the

empty houses.
177. Bog down Slow make progress.

Explanation: Yasini got BOGGED DOWN in his research and didn't finish the
project in time.
178. Bog in Eat enthusiastically.

Explanation: We were starving and BOGGED IN when the food was served.

179. Bog into Eat something enthusiastically.

Explanation: They BOGGED INTO the lunch.

180. Bog off! Get lost.

Explanation: He lost his temper and told her to BOG OFF.

181. Boil down Simplify, reduce to the essentials.

Explanation: The report's so long, I BOILED it DOWN into a two-page summary.

182. Boil down to Amount to.

Explanation: It all BOILS DOWN TO money at the end of the day.

183. Boil over When a hot liquid spills out of a container.

Explanation: I left the milk on the cooker and it BOILED OVER.

184. Boil over When people lose their tempers and things get nasty.
Explanation: The tension had been building up and it BOILED OVER in the

meeting.
185. Boil up Feel a negative emotion strongly.

Explanation: The anger BOILED UP in me when I saw what they had done.

186. Boil up Cook or heat something to boiling point.

Explanation: I BOILED UP some water for a cup of coffee.

187. Bolster up Give support, reinforce, strengthen.

Explanation: We were all scared but she BOLSTERED UP our courage.

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188. Bone up Study hard for a reason.

Explanation: I will have to BONE UP to get a good result.

189. Bone up on Study hard for a goal or reason.

Explanation: I need to BONE UP ON my French grammar for the test.

190. Book in Make a reservation in advance.

Explanation: I'll BOOK us IN at the Intercontinental.

191. Book in Check in at a hotel.
Explanation: WE took a taxi from the airport to the hotel and BOOKED IN.

192. Book into Make a reservation in advance.

Explanation: I've BOOKED us INTO a hotel in the centre of town for three

nights.
193. Book into Check in at a hotel.

Explanation: We BOOKED INTO the first hotel we could find.

194. Book out Leave a place in a hurry.

Explanation: I don't like the look of the people arriving- let's BOOK OUT.
195. Book up Reserve.

Explanation: The flight's fully BOOKED UP; I'll have to go the following day.

196. Boot up Start a computer.

Explanation: He BOOTED UP the computer and started work.

197. Border on Be located next to a place.

Explanation: Portugal BORDERS ON Spain.

198. Border on Be very nearly something.

Explanation: What he did was BORDERING ON betrayal.

199. Boss about Use excessive authority to control people.

Explanation: She BOSSES everyone ABOUT.

200. Boss around Use excessive authority to control people.

Explanation: He BOSSES everyone AROUND.

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201. Botch up Ruin or spoil something.

Explanation: I BOTCHED UP the whole project and it had to be cancelled.

202. Bottle away Store up.

Explanation: He kept his feelings BOTTLED AWAY.

203. Bottle out Lack courage to do something.

Explanation: She was going to tell her boss exactly what she thought , but
BOTTLED OUT in the end .
204. Bottle up Not express your feelings.

Explanation: She BOTTLED UP her feelings even though she was furious with

them and kept quiet.

205. Bottom out Pass the lowest point and start rising.
Explanation: The recession BOTTOMED OUT and the economy is recovering

well.

206. Bounce into Force someone.

Explanation: They have BOUNCED the government INTO calling an early

election.

207. Bounce back Recover.

Explanation: The economy is BOUNCING BACK from the recession.

208. Bounce off Test ideas.

Explanation: They BOUNCED ideas OFF each other in a brainstorming session.

209. Bowl out Hit someone's wicket in cricket with the ball.

Explanation: He BOWLED the player OUT first ball.

210. Bowl over Surprise someone greatly.

Explanation: I was BOWLED OVER by the news.

211. Bowl over Knock someone to the ground.

Explanation: He was BOWLED OVER by the crowd rushing out.

212. Box in Prevent something from moving, especially vehicles.

Explanation: I was BOXED IN by the bus and couldn't change lane.

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213. Box up Pack things in boxes to move them.

Explanation: At the end of term, I BOXED my books UP and sent them home.

214. Brace up Feel more confident or optimistic about something.

Explanation: You should BRACE UP and stop worrying.

215. Branch out Move into a different area of business, etc..

Explanation: The supermarkets have BRANCHED OUT into banking.

216. Break away Leave an organisation, usually to form a new one.
Explanation: The SDP BROKE AWAY from the Labour Party.

217. Break down End negotiations unsuccessfully.

Explanation: The talks between management and the unions BROKE DOWN

Acrimoniously.
218. Break down Start crying.

Explanation: He BROKE DOWN in tears.

219. Break down Stop working.

Explanation: My car's BROKEN DOWN, so I came by taxi.

220. Break down Remove a barrier or obstacle.

Explanation: He had to BREAK DOWN their opposition to his ideas.

221. Break in Go into a building to steal something.

Explanation: The burglars BROKE IN and stole the TV and video.

222. Break in Interrupt something.

Explanation: I'm sorry to BREAK IN on your conversation, but there's a roblem.

223. Break in Train a horse to be ridden.

Explanation: It took ages to BREAK the horse IN.

224. Break in Carefully use new products until they are fully functional..

Explanation: I must watch my speed until I BREAK IN my new Volvo.

225. Break off Break a piece from something.

Explanation: She BROKE OFF a square of chocolate and gave it to her dog.

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226. Break off End a relationship.

Explanation: She BROKE OFF their engagement when she found out that he'd

been unfaithful.

227. Break out Start (war, conflict).

Explanation: They're worried that war will BREAK OUT.

228. Break out in Sweat heavily, develop skin sores or irritation..

Explanation: The measles caused me to BREAK OUT IN a rash.
229. Break out of Escape.

Explanation: Three dangerous Category A prisoners BROKE OUT OF

Wandsworth Prison last night.

230. Break through Pass a barrier or obstacle.

Explanation: The crowd BROKE THROUGH the police barriers and attacked the

hunters.

231. Break up Break into many pieces.

Explanation: The plate BROKE UP when he dropped it on the floor.

232. Break up Close an educational institution for the holidays.

Explanation: Schools BREAK UP at the end of June for the summer holidays.

233. Break up Finish a relationship.

Explanation: They had been going out for a couple of years before they BROKE

UP.
234. Break up Become inaudible over the telephone because of interference.

Explanation: You're BREAKING UP; I'll call you back in a minute and see if we
get a better connection.

235. Breeze along Move easily and quickly.

Explanation: The film BREEZES ALONG for the first hour, then becomes rather

dull and slow.

236. Breeze in Enter a place quickly.

Explanation: He BREEZED IN and started shouting at us.

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237. Breeze into Enter a place quickly.

Explanation: He BREEZED INTO the room and switched the TV on.

238. Breeze through Pass easily, succeed.

Explanation: She BREEZED THROUGH her exams.

239. Brick in Close or fill a space with bricks.

Explanation: We BRICKED IN the side window.

240. Brick up Close or fill a space with bricks.
Explanation: We BRICKED the back entrance UP.

241. Brighten up Improve (weather).

Explanation: The day started cloudy but BRIGHTENED UP in the afternoon.

242. Brighten up Become happier.

Explanation: He BRIGHTENED UP when he heard the news.

243. Brighten up Make something more attractive or pleasant.

Explanation: We tried to BRIGHTEN the place UP by painting it.

244. Bring about Make something happen.

Explanation: The changes to the law were BROUGHT ABOUT by the

government because so many people were ignoring the old one.

245. Bring along Bring someone or something to certain place.

Explanation: You can BRING your friends ALONG if you like.

246. Bring along Help someone improve.

Explanation: Her coach has BROUGHT her ALONG a lot in the last six months.

247. Bring around Persuade or convince someone.

Explanation: It took me ages to BRING him AROUND to my point of view.

248. Bring around Bring something with you when you visit.

Explanation: He BROUGHT some books AROUND when he came last night.

249. Bring around Get someone talking about something.

Explanation: He didn't want to discuss the details, but I managed to BRING him

AROUND and he told me everything.

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250. Bring back Cause someone to remember.

Explanation: Visiting my old school BROUGHT BACK memories of when I was a

pupil there.

251. Bring back Return.

Explanation: He took the calculator home yesterday and hasn't BROUGHT it

BACK yet.
252. Bring down Make a government fall.
Explanation: The vote of no-confidence BROUGHT the government DOWN.

253. Bring down Make something cheaper.

Explanation: The improvements in technology have BROUGHT the prices of

computers DOWN considerably in recent months.

254. Bring forth Produce something, make it known or visible.

Explanation: The prosecution BROUGHT FORTH a lot of evidence against him.

255. Bring forth Produce.

Explanation: She BROUGHT FORTH a surprising result.

256. Bring forth Make something happen.

Explanation: The report has BROUGHT FORTH a lot of criticism of the policy.

257. Bring forth Remove something from where it is kept or hidden.

Explanation: She BROUGHT FORTH the diary and showed it to us.

258. Bring forward Make something happen earlier than originally planned.
Explanation: The meeting has been BROUGHT FORWARD to this Friday instead

of next week because some people couldn't make it then.

259. Bring in Earn.

Explanation: The job BRINGS IN two thousand dollars a month.

260. Bring off Succeed with something difficult.

Explanation: No one thought she'd manage to do it, but she BROUGHT it OFF in
the end.

261. Bring on Cause something to happen or speed up the process.

21
 Explanation: Getting wet in the rain yesterday BROUGHT ON my cold.

262. Bring on Make something appear.

Explanation: BRING ON the dancers!

263. Bring out Release or publish.

Explanation: The band are BRINGING OUT a new CD in the autumn.

264. Bring out Elicit a response.
Explanation: Suzie BRINGS OUT the best in him.

265. Bring out in Cause a health problem or reaction.

Explanation: It was the lobster that BROUGHT me OUT in this rash all over my

body.
267. Bring round Make someone wake up from unconsciousness or an anesthetic.

Explanation: The doctors BROUGHT him ROUND a few hours after the peration.

268. Bring up Mention.

Explanation: They didn't BRING the subject UP at the meeting.

269. Bring up Raise a child.

Explanation: My parents BROUGHT me UP strictly.

270. Bring up Be officially charged with a crime.

Explanation: He was BROUGHT UP on charges of public intoxication.

271. Bring Up Mention.

Explanation: They didn't BRING the subject UP at the meeting.

272. Bring Up Raise a child.

Explanation: My parents BROUGHT me UP strictly.

273. Bring up Be officially charged with a crime.

Explanation: He was BROUGHT UP on charges of public intoxication.

274. Brush off Ignore, pay little attention.

Explanation: The minister BRUSHED OFF the criticism.

22
275. Brush up Improve a skill quickly.

Explanation: She took a two-week course to BRUSH UP her Spanish before she

went travelling around South and Central America.

276. Bubble over Become very excited.

Explanation: She BUBBLED OVER with joy when she heard her exam results.
277. Buck up Hurry (either transitive or reflexive).
Explanation: 'BUCK UP - the taxi's waiting.'

278. Buck up Smarten up, improve.

Explanation: You had better BUCK your ideas UP, or you'll fail the course.

279. Bucket down Rain heavily.

Explanation: Take an umbrella; it's BUCKETING DOWN.

280. Buckle down Start working hard, apply yourself.

Explanation: We had to BUCKLE DOWN and study for the exam.

281. Buckle under Accept something under pressure, against your will.
Explanation: They didn't like the ideas, but had to BUCKLE UNDER or face the

sack.

282. Buckle up Fasten a seatbelt.

Explanation: We were told to BUCKLE UP before take-off.

283. Budge up Move to make space for someone.

Explanation: We had to BUDGE UP to let the fourth person in the back of the

car.
284. Buff up Clear, clean or make something shine.

Explanation: The silver candlestick looked lovely after I BUFFED it UP.

285. Buff up Improve.

Explanation: After the scandal, the politician tried to BUFF UP his public image.
286. Buff up on Improve your knowledge quickly.

Explanation: I BUFFED UP ON my grammar before the test.

23
287. Bug off! Go away.

Explanation: I told her to bug off because she was annoying me.

288. Bug out Open your eyes wide in surprise.

Explanation: He BUGGED OUT when she turned up.

289. Bug out Leave somewhere in a hurry.

Explanation: They BUGGED OUT when the police arrived.

290. Build up Develop a company.
Explanation: She BUILT the business UP from nothing into a market leader in

less than a decade.

291. Build up Increase.

Explanation: Tension has been BUILDING UP ever since the government passed
the unpopular law.

292. Bulk out Make something bigger or thicker.

Explanation: I BULKED the essay OUT with a few quotes to reach the number of

word required.
293. Bulk up Gain weight, develop bigger muscles.

Explanation: He's BULKED UP a lot since he got those steroids.

294. Bump into Meet by chance.

Explanation: I BUMPED INTO Helen on the underground the other day.

295. Bump off Kill.

Explanation: The drug dealer was BUMPED OFF by a rival gang.

296. Bump up Increase.

Explanation: They BUMP UP the prices in the high season.

297. Bundle off Send someone somewhere.

Explanation: He BUNDLED the kids OFF to bed.

298. Bundle out Expel.

Explanation: The barman BUNDLED the drunk OUT because he was annoying

the other customers.

24
299. Bundle up Put on warm clothing.

Explanation: We BUNDLED UP before going out as it was snowing.

300. Bundle up Wrap or tie things together.

Explanation: I BUNDLED UP my newspapers and dropped them in the recycling

bin.

301. Bunk off Not go to school when you should.

Explanation: I used to BUNK OFF school and go into town.
302. Buoy up Make someone feel more positive.

Explanation: After so much criticism, the positive review BUOYED him UP.

303. Buoy up Keep afloat.

Explanation: The lifejacket BUOYED me UP till the boat arrived.

304. Burn down Burn completely.

Explanation: They had to completely rebuild the museum after the old one

BURNED DOWN.

305. Burn off Remove by burning or similar process.

Explanation: I BURN OFF a lot of calories in the gym.

306. Burn out Lose enthusiasm and energy to continue in a demanding job.

Explanation: Jennie BURNT OUT after ten years working as a futures broker

and went to live in the country.

307. Burn up Destroy completely by fire.

Explanation: All his possessions were BURNED UP in the fire.

308. Burn up Drive at high speed.

Explanation: The bank robbers BURNED UP the roads but were soon captured.

309. Burn up To be or cause to be highly annoyed.

Explanation: His undeserved win in the election really BURNS me UP.

310. Burst into Catch fire very quickly.

Explanation: The car BURST INTO flames and the driver died as he didn't have

time to get out.

25
311. Burst into Laugh, cry or clap loudly.

Explanation: She BURST INTO laughter when she heard the joke.

312. Bust up End a relationship, usually angrily or after arguing.

Explanation: They BUST UP after a row last night.

313. Butt in Interrupt.

Explanation: I hope you don't mind me BUTTING IN on your conversation, but I

couldn't help hearing what you said...
314. Butt out Not be involved in other people's business.

Explanation: This is none of your business, so just BUTT OUT!

315. Butter up Praise or flatter someone excessively.

Explanation: I tried BUTTERING my tutor UP but she still wouldn’t let me

hand it in late.

316. Buy in Force a CD or record into the charts by buying lots of copies.

Explanation: Joe Meek's last hit, 'Singing' the Blues', was probably BOUGHT IN

at number 40, but failed to go any higher.

317. Buy into Accept an idea.

Explanation: never BOUGHT INTO the idea of a federalist European Union.

318. Buy off Pay someone to stop them causing trouble.

Explanation: He BOUGHT the newspaper OFF by placing a lot of adverts.

319. Buy out Buy somebody's share in a company.

Explanation: His business partners BOUGHT him OUT to get rid of him.

320. Buy up Buy all of something.

Explanation: We BOUGHT UP all the shop had before the price went up.

321. Buzz around Move quickly around a place.

Explanation: Reporters were BUZZING AROUND the scene of the accident.

322. Buzz off Leave somewhere.

Explanation: I'm BUZZING OFF now- I have to meet some people.

26
323. Buzz off! Go away (imperative).

Explanation: He told them to BUZZ OFF because they were annoying him.

324. Call after Name someone after somebody else.

Explanation: She was CALLED Rose AFTER her late grandmother.

325. Call around Visit.

Explanation: I CALLED AROUND but she wasn't in.

326. Call back Return a phone call.
Explanation: I must CALL her BACK when we get to the office.

327. Call for Demand.

Explanation: The Opposition party CALLED FOR the minister's resignation after

the scandal broke.

328. Call for Go to collect something.

Explanation: The courier CALLED FOR your parcel, but I told him it wasn't ready

yet.

329. Call for Telephone for something.

Explanation: I'll CALL FOR a cab right away.

330. Call for Go and collect someone to take them out.

Explanation: I'll CALL FOR you at seven, so be ready because the film starts at

half past.

331. Call for Require.

Explanation: An emergency like this CALLS FOR some pretty drastic action.

332. Call forth Make something happen.

Explanation: The protests CALLED FORTH a strong reaction from the police.

333. Call in Get someone to come and do a job.

Explanation: We had to CALL IN a plumber because the sink was leaking and I

had no idea how to fix it.

334. Call in Stop and visit.

Explanation: I CALLED IN on Jenny on my way home because she's not very well

27
 at the moment and I wanted to see if she needed anything.

335. Call off Cancel.

Explanation: The concert had to be CALLED OFF because the singer went down
with a bad case of flu.

336. Call off Order someone to stop attacking.

Explanation: CALL OFF your lawyers; we can work something out.
337. Call on Ask for help.

Explanation: The President CALLED ON the wealthy countries for financial aid

after the floods destroyed much of the country's agriculture.

338. Call on Visit.

Explanation: As we were in the area, we CALLED ON my sister-in-law.

339. Call on Challenge.

Explanation: He CALLED the speaker ON several mis-statements of fact.

340. Call on Ask someone to do something, especially to speak in public.

(Formal).

Explanation: I now CALL ON the other party to give their account of what

happened.

341. Call out Expose or accuse someone of wrongdoing or incompetence.

Explanation: He CALLED them OUT over awarding contracts to family

members.

342. Call round Visit.

Explanation: I CALLED ROUND on my way home but no one was in.

343. Call up Summon someone for military service.

Ex[planation: The army CALLED UP the reserve soldiers when the war broke

out.
344. Call up Telephone.

Explanation: I CALLED him UP as soon as I got to a phone to tell him the news.

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345. Calm down Stop being angry or emotionally excited.

Explanation: When I lose my temper, it takes ages for me to CALM DOWN gain.

346. Cancel out Have an opposite effect on something that has happened, taking

things back to the beginning.

Explanation: The airport taxes CANCELLED OUT the savings we had made on

the flight tickets.

347. Cap off Finish or complete, often with some decisive action.
Explanation: She CAPPED OFF the meeting with a radical proposal.

348. Care for Like.

Explanation: I don't CARE FOR fizzy drinks; I prefer water.

349. Carried away Get so emotional that you lose control.

Explanation: The team got CARRIED AWAY when they won the championship

and started shouting and throwing things around.

350. Carry forward Include a figure in a later calculation.

Explanation: They CARRIED FORWARD their losses to the next financial year.
351. Carry forward Make something progress.

Explanation: They hope the new management will be able to CARRY the project

FORWARD.

352. Carry off Win, succeed.

Explanation: She CARRIED OFF the first prize in the competition.

353. Carry off Die of a disease.

Explanation: Cancer CARRIED him OFF a couple of years ago.

354. Carry on Continue.

Explanation: CARRY ON quietly with your work until the substitute teacher
arrives.

355. Carry on Behave badly.

Explanation: The children annoyed me by CARRYING ON all morning.

356. Carry on with Have an affair.

Explanation: He's been CARRYING ON WITH someone at work for years.
29
357. Carry out Perform a task.

Explanation: The government is CARRYING OUT test on growing genetically

modified crops.

358. Carry out Food bought from a restaurant to take away.

Explanation: I'm too tired to cook- let's get a CARRY-OUT.

359. Carry over Continue past a certain point.

Explanation: The meeting CARRIED OVER into the afternoon because there was
so much to talk about.

360. Carry through Complete successfully.

Explanation: They CARRIED the reforms THROUGH despite the opposition.

361. Cart off Take someone away, usually under arrest or to prison.
Explanation: The police CARTED them OFF to question them.

362. Cart off Take something away, especially if stealing or without permission.

Explanation: The thieves CARTED OFF all the ticket receipts.

363. Carve out Create or get a area where you can be special or successful.
Explanation: She's CARVED OUT a career in photojournalism.

364. Carve up Divide into smaller pieces.

Explanation: They CARVED the company UP and sold a lot off.

365. Carve up Overtake someone and then pull directly in front of a car.

Explanation: The idiot CARVED us UP and forced me to brake hard.

366. Cash in Convert shares, bonds, casino chips, etc.into money.

Explanation: They CASHED IN their bonds and spent the money on a holiday.
367. Cash in on Benefit or make money on something, especially if done unfairly.

Explanation: The opposition party are CASHING IN ON the government's

unpopularity.

368. Cash out Illegally access a bank account or credit card and steal money.
Explanation: A hacker got my credit card details from my computer and ASHED

OUT a lot of money.

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369. Cash out Exchange something for money, collect winnings.

Explanation: After winning, she CASHED OUT her chips.

370. Cash up Count all the money taken in a shop or business at the end of the
day.

Explanation: After the shop closed, they have to CASH UP before they can go
home.
371. Cast about for Try to find something.

Explanation: They're CASTING ABOUT FOR support.

372. Cast around for Try to find something.

Explanation: She was CASTING AROUND FOR people to help her.

373. Cast aside Dispose, get rid of, ignore because you no longer like something

or someone.

Explanation: He CAST her ASIDE.

374. Cast off Dispose, get rid of.

Explanation: They CAST OFF any semblance of politeness and attacked us

viciously.

375. Cast off Untie a boat so it's free to sail.

Explanation: They CAST OFF and headed out to sea.

376. Cast out Expel, reject.

Explanation: They CAST him OUT because of his behavior.

377. Cast round for Try to find something.

Explanation: He CAST ROUND FOR any sign of his things.

378. Cast up Be left on the shore by the sea.

Explanation: The rubbish was CAST UP by the tide.

379. Catch at Take or grab hold of something.

Explanation: She CAUGHT AT my sleeve as I was leaving and said she needed to

talk to me.

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380. Catch on Become popular.

Explanation: Many critics were shocked when techno CAUGHT ON in the clubs.

381. Catch on Finally understand what is going on.

Explanation: Everyone else realized what was happening, but it took Henry
ages to CATCH ON.

382. Catch out Trick.

Explanation: The exam is designed to CATCH you OUT.
383. Catch out Discover or prove that someone is lying.

Explanation: He CAUGHT me OUT when he checked my story with my previous

employer.

384. Catch out Put someone in an unexpected and difficult situation (often
passive).

Explanation: We were CAUGHT OUT in the storm.

385. Catch up Get work, etc. up to date.

Explanation: I was ill for a fortnight and now I've got to CATCH UP on the work I
missed.

386. Catch up Reach someone who was ahead of you.

Explanation: He started well, but I CAUGHT him UP on the third lap.

387. Catch up in Become involved, often against one’s will.

Explanation: The tourists were CAUGHT UP IN the violence of the revolution.

388. Catch up on Do something that should have been done earlier.

Explanation: I'm going home to CATCH UP ON my sleep.

389. Catch up on Reminisce with an old friend after not seeing them for a while.

Explanation: I hadn't seen her for years, so we spent the afternoon CATCHING

UP ON old times.

390. Catch up with Do something that should have been done earlier.
Explanation: I'm going home to CATCH UP WITH my sleep.

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391. Catch up with Meet someone after a period of time and find out what they have

been doing.

Explanation: I CAUGHT UP WITH her at the conference.

392. Catch up with When something negative starts to have an effect.

Explanation: His criminal behavior is starting to CATCH UP WITH him.

393. Catch up with Punish someone after they have been doing something wrong for
a long time.

Explanation: The tax authorities CAUGHT UP WITH me for not submitting my

tax returns.

394. Catch up with Learn something new that many people already understand.
Explanation: My mother's trying to CATCH UP WITH computers.

395. Cater for To provide what is necessary.

Explanation: The college CATERS FOR students of all ages.

396. Cater to To provide what is needed, often seen negatively.

Explanation: The film CATERS TO the audience's worst instincts.

397. Cave in Collapse.

Explanation: The roof CAVED IN because of the weight of the snow.

398. Cave in Stop resisting or refusing.

Explanation: The government has refused to CAVE IN despite the protests and
demonstrations.

399. Chalk out To cut a line of cocaine.

Explanation: He went into the toilets to CHALK a line OUT.

400. Chalk up To achieve something good.

Explanation: The company has CHALKED UP its highest ever profits.

401. Chalk up to Explain the reason for a problem.

Explanation: They CHALKED the poor sales UP TO the lower numbers of

tourists visiting this year.

33
402. Chance upon Find something by accident.

Explanation: I CHANCED UPON a very rare book in car boot sale and bought it

for 65p.

403. Change over Change a system.

Explanation: The Irish CHANGED OVER to using kilometers in 2005.

404. Charge up Put electricity into a battery.

Explanation: I need to CHARGE my phone UP- the battery's dead.
405. Charge with Accuse somebody of a crime.

Explanation: She was arrested in customs last night and has been CHARGED

WITH smuggling.

406. Chase down Try hard to find or get something.

Explanation: The press CHASED us DOWN when the story broke.

407. Chase off Force a person to leave or go away.

Explanation: The dog CHASED he postal worker OFF.

408. Chase up Ensure that someone remembers to do something.

Explanation: The librarian is CHASING me UP about my overdue books.

409. Chase up Try to get someone to pay a bill, debt, etc.

Explanation: I CHASED her UP as she hadn't paid for several months.

410. Chase up Try to get more information about the progress of something.

Explanation: I didn't get a reply so I have been CHASING them UP.

411. Chat up Talk to someone you are sexually interested in to get them

interested in you.
Explanation: He spent the whole night CHATTING her UP.

412. Cheat on Be sexually unfaithful.

Explanation: She CHEATED ON me with my friend.

413. Cheat on Deceive or betray, often in a sexual and/or emotional context.

Explanation: She thought he had always been faithful to her, but he had been

34
 CHEATING ON her ever since their wedding day (with one of the
bridesmaids).
414. Cheat out of Get money from someone under false pretenses.

Explanation: I hate him- he CHEATED me OUT OF £100.

415. Check by Visit a place to check something.

Explanation: We CHECKED BY the office to see if the stuff was ready.

416. Check in Register on arriving at a hotel or at the airport.

Explanation: They CHECKED IN at the Ritz yesterday.

417. Check into Register on arriving at a hotel or at the airport.

Explanation: They CHECKED INTO the Ritz yesterday.

418. Check off Mark something on a list as done.

Explanation: She CHECKED OFF the candidates' names as they arrived.

419. Check out Pay the bill when leaving a hotel.

Explanation: She CHECKED OUT and took a cab to the airport.

420. Check out Die.
Explanation: She CHECKED OUT last week; the funeral's tomorrow.

421. Check out Get information about or inspect something to see if it's
satisfactory.

Explanation: I CHECKED the new restaurant OUT as soon as it opened.

422. Check out of Settle up and pay before leaving a hotel.

Explanation: Guests have to CHECK OUT OF the hotel before midday.

423. Check over Check something very carefully.

Explanation: We CHECKED the contract OVER before signing it.

424. Cheer on Encourage.

Explanation: Their CHEERED their team ON throughout the match.

425. Cheer up Be less unhappy.

Explanation: Come on, CHEER UP; it isn't all bad, you know.

35
426. Chew off Remove by biting.

Explanation: The dog CHEWED OFF the man's face.

427. Chew on Thinks about something carefully before deciding.

Explanation: I'll CHEW ON it for a day or two and let you know what I think.
428. Chew out Criticize someone angrily.

Explanation: They CHEWED him OUT for being late.

429. Chew over Think about an issue.
Explanation: He asked for a few days to CHEW the matter OVER before he .
made a final decision.
430. Chew up Cut into small pieces with your teeth.

Explanation: The puppy CHEWED UP the newspaper.

431. Chew up Damage something inside a machine.

Explanation: The video CHEWED my tape UP.

432. Chicken out Be too afraid to do something.

Explanation: I CHICKENED OUT of the bungee jumping when I saw how high it
was.
433. Chill out Relax.

Explanation: I'm staying at home and CHILLING OUT this evening.

434. Chime in Contribute to a discussion.

Explanation: If it's OK, I'd like to CHIME IN because I think it's a good idea.

435. Chip away at Gradually reduce something to make it less powerful, effective,

etc.
Explanation: They have been CHIPPING AWAY AT his reputation ever since he

took office.
436. Chip in Contribute some money.

Explanation: Everybody CHIPPED IN to pay the bill.

437. Chip in Contribute to a discussion.

Explanation: If I could CHIP IN, there are a couple of issues I'd like to raise.

36
438. Choke off Stop or restrict.

Explanation: These guerilla attacks are CHOKING OFF our food shipments.

439. Choke out Clog or overwhelm.

Explanation: Water hyacinth is CHOKING OUT the native vegetation in our

rivers.

440. Choke up Become tearfully emotional. Jeff CHOKED UP during his

retirement speech.
441. Choke up Grip a handle farther from the end for better control.

Explanation: He CHOKED UP on the bat and hit the ball better.

442. Choose up Form groups or teams.

Explanation: We CHOSE UP to play the game.

443. Chop down Fell or cut down a tree.

Explanation: They CHOPPED DOWN most of the forest and now it looks like a

desert.

444. Chop up Cut into small pieces.

Explanation: I CHOPPED UP the vegetables for the soup.

445. Chow down Eat.

Explanation: Dinner's ready- CHOW DOWN!.

446. Chow down on Eat something.

Explanation: We're going to CHOW DOWN ON that barbecued pork.

447. Chuck away Dispose of something you no longer need or want.

Explanation: I CHUCKED AWAY all my old records years ago when CDs came
out.

448. Chuck in Quit something.

Explanation: I CHUCKED my job IN to go travelling.

449. Chuck in Make a comment.

Explanation: I CHUCKED IN a few points at the end of the discussion.

37
450. Chuck out Dispose of something you no longer need or want.

Explanation: I CHUCKED OUT some stuff I found in the fridge that had gone

bad.
451. Chuck up Vomit, be sick.

Explanation: He got ridiculously drunk and CHUCKED UP in the back of the

minicab on the way home.
452. Chuck up Quit something.

Explanation: She didn't like the course, so she CHUCKED it UP after a few

weeks.

453. Churn out Produce, usually quickly or in large amounts without much regard
to quality.

Explanation: The government CHURNS OUT educational policies every few

months.

454. Clag up Make something sticky.

Explanation: His arteries are CLAGGED UP because he eats so much saturated

fat.

455. Clam up Be quiet, refuse to speak.

Explanation: Everybody CLAMMED UP when the Principal entered.

456. Clamp down on Restrict or try to stop something.

Explanation: The government are CLAMPING DOWN ON antisocial behavior.

457. Claw back Get money back.

Explanation: The new tax will CLAW BACK what the government has given out

in grants.

458. Claw back Retake possession with difficulty.

Explanation: The opposition parties are trying to CLAW BACK the voters they
lost in the last election.

38
459. Claw back Regain possession with difficulty.

Explanation: They are CLAWING BACK their market share from competitors.

460. Clean off Remove dirt or something dirty.

Explanation: After dinner, I CLEANED OFF the table.

461. Clean out Tidy up thoroughly and throw away unwanted things..

Explanation: I really must CLEAN the study OUT; there's stuff all over the floor
and piles of paper everywhere.
462. Clean out Cause someone to spend all their money.

Explanation: The holiday CLEANED me OUT- I'm broke till the end of the

month.

463. Clean up Tidy and clean.

Explanation: CLEAN this bedroom UP; it's a disgrace.

464. Clean up Profit, sometimes suddenly.

Explanation: At the horse races yesterday we really CLEANED UP.

465. Clear away Leave a place.

Explanation: We were told to CLEAR AWAY from the scene of the accident.

466. Clear away Remove or tidy.

Explanation: After dinner, I CLEARED AWAY the plates and dishes.

467. Clear off Leave somewhere quickly.

Explanation: As soon as the trouble started, we CLEARED OFF.

468. Clear out Tidy up thoroughly and throw away unwanted stuff..

Explanation: I spent the whole weekend CLEARING OUT the attic as it was full
of papers and other junk.

469. Clear out Leave somewhere.

Explanation: I told them to CLEAR OUT because they were making so much

noise.
470. Clear up Cure or recover from an infection.

Explanation: I took the antihistamines and the rash CLEARED UP right away.

39
471. Clear up Tidy up.

Explanation: I'd better CLEAR AWAY the mess before leave.

472. Clear up Explain.

Explanation: Could you CLEAR these points UP before we go any further?

473. Clear up Improve (weather).

Explanation: The skies CLEARED UP and the sun came out.

474. Click through Open an advertisement on the Internet.
Explanation: Only a tiny fraction of users ever bother CLICKING THROUGH the

banner adverts.

475. Climb down Accept that you are wrong and change your position.

Explanation: The Prime Minister had to CLIMB DOWN over his tax proposals
because there was so much opposition from the members of his
own party.
476. Cling on Hold tight.

Explanation: He told me to CLING ON as the motorbike accelerated.

477. Cling on to Try to keep something.
Explanation: They CLUNG ON TO power despite the protests.

478. Cling to Try to maintain beliefs, hopes, etc..

Explanation: They CLING TO their old way of thinking.

479. Clog up Block, slow movement right down.

Explanation: The traffic's so bad the roads get CLOGGED UP at rush hour.

480. Close down Close a shop, branch or business permanently.

Explanation: The banks have CLOSED DOWN a lot of branches in villages over

the last few years.

481. Close down Stop an opponent being a challenge.

Explanation: He CLOSED the player DOWN and stopped him being a threat.

482. Close in Surround, envelop.

Explanation: The fog CLOSED IN and we couldn't see two yards in front of us.

40
483. Close in Approach, get near.

Explanation: The police were CLOSING IN so they decided to try to make a

break.

484. Close in on Get near someone.

Explanation: The police were CLOSING IN ON the gang.

485. Close in upon Get near someone.

Explanation: The police were CLOSING IN UPON the gang.
486. Close off Block a place to stop people entering.

Explanation: The police CLOSED the road OFF after the explosion.

487. Close on Get nearer.

Explanation: She is CLOSING ON the leader of the race.

488. Close out Bring something to an end.

Explanation: We CLOSED OUT the meeting early and went home.

489. Close out Close or stop using.

Explanation: She CLOSED OUT the account and changed to another bank.
490. Close out Ignore, exclude.

Explanation: They always CLOSE me OUT of their plans.

491. Close up Completely close something.

Explanation: They CLOSE UP the building after everyone has left.

492. Close up Join together.

Explanation: The leaves CLOSE UP when it rains.

493. Close up Move closer together.

Explanation: They CLOSED UP when they saw the gang coming towards them.

494. Cloud over Get very cloudy.

Explanation: The morning started bright and warm, but it CLOUDED OVER

around midday and poured with rain.

495. Clown about Behave stupidly or waste time.

Explanation: The students were CLOWNING ABOUT all lesson.

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496. Clown around Behave stupidly or waste time.

Explanation: I couldn't concentrate because they were CLOWNING AROUND all

afternoon.

497. Coast along Do something without making much effort or trying to improve.
Explanation: She's been COASTING ALONG all year and hasn't made a lot of

progress.
498. Cobble together Make, assemble or produce something quickly, without much
care.

Explanation: They COBBLED a few pages TOGETHER and submitted it.

499. Cock up Ruin or spoil something.

Explanation: It was so easy, but he managed to COCK everything UP.

500. Color up Blush.

Explanation: He COLOURED UP when he was caught stealing from the till.

501. Come about Happen, occur.

Explanation: The meeting CAME ABOUT because both sides were sick of
fighting.

502. Come about Shift direction (nautical). The yacht CAME ABOUT to a heading of

240 degrees.

503. Come across Find by accident.

Explanation: I CAME ACROSS my old school reports when I was clearing out my
desk.

504. Come across Agree to have sex with someone.

Explanation: I was surprised when she CAME ACROSS on the first night.

505. Come across The way other people see you.

Explanation: He CAME ACROSS as shy because he spoke so quietly.

506. Come along Accompany.

Explanation: May I COME ALONG on your trip tomorrow?

42
507. Come along Move faster or keep up.

Explanation: COME ALONG, we’ll never get there if you don’t keep up with us.

508. Come apart Break into pieces.

Explanation: It CAME APART when I tried to lift it off the floor and I had to glue
it back together.

509. Come around Recover consciousness.

Explanation: It took several hours after the operation before he CAME
AROUND.

510. Come around to Agree with or accept something you had previously disapproved

of or disliked..

Explanation: They have started COMING AROUND TO our way of thinking and
are less hostile.

511. Come back Return.

Explanation: I left work and CAME BACK home early.

512. Come before Appear in court charged with a crime or offence.

Explanation: He CAME BEFORE the court on charges of speeding.

513. Come by Visit.

Ex[planation: I'll COME BY after work and see if you need any help.

514. Come by Acquire.

Explanation: How did you COME BY that Rolex?

515. Come down Rain.

Explanation: Just look at the rain COMING DOWN! I'm not going out in that.
516. Come down Travel.

Explanation: When you're next in London, COME DOWN and see us.

517. Come down on Criticize heavily.

Explanation: The management really CAME DOWN ON him for losing the
contract.

43
518. Come down upon Criticize, reprimand severely.

Explanation: They will COME DOWN UPON us if we are late.

519. Come down with Fall ill.

Explanation: She CAME DOWN WITH a virus.

520. Come forth Appear.

Explanation: The draft proposal CAME FORTH in April.

521. Come forth with Provide information.
Explanation: None of the witnesses CAME FORTH WITH an accurate description

of the gang.

522. Come from Country or town where you were born.

Explanation: She COMES FROM Somalia.

523. Come in Arrive for flights.

Explanation: The plane CAME IN at two-thirty in the morning.

524. Come in Place or ranking in a competition, etc..

Explanation: I did my best but CAME IN last but one in the race.
525. Come in Receive news.

Explanation: Reports are just COMING IN of an assassination attempt on the

President.

526. Come in for Receive (criticism or praise).

Explanation: Jack\'s COME IN FOR quite a lot of criticism of late.

527. Come into Be important or relevant.

Explanation: Money doesn't COME INTO it; I simply will not do it under any
circumstances.

528. Come into Inherit.

Explanation: She CAME INTO a lot of money when her grandmother died.

529. Come into use Start being used.

Explanation: The computerized system CAME INTO USE at the end of last year.

44
530. Come off When something breaks off.

Explanation: I picked it up and the handle CAME OFF in my hand.

531. Come off Be successful.

Explanation: I was surprised when the plan CAME OFF so easily.

532. Come off it I don't believe what you're saying; used as an imperative.

Explanation: COME OFF IT; tell me the truth for goodness' sake.
533. Come on Encouragement.
Explanation: COME ON; don't give up now when you're so close to finishing.

534. Come on Start an illness.

Explanation: I've got a bit of a headache. I hope it doesn't mean I've got flu

COMING ON.
535. Come on Start functioning (machines, etc.).

Explanation: The central heating COMES ON automatically an hour before I

have to get up.

536. Come out A secret is revealed.

Explanation: The details of the scandal CAME OUT in the press and she had to

resign.

537. Come out Be published or otherwise available to the public.

Explanation: The band's new CD is COMING OUT in September.

538. Come out Disappear when washed.

Explanation: The red wine I spilt just will not COME OUT of the carpet no

matter what I try to clean it with.

539. Come out Let people know that you are lesbian or gay.

Explanation: She CAME OUT at university and has been living with her partner,

Jane, for the last couple of years.

540. Come out When the sun appears.

Explanation: It started cloudy, but then the sun CAME OUT and we all went to

the park.

45
541. Come out in Have a rash or similar skin problem.

Explanation: She CAME OUT IN a nasty rash after touching the poisonous plant

by mistake.

542. Come out of Recover consciousness.

Explanation: After three years, he CAME OUT OF the coma.

543. Come out with Make something available.

Explanation: They have just COME OUT WITH a new version.
544. Come out with Say something publicly and unexpectedly.

Explanation: She CAME OUT WITH the answer when everyone was expecting it

to remain unsolved.

545. Come over Feel strange.

Explanation: I CAME OVER all faint and weak because my sugar level was too

low. (British)

546. Come over Affect mentally in such a way as to change behavior (possibly

related to 'overcome').
Explanation: I'm sorry about last night - I don't know what CAME OVER me.

547. Come round Become conscious, wake up from anesthetic.

Explanation: She CAME ROUND and learned that the operation had been a

complete success.

548. Come round Change your opinion.

Explanation: At first she didn't like the idea, but she CAME ROUND to our way

of thinking in the end.

549. Come through Arrive (messages and information).

Explanation: News is COMING THROUGH of a major accident on the M25,

where freezing fog has been making driving conditions extremely
dangerous.

550. Come through Communicate an emotion.

Explanation: The anger she felt COMES THROUGH.

46
551. Come through Produce a result.

Explanation: They promised they'd do it, but they haven't COME THROUGH

yet.

552. Come through with Provide something needed.

Explanation: He didn't COME THROUGH WITH the money and they went bust.

553. Come to Become conscious, wake up from anesthetic.

Explanation: She CAME TO an hour after the operation.
554. Come to Result in.

Explanation: The two men started arguing but they soon CAME TO blows and

started fighting in earnest.

555. Come up Appear.

Explanation: I'll be late home tonight because something's COME UP at work

has to be ready for tomorrow morning.

556. Come up Rise (the sun).

Explanation: The sun CAME UP just as we reached the outskirts of the town.
557. Come up against Encounter problems or difficulties.

Explanation: They CAME UP AGAINST a lot of opposition to their plans for an

out-oftown supermarket development.

558. Come up with Think of a solution, excuse, etc..

Explanation: Nobody could COME UP WITH a satisfactory explanation for the

accident.

559. Come upon Find by chance.

Explanation: I CAME UPON the book in a little second-hand bookshop in

Dorset.

560. Conjure up Create a picture or memory in someone's mind.

Explanation: It CONJURES UP memories of my school days.

561. Conjure up Create something without many resources.

Explanation: I had to CONJURE UP a full weekend's entertainment for the

47
 visitors with no notice at all.

562. Conk out Fall fast asleep.

Explanation: I was exhausted and CONKED OUT on the sofa.

563. Conk out Suddenly breakdown or stop working.

Explanation: The printer CONKED OUT so I couldn't get a hard copy.

564. Contract in Become involved or committed to something.

Explanation: Since it started, many companies have CONTRACTED IN to lend
their support.

565. Contract out Give a contract for a service outside the company you work for.

Explanation: They have CONTRACTED OUT their catering services to save

money.
566. Contract out of Formally leave and agreement.

Explanation: I CONTRACTED OUT OF the deal years ago.

567. Cool down Get cooler.

Explanation: I left the tea for a minute until it had COOLED DOWN enough to
drink.

568. Cool down Become calm.

Explanation: It took me ages to COOL DOWN after the argument.

569. Cool off Become calmer.

Explanation: We’ll talk to Fred once he COOLS OFF and can talk rationally.
570. Coop up Confine in a small area.

Explanation: They COOPED the dog UP in a tiny room.

571. Cop it Get into trouble.

Explanation: They really COPPED IT when they got caught shoplifting.

572. Cop off Leave work or school early.

Explanation: We COPPED OFF early on Friday because there was nothing to do.
573. Cop off Kiss, pet or have sex with someone.

Explanation: She COPPED OFF with Damian at the end-of-term party.

48
574. Cop out Choose an easy alternative.

Explanation: She was going to take a Master's degree but COPPED OUT and

chose the Diploma course instead.

575. Cost up Calculate how expensive some work is going to be.

Explanation: The decorators are going to COST UP the work tomorrow.

576. Cotton on To work out the truth.

Explanation: It took me ages to COTTON ON to what they were planning.
577. Cough up Lose possession of a ball, etc. in a contact sport.

Explanation: He was checked so hard he COUGHED UP the puck in front of his

own goal.

578. Cough up Expel something from your lungs or throat by coughing.

Explanation: He gave up smoking after he COUGHED UP some blood.

579. Could do with Need or want something.

Explanation: I COULD really DO WITH a cup of tea.

580. Count against Affect negatively, make less likely to succeed.

Explanation: Not having a university degree will COUNT AGAINST her.

581. Count among Include someone or something in a group, category, etc.

Explanation: I COUNT her AMONG my closest friends.

582. Count down Wait impatiently or excitedly for something to happen.

Explanation: I'm COUNTING DOWN the days till they leave.

583. Count for Be recognized as important, worthwhile or valuable.

Explanation: Experience COUNTS FOR a lot in decision making.

584. Count in Include or involve.

Explanation: If you're going on that skiing holiday, you can COUNT me IN; I'd

love to go.

585. Count off Say numbers aloud in a sequence.

Explanation: They COUNTED the students OFF as they arrived.

49
586. Count on Depend, rely.

Explanation: You can COUNT ON them; if they have promised to do something,

they'll do it.

587. Count on Expect something to happen and base plans on it.

Explanation: I was COUNTING ON the payment arriving last week and was

really angry when it didn't arrive as I didn't have enough money to

pay for everything.
588. Count out Exclude.

Explanation: I don't want to go- you can COUNT me OUT.

589. Count out Count a certain amount of money.

Explanation: He COUNTED OUT £250 and paid me.

590. Count towards Be a part needed to complete something.

Explanation: The coursework COUNTS TOWARDS the final grade.

591. Count up Add.

Explanation: COUNT UP the number of tickets sold, please.

592. Count upon Expect something to happen and base plans on it.
Explanation: I was COUNTING UPON their support and lost because they didn't

vote my way.
593. Count upon Depend, rely.

Explanation: I COUNT UPON them to help me.

594. Cover for Provide an excuse or alibi.

Explanation: She asked me to COVER FOR her if anyone asked where she'd
gone.

595. Cover for Do someone's work while they are temporarily absent.
Explanation: I COVERED FOR her while she was off sick.

596. Cover up Conceal, try to stop people finding out.

Explanation: They tried to COVER UP the incident but it got into the

newspapers.
597. Cozy up Make yourself comfortable.
50
 Explanation: It was cold and I COZIED UP by the fire.

598. Cozy up to Make yourself popular with someone.

Explanation: He's been COZYING UP TO our boss because he wants a pay rise.

599. Crack down on Use more authority than usual.

Explanation: The police always CRACK DOWN ON drink-driving offences over

the Christmas period.

600. Crack on Continue doing something with energy.
Explanation: We had to CRACK ON to get everything finished on time.

601. Crack up Have a nervous breakdown.

Explanation: He CRACKED UP after his son died and had to take a couple of

months off work.

602. Crack up Have bad reception on a mobile phone.

Explanation: You'll have to talk louder- you're CRACKING UP.

603. Crack up Burst out laughing.

Explanation: Everybody CRACKED UP when he told the joke.

604. Crack up Damage a car badly.

Explanation: He CRACKED his car UP last night when he came off the road.

605. Crank out Produce a lot of something fast.

Explanation: My boss keeps CRANKING OUT stupid memos.

606. Crank up Inject non-medical drugs.

Explanation: He's been CRANKING UP heroin for years.

607. Crank up Start a machine, originally with a handle.

Explanation: He CRANKED the saw UP.

608. Crank up Increase, make something bigger.

Explanation: I CRANKED the volume UP as high as it would go.

609. Crash out Sleep at someone's house because you are too tired, drunk, etc.
to leave.

Explanation: Dave CRASHED OUT at a friend's flat after the end-of-term party.

51
610. Crash out Fall asleep.

Explanation: I CRASHED OUT in front of the TV last night.

611. Cream off Separate the best or most talented people so that they can

receive special or different treatment.

Explanation: The private schools CREAM OFF many of the best pupils.

612. Cream off Take money or divert funds, usually wrongfully or unfairly.
Explanation: This means smaller banks can CREAM OFF excess profits during
lending booms.

613. Creep in Start to be noticeable.

Explanation: He tried to stay calm, but you could hear the anger CREEPING IN.

614. Creep in Get included despite attempts to keep it or them out.

Explanation: Errors CREPT IN as the text got longer.

615. Creep into Become noticeable in something.

Explanation: An angry tone CREPT INTO her voice.

616. Creep out make someone feel worried or uneasy.

Explanation: He CREEPS me OUT when he gets drunk.

617. Creep out on To do the same activity for a very long time.

Explanation: He's been CREEPING OUT ON that computer game all day.

618. Creep over Start to have a negative feeling.

Explanation: Fear CREPT OVER me as I walked through the graveyard.

619. Creep up on Approach without someone realising.

Explanation: They CREPT UP ON their rivals and overtook them.

620. Crop up Appear unexpectedly.

Explanation: I'm going to be late tonight as something has just CROPPED UP at

work.

621. Cross off Delete, remove from a list.

Explanation: She CROSSED him OFF her Christmas card list after they argued.

622. Cross out Put as line through some writing to show it is wrong.

52
 Explanation: She CROSSED OUT her mistakes and wrote the correct answers

above them.

623. Cross up Confuse, deceive.

Explanation: The treasure map was deliberately drawn to CROSS us UP.

624. Cruise through Pass or succeed easily.

Explanation: He CRUISED THROUGH the exam.
625. Crumb down Clear a table in a restaurant.

Explanation: The waiter CRUMBED DOWN before the coffee was served.

626. Cry off To cancel an arrangement.

Explanation: I've got to work tonight; can I CRY OFF going out for dinner?
627. Cry out Shout because you are in pain.

Explanation: He CRIED OUT when he dropped the box on his toes.

628. Cut across Go across a place rather than around it to make the journey

quicker.
Explanation: It'll be quicker if we CUT ACROSS the park.

629. Cut across Affect people of different groups, classes, etc.

Explanation: The issue CUTS ACROSS social backgrounds as it affects us all

equally.

630. Cut back Reduce.

Explanation: The firm CUT BACK production because sales were sluggish.

631. Cut back Remove branches from a plant or tree to encourage future
growth.

Explanation: We CUT the tree BACK every winter.

632. Cut back on Reduce expenditure.

Explanation: The government has decided to CUT BACK ON spending on the

armed forces.

53
633. Cut down Consume less.

Explanation: I'm trying to CUT DOWN the amount of coffee I drink during the

day.

634. Cut down Shoot.

Explanation: A lot of soldiers were CUT DOWN by enemy fire as they stormed

the airport.
635. Cut down Reduce a vertical thing to ground level by cutting.
Explanation: The logger CUT the tree DOWN.

636. Cut down Cut something from a high position.

Explanation: After Christmas he didn't carefully detach all the decorations, he

just CUT them all DOWN.

637. Cut down on Reduce.

Explanation: Doctors advised her to CUT DOWN ON the amount of saturated

fats in her diet.

638. Cut in Start functioning.

Explanation: The fans CUT IN when the engine starts getting too hot.

639. Cut in Drive in front of another vehicle without warning.

Explanation: A car CUT IN and nearly caused an accident.

640. Cut in Interrupt.

planation: We were having a conversation when he came up and CUT IN.

641. Cut in Include someone in a deal that makes money.

Explanation: We had to CUT the police IN on the deal to avoid trouble.

642. Cut in Mix fat and flour until the combine.

Explanation: CUT the butter IN with the flour.

643. Cut it out Stop your unfair or unreasonable behavior.

Explanation: Will you two idiots CUT IT OUT and keep quiet.
644. Cut off Disconnect.

Explanation: The telephone's been CUT OFF because we didn't pay the bill.

54
645. Cut off Isolate or make inaccessible.

Explanation: The heavy snow has blocked many roads and CUT OFF a number

of villages.

646. Cut out Exclude.

Explanation: I'm CUTTING OUT salt from my diet.

647. Cut out When an engine or motor stops.

Explanation: The car CUT OUT at the traffic lights just as they went green.
648. Cut out Cut a picture or similar from a magazine, etc.

Explanation: I CUT some pictures OUT to use as visual aids.

649. Cut out Leave quickly.

Explanation: We’d better CUT OUT, the security men are on the way.
650. Cut out Separate livestock from a group.

Explanation: They CUT OUT three prime bulls from the herd.

651. Cut out on Let down, snub.

Explanation: Although he'd promised to help, the star CUT OUT ON the charity
when offered more money.

652. Cut up Cut into smaller pieces.

Explanation: After cutting the tree down, the logger CUT it UP into logs.

653. Cut up Drive into a neighbouring lane, directly in front of another vehicle.

Explanation: I was just driving onto the motorway sliproad, when a red Mini
CUT me UP and I had to brake suddenly to avoid an accident.

654. Cut up Upset.

Explanation: Her reaction really CUT me UP.

655. Cut up Have a lot of small injuries.

Explanation: I CUT my hand UP when I broke the glass.

656. Damp down Calm or reduce feelings, emotions.

Explanation: They tried to DAMP DOWN the anger over the announcement.

55
657. Damp down Make a fire burn less.

Explanation: They tried to DAMP DOWN the flames before the fire spread.

658. Damp off When there is too much moisture and a plant is affected by fungal

parasites.
Explanation: The seedlings DAMP OFF in the spring if it's very wet.

659. Dash down Write something quickly.

Explanation: He DASHED DOWN a memo and sent it to everybody.
660. Dash off Leave somewhere quickly.

Explanation: It's late- I'm going to DASH OFF home.

661. Dash off Do something quickly, especially writing.

Explanation: He DASHED OFF the report in a couple of hours.

662. Dawn on Finally realise or understand something.

Explanation: The truth only DAWNED ON me much later.

663. Decide on Choose, select.

Explanation: Trevor spent a long time looking at flats before he bought one,
but eventually DECIDED ON one near his work.

664. Decide upon Choose, select.

Explanation: Jane spent a long time looking at houses before she bought one,

but eventually DECIDED UPON one near her office.

665. Die away Become quieter or inaudible (of a sound).

Explanation: The last notes DIED AWAY and the audience burst into applause.

666. Die back When the parts of a plant above ground die, but the roots remain
alive.

Explanation: The plant DIES BACK in the winter.

667. Die down Decrease or become quieter.

Explanation: It was on the front pages of all the papers for a few days, but the
interest gradually DIED DOWN.

56
668. Die for Want something a lot.

Explanation: I'm DYING FOR the weekend- this week's been so hard.

669. Die off Become extinct.

Explanation: Most of the elm trees in the UK DIED OFF when Dutch elm disease
arrived.

670. Die out Become extinct or disappear.

Explanation: Some scientists say that the dinosaurs DIED OUT when a comet hit
the earth and caused a nuclear winter.

671. Dig in Start eating greedily.

Explanation: We were starving so we really DUG IN when the food finally did

arrive.
672. Dig in Excavate a protective shelter (military).

Explanation: Anticipating an artillery barrage, we quickly DUG IN.

673. Dig into Reach inside to get something.

Explanation: She DUG INTO her handbag and pulled out a bunch of keys.
674. Dig out Find something you haven't used, seen, etc, for a long time.

Explanation: I DUG OUT my old university essays.

675. Dig out Dig to remove something or someone.

Explanation: They had to DIG the survivors of the earthquake OUT from the

ruins.
676. Dig up Find something that is supposed to be secret.

Explanation: The reporters eventually DUG UP the truth about the affair.
677. Dig up Remove something from the ground.

Explanation: The police DUG UP a body.

678. Dig up Make a hole in a road, the ground, etc.

Explanation: The council have DUG the road UP.

679. Dine out Have dinner outside your home.

Explanation: We DINED OUT because we couldn't be bothered to cook.

57
680. Dine out on Tell a story repeatedly that is well received.

Explanation: I've DINED OUT ON the story of his accident.

681. Dip in Put something in a liquid for a short time.

Explanation: I DIPPED the brush IN the paint and began painting the wall.
682. Dip into Read parts of a book, but not all.

Explanation: I've been DIPPING INTO the book, but haven't read it properly.
683. Dip into Take money out of your savings.
Explanation: I've had to DIP INTO my savings account to pay for the works on

my house.

684. Dip out Leave a place without telling anyone.

Explanation: The party was so dull I DIPPED OUT.

685. Disagree with Make someone feel sick or ill.

Explanation: I feel dreadful; the prawns I had for lunch are DISAGREEING WITH

me.

686. Dish out Serve food.

Explanation: I DISHED OUT the dinner.

687. Dish out Give something, usually when you shouldn't.

Explanation: Doctors have been DISHING OUT Viagra to anyone who asks for it.

688. Dish out Criticize, when you can't take criticism in return.

Explanation: He DISHES it OUT, but gets all hurt when anyone responds.
689. Dish up Serve food.

Explanation: He DISHED UP a great dinner when we got back.

690. Dive in Start doing something, usually without planning.

Explanation: When we saw what was happening, we all DIVED IN to help.

691. Dive in Start eating.

Explanation: Dinner's on the table, so DIVE IN.

692. Dive into Reach inside something quickly.

Explanation: She DIVED INTO her bag and pulled out a lighter.

58
693. Divide up Share.

Explanation: They divided up the profits.

694. Divvy out Divide, share.

Explanation: The waiters and waitresses DIVVY OUT the tips at the end of the
night.

695. Divvy up Divide, share.

Explanation: We DIVVIED UP the money equally.
696. Do away with Abolish, get rid of.

Explanation: The United Kingdom DID AWAY WITH the death penalty in 1965.

697. Do in Kill.

Explanation: After he reported the gang, he feared they would DO him IN.
698. Do out of Cheat somebody out of something that is rightfully theirs.

Explanation: They lied on the reference and DID me OUT OF any chance of

getting the job.

699. Do up Close or fasten clothes, etc..

Explanation: You must DO UP your safety belt in the back of cars and taxis now.

700. Do up Repair and renovate.

Explanation: It took them six months to DO UP the house before they could

actually move in.

701. Do with Wish for or ask for (usually after can or could).
Explanation: I could DO WITH a cold beer about now.

702. Do without Manage without something.

Explanation: There's no sugar, so you'll have to DO WITHOUT.

703. Dob in Report someone to teachers, authorities, etc.

Explanation: He DOBBED me IN to the teacher.

704. Dob in Contribute money.

Explanation: Everyone DOBBED IN some cash to help.

705. Dob in Pressure someone into doing something.

59
 Explanation: He needed some help, so DOBBED us IN.

706. Dole out Give out, distribute.

Explanation: They were DOLING OUT leaflets in front of the station.

707. Doss about Spend time doing very little or being unproductive.
Explanation: I couldn't get down to my work and DOSSED ABOUT all night.

708. Doss around Spend time doing very little or being unproductive.
Explanation: I spent the afternoon DOSSING AROUND.
709. Doss down Sleep somewhere temporarily because you don't go home.

Explanation: I was feeling really tired, so I DOSSED DOWN on his sofa for the

night.

710. Double as Have a second function or purpose.

Explanation: My study DOUBLES AS a spare bedroom when we have visitors.

711. Double back Go back the way you were coming.

Explanation: When he saw the police, he DOUBLED BACK and went home.

712. Double over Bend over at the waist.

Explanation: She DOUBLED OVER in pain after being hit in the stomach.

713. Double up Bend over at the waist.

Explanation: He DOUBLED UP in pain after being hit in the stomach.

714. Double up Share accommodation because there are too many people.

Explanation: We had to DOUBLE UP because we hadn't booked enough rooms.

715. Double up as Have a second function or purpose.

Explanation: The display screen DOUBLES UP AS a solar panel.

716. Doze off Fall asleep.

Explanation: The movie was a bit boring and I DOZED OFF halfway through.

717. Drag on Be unnecessarily long.

Explanation: The meeting DRAGGED ON for two and a half hours.

718. Draw back Retreat, move backwards.

Explanation: He DREW BACK when the dog barked.

60
719. Draw down Reduce levels.

Explanation: The administration want to DRAW DOWN troop numbers as soon

as they can.

720. Draw down Get funding.

Explanation: The college wants to DRAW DOWN extra funding for IT provision.

721. Draw down To deplete by consumption or heavy spending.

Explanation: Gas reserves were DRAWN DOWN in the recent cold spell.
722. Draw even Equalize one’s competitive position.

Explanation: The exhausted horse DREW EVEN at the finish line.

723. Draw in Get dark earlier.

Explanation: The nights are DRAWING IN now it's winter.

724. Draw in Arrive at a station (for trains).

Explanation: The train DREW IN and we got off.

725. Draw into Get involved in something unpleasant.

Explanation: I didn't want to take sides because I didn't want to get DRAWN
INTO their arguments.

726. Draw on Pass slowly (time).

Explanation: As the lesson DREW ON, the students started to get bored.

727. Draw on Inhale smoke from a cigarette, cigar, etc.

Explanation: He DREW ON his cigarette and coughed.

728. Draw out Make something continue longer than needed.

Explanation: The director DREW the meeting OUT with a lengthy speech.
729. Draw out Make a shy person more outgoing.

Explanation: He was so quiet at first, but the teacher managed to DRAW him

OUT and get him to participate.

730. Draw up Prepare a contract.

Explanation: The contract was DRAWN UP by our solicitor.

731. Draw up When a vehicle stops.

61
 Explanation: The police car DREW UP alongside him at the red lights and asked

him to pull over.

732. Dream of Not think or consider.

Explanation: I wouldn't even DREAM OF telling her that.

733. Dream up Invent something, have an idea.

Explanation: They DREAMED UP the scheme for the improvements and it was
accepted by the board.
734. Dredge up Discover things about someone's past.

Explanation: The newspapers DREDGED UP the details of his affair with his

research assistant.

735. Dress down Dress casually.

Explanation: The staff are allowed to DRESS DOWN on Fridays.

736. Dress down Scold.

Explanation: She DRESSED me DOWN for being rude.

737. Dress up Dress very smartly.

Explanation: It's an informal party so there's no need to DRESS UP.

738. Drift apart Slowly cease to be close to or friends with someone.

Explanation: We were great friends at school but DRIFTED APART when we

went to different universities.

739. Drift off Start to fall asleep.

Explanation: I was DRIFTING OFF when the noise disturbed me.

740. Drill down Search through layers of information on a computer.

Explanation: I really had to DRILL DOWN to get the answers from the database.

741. Drill down through Get to the bottom of something, get detailed data.

Explanation: They DRILLED DOWN THROUGH the information to find the truth.

742. Drill into Repeat something many times to make someone learn it.
Explanation: The teacher DRILLED the rules INTO the students.

62
743. Drink up Finish a drink.

Explanation: DRINK UP, please; it's closing time.

744. Drive away Force an animal or someone to leave a place.

Explanation: Their unfriendliness DRIVES customers AWAY.

745. Drive back Repulse, force back.

Explanation: The police DROVE the crowd BACK to give the rescue workers
more space.
746. Drive by Do something out of a car.

Explanation: He was killed in a DRIVE-BY shooting.

747. Drive off Drive away from a place.

Explanation: She slammed the car door shut and DROVE OFF without saying a
word.

748. Drive out Force someone to leave a place.

Explanation: The soldiers DROVE them OUT of their homes.

749. Drive up Make something increase.

Explanation: The market uncertainty has DRIVEN prices UP.

750. Drive up Arrive in a vehicle.

Explanation: They DROVE UP just as we were about to leave.

751. Drone on Talk boringly for a long time.

Explanation: The minister DRONED ON for an hour and the audience looked
increasingly bored.

752. Drop around Visit someone, often without making an arrangement.

Explanation: We DROPPED AROUND to collect the stuff we'd left there last

week.

753. Drop around Deliver.

Explanation: I DROPPED AROUND the things they needed.

754. Drop away Become smaller- amount, numbers.

Explanation: The numbers of people attending began the DROP AWAY after a

63
 few months.

755. Drop back Move towards the back of a group.

Explanation: He stared at the front, but got tired and DROPPED BACK as the

race went on.

756. Drop by Pay a brief visit.

Explanation: He DROPPED BY on his way home from work.

757. Drop in Visit without having made arrangements.
Explanation: I was in the area so I DROPPED IN at the office to see her.

758. Drop off Take something or someone to a place and leave it or them

there..

Explanation: I DROPPED the kids OFF at school on my way to work.

759. Drop off Fall asleep.

Explanation: I DROPPED OFF during the play and woke up when it ended.

760. Drop off Decrease in number or amount.

Explanation: Sales have DROPPED OFF in the last few months.

761. Drop out Quit a course.

Explanation: She DROPPED OUT of college and went straight into a good job.

762. Drop over Visit for a short time.

Explanation: I'll DROP OVER on my way back.

763. Drop round Visit someone, often without making an arrangement.

Explanation: We DROPPED ROUND their house on our way.

764. Drop round Deliver.

Explanation: I DROPPED the papers ROUND so she could read them before the

meeting.

765. Drop someone in it Get someone into trouble.

Explanation: I really DROPPED him IN IT when I told them what he'd done.
766. Drop through Come to nothing, produce no results.

Explanation: The big scheme he was talking about seems to have DROPPED

64
 THROUGH.

767. Drown in Cover excessively.

Explanation: They DROWN the food IN sauce.

768. Drown out Be so loud that another sound cannot be heard.

Explanation: The music DROWNED OUT the sound of the phone ringing.

769. Drum into To make someone learn or believe something by constant

repetition.
Explanation: They DRUM all the traps INTO you before the test, so you can't go

wrong.

770. Drum out Force someone out of their job or position.

Explanation: They DRUMMED the minister OUT when she was caught lying.
The minister was DRUMMED OUT of her post for lying. (The
passive form with OF is more common)
771. Drum up Increase support or interest.

Explanation: They are trying to DRUM UP support for the referendum.

772. Dry off Dry something quickly, or dry the surface.
Explanation: I had a shower and DRIED myself OFF.

773. Dry out Stop drinking or taking drugs when addicted.

Explanation: He checked into a clinic to DRY OUT after being arrested for drink-

driving.

774. Dry out Dry something fully.

Explanation: They DRIED the fruit OUT in the sun.

775. Dry up Lose all the water from a river, lake, source, etc.

Explanation: The lake DRIED UP because of the water extraction for cotton
farming.

776. Dry up Stop being supplied with something.

Explanation: His income DRIED UP when cheaper options became available.

777. Dry up Be unable to speak.

Explanation: She DRIED UP in the press conference.
65
778. Dry up Dry plates, dishes, cutlery, etc., after washing them up.

Explanation: I washed and DRIED UP.

779. Duck out of Avoid doing something.

Explanation: He DUCKED OUT OF helping us last night.

780. Duff up Beat or hit someone repeatedly.

Explanation: He was DUFFED UP in a night club last night.
781. Dumb down Reduce the intellectual level of something in search of popularity.

Explanation: Television has been DUMBING DOWN the news for years.

782. Dump on Treat someone badly.

Explanation: Her boss DUMPS ON everyone when things go wrong.

783. Dump on Criticize heavily, often unfairly.

Explanation: She DUMPS ON her family a lot.

784. Dump on Tell someone your problems.

Explanation: When he’s depressed, he needs someone to DUMP ON.

785. Dwell on Spend a lot of time on something.

Explanation: The programme DWELLED ON little other than the scandal.

786. Dwell upon Spend a lot of time on something.

Explanation: She DWELT UPON the economic situation in her speech.

787. Ease off Reduce pressure.

Explanation: She EASED OFF the accelerator to let the car slow down.

788. Ease up Relax, calm down.

Explanation: She asked her teacher to EASE UP because she was feeling very

stressed.

789. Eat away Destroy slowly.

Explanation: The disease EATS the liver AWAY.

790. Eat in Eat at home.

Explanation: We didn't feel like going to a restaurant so we ATE IN.

66
791. Eat into Use something valuable when you don't want to.

Explanation: We've had to EAT INTO our savings since I lost my job.

792. Eat out Eat in a restaurant.

Explanation: We couldn't be bothered to cook so we ATE OUT last night.

793. Eat up Eat all of something.

Explanation: If you don't EAT UP your greens, you won't get any dessert.
794. Eat up Consume.

Explanation: This car EATS UP petrol.

795. Eat up Consume something you don't want to be consumed.

Explanation: The graphics EAT UP our bandwidth- they're costing us a fortune.

796. Ebb away Disappear gradually.

Explanation: His life was EBBED AWAY as the illness progressed.

797. Edge out Gradually push someone or something out of their position.

Explanation: The shareholders EDGED the CEO out because results were
getting worse.

798. Edge up Approach slowly.

Explanation: She EDGED UP behind the bus at the red light.

799. Egg on Encourage.

Explanation: The other students EGGED him ON when he started arguing with
the teacher.

800. Eke out Make something like money last as long as possible.
Explanation: Most students have to EKE OUT their income because they have

so little money to live on.

801. Embark on Start a project or venture.

Explanation: Piere EMBARKED ON an MBA at Insead last autumn.

802. Embark upon Start a project or venture.

Explanation: Fernanda has just EMBARKED UPON a new professional challenge.

67
803. Empty out Empty something completely.

Explanation: I must EMPTY OUT the rubbish before I leave for work.

804. Empty out Remove some things or everything from a container.

Explanation: I EMPTIED some of the coffee OUT so I could pour more milk in.
805. End in Finish a certain way.

Explanation: It'll END IN tears.

806. End up Become or do something unplanned.
Explanation: We couldn't get tickets for Egypt so we ENDED UP going to Turkey

instead.

807. End up with Get as a result of something.

Explanation: He tried hard but ENDED UP WITH a poor grade.

808. Enter for Join or enter a competition.

Explanation: They ENTERED FOR the national championship but weren't good

enough.

809. Enter into Become involved in or accept.

Explanation: They ENTERED INTO an agreement with their rivals.

810. Eye up Look carefully at someone.

Explanation: The guy EYED the other man UP because he was behaving

suspiciously.

811. Face off Confront.

Explanation: The company FACED OFF the competition.

812. Face up to Accept an unpleasant truth.

Explanation: Many people find it hard to FACE UP TO the fact that they are

getting old.

813. Faff about Behave indecisively.

Explanation: He told her to stop FAFFING ABOUT and make her mind up.
814. Faff around Behave indecisively.

Explanation: She told him to stop FAFFING AROUND and make his mind up.

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815. Fall about Laugh a lot.

Explanation: We FELL ABOUT when we heard what she'd done.

816. Fall apart Break into pieces.

Explanation: The box FELL APART when I picked it up.

817. Fall apart Become emotionally disturbed and unable to behave normally.

Explanation: He FELL APART when they sacked him.

818. Fall back Retreat.
Explanation: The army FELL BACK after losing the battle.

819. Fall back on Be able to use in an emergency.

Explanation: It was good to have some money in the bank to FALL BACK ON

when I lost my job.

820. Fall behind Make less progress.

Explanation: I was ill for a week and FELL BEHIND with my work.

821. Fall down Fall on the ground.

Explanation: I slipped on the ice and FELL DOWN.

822. Fall down Have a weak point.

Explanation: The argument FALLS DOWN when you look at how much it'll cost.

823. Fall for Be attracted to somebody, fall in love.

Explanation: He FELL FOR her the moment their eyes met.

824. Fall for Believe a lie or a piece of deception.

Explanation: He FELL FOR my story and allowed me yet another extension for

the submission of my thesis.

825. Fall in Collapse.

Explanation: The ceiling FELL IN hurting a lot of people.

826. Fall into Start doing something unplanned.

Explanation: I just FELL INTO my job when an opportunity came up.

827. Fall off Decrease.

Explanation: The membership FELL OFF dramatically when the chairperson

69
 resigned.

828. Fall out Argue and be on bad terms with someone.

Explanation: They FELL OUT over the decision and hardly speak to each other

any more.
829. Fall out Lose hair.

Explanation: He's started getting worried about baldness because his hair is
FALLING OUT rather quickly.
830. Fall over Fall on the ground.

Explanation: I slipped on the ice and FELL OVER.

831. Fall through Be unsuccessful.

Explanation: The plans FELL THROUGH when planning permission was refused.
832. Fall under Become controlled.

Explanation: At first he was independent, but then he FELL UNDER their

influence.

833. Farm out Give or contract work to someone else.

Explanation: The company wants to FARM OUT their maintenance.

834. Fart about Waste time doing silly things.

Explanation: The manager was angry because the staff were FARTING ABOUT.

835. Fart around Waste time doing pointless things.

Explanation: We were really bored in the lecture so we started FARTING

AROUND.

836. Fasten down Tie something so that it doesn't move.

Explanation: We FASTENED it DOWN to keep the wind from blowing it away.

837. Fasten on Give attention to something that confirms your beliefs.

Explanation: They have FASTENED ON the speech as a source of inspiration.

838. Fasten onto Follow someone closely, normally when they don't want your
company.

Explanation: He FASTENED ONTO the minister on his visit and asked him

70
 repeatedly about the scandal.

839. Fasten onto Give attention to something that confirms your beliefs.

Explanation: They FASTEN ONTO any figures that they think can support their
case.

840. Fasten up Close, attach.

Explanation: FASTEN UP your seatbelts.
841. Fathom out Understand something.

Explanation: I couldn't FATHOM OUT what she wanted from me.

842. Fatten up Give an animal a lot to eat to make it fat.

Explanation: They FATTEN the cows UP before slaughtering them.

843. Fawn on Praise someone in an excessive way to get their favor or

something from them.

Explanation: He's always FAWNING ON his boss to try to get promoted.

844. Fawn over Praise someone in an excessive way to get their favour or
something from them.

Explanation: She FAWNED OVER the inspectors in the hope that they would

give her a good grade.

845. Feed off Eat a food as part of an animals diet.

Explanation: The gecko FEEDS OFF mosquitoes and other insects.

846. Feed off Use something to your advantage.

Explanation: He FEEDS OFF people's fear of crime to get them to support his
proposals.

847. Feed on Grow stronger.

Explanation: The opposition party's FEEDING ON the government's

weaknesses.
848. Feed on Consume in an animal's diet.

Explanation: The bats FEED ON insects.

71
849. Feed on Give someone a particular food.

Explanation: He FEEDS his cat ON dry food.

850. Feed up Give someone a lot of food to restore their health, make them

bigger, etc.
Explanation: She's been ill for a fortnight so we're FEEDING her UP.

851. Feel up Touch sexually, grope.

Explanation: Someone FELT me UP in the club as I was trying to get to the bar.
852. Feel up to Feel capable of doing something.

Explanation: I'm so tired. I don't think I FEEL UP TO going out tonight.

853. Fence in Enclose an area.

Explanation: They FENCED the whole garden IN.

854. Fence off Enclose an area to keep animals or people out.

Explanation: They FENCED OFF one side of the park to keep dogs out.

855. Fend for Take care of yourself or someone with help from other people.

Explanation: The children had to FEND FOR themselves after their parents died.
856. Fend off Resist something successfully.

Explanation: He managed to FEND OFF the criticism in the press.

857. Fend off Push an attacker away.

Explanation: She FENDED OFF the dog when it attacked her.

858. Ferret out Search and discover something.

Explanation: The investigation finally managed to FERRET OUT the truth.

859. Fess up Confess, admit something reluctantly.

Explanation: The company FESSED UP after they were exposed in the

newspapers.

860. Fess up Give.

Explanation: FESS UP your share of the bill.

861. Fess up to Confess, admit reluctantly to something.

Explanation: They FESSED UP TO the crime.

72
862. Fiddle about Waste time doing silly things, or doing things unsuccessfully.

Explanation: We spent the whole afternoon FIDDLING ABOUT with the

computer but couldn't get it to work.

863. Fiddle around Waste time doing silly things, or unsuccessful things.

Explanation: I FIDDLED AROUND with the phone but couldn't get any signal.
864. Fiddle around Make small movements with your hands.
Explanation: He FIDDLED AROUND for something in his pockets.

865. Fiddle away Waste time.

Explanation: He FIDDLED AWAY the afternoon.

866. Fight back Defend yourself, resist an attack.

Explanation: The army attacked the town and the inhabitants FOUGHT BACK

fiercely.

867. Fight back Try to control and emotion and keep it hidden.

Explanation: He tried to FIGHT BACK the tears when he heard the news of her
death.

868. Fight it out Struggle to see who wins, both by arguing or fighting.

Explanation: Their FIGHTING IT OUT to see who will become the next CEO.

869. Fight off Fight an attacker and force them back.

Explanation: The old lady managed to FIGHT the muggers OFF and they didn't
get her purse.

870. Fight off Resist an illness or emotion.

Explanation: I'm FIGHTING OFF a cold.

871. Figure on Plan, expect.

Explanation: What job do you FIGURE ON doing when you graduate?

872. Figure out Find the answer to a problem.

Explanation: The police couldn't FIGURE OUT how the burglars had got into the

warehouse.

73
873. File away Put a document in the correct place for storage in a filing system.

Explanation: I FILED a copy of the letter AWAY for my records.

874. File for Apply for something legally, like divorce or bankruptcy.
Explanation: They FILED FOR divorce after two years of marriage.

875. Fill in Complete a form.

Explanation: I FILLED IN the application form and posted it off.
876. Fill in Substitute someone at work.

Explanation: She's just had a baby, so we have hired someone to FILL IN for

her.

877. Fill in for Substitute.

Explanation: I was away for a few days, so they had to get someone to FILL IN

FOR me.

878. Fill in on Give someone information.

Explanation: I'm sorry I missed the meeting; could you FILL me IN ON what
happened.

879. Fill out Complete a form.

Explanation: I FILLED OUT the application form and mailed it.

880. Fill up Fill something completely.

Explanation: I stopped at the garage and FILLED UP with petrol.

881. Filter in Move into a lane of traffic without making other cars stop.

Explanation: The slip lane allows traffic to FILTER IN at the junction.

882. Filter out Remove something unwanted.

Explanation: It FILTERS OUT all the impurities and chemicals in tap water so

that it tastes better.

883. Find out Discover.

Explanation: I went to the library to FIND OUT all I could about the life and

work of Joe Meek.

74
884. Finish off Finish completely.

Explanation: They FINISHED OFF all the chocolates and had to go to the all-

night garage to buy some more.

885. Finish off Kill a person or animal, often when they have already been hurt.
Explanation: The animal was badly hurt, so they FINISHED it OFF to end its

suffering.
886. Finish off Beat, make victory certain in sport.
Explanation: The second goal FINISHED them OFF.

887. Finish off Consume all.

Explanation: We FINISHED OFF the coffee and had to get some more.

888. Finish up Finally get somewhere, usually without planning to go there.

Explanation: We went out for diner and FINISHED UP in a club.

889. Finish up with Have or do something at the end or as the last of something.

Explanation: We attended some workshops and FINISHED UP WITH the

keynote speaker.
890. Finish with End a relationship.

Explanation: She FINISHED WITH him a few months ago.

891. Finish with Stop dealing with someone.

Explanation: He wanted to leave but I was furious and hadn't FINISHED WITH

him.
892. Finish with Finish using or requiring.

Explanation: Can I read the paper when you've FINISHED WITH it.
893. Fink on Give away secrets about someone.

Explanation: He FINKED ON her to the authorities.

894. Fink out Fail to keep a promise, arrangement, etc.

Explanation: He said he'd come with us then FINKED OUT at the last minute.
895. Fire away Ask questions.

Explanation: What do you want to know? FIRE AWAY and I'll tell you.

75
896. Fire off Send quickly, angrily or many (letter, emails, etc.).

Explanation: He FIRED OFF an email complaining about the report.

897. Fire off Shoot, fire a gun (usually repeatedly).

Explanation: The police FIRED OFF several rounds and killed the man.

898. Fire up Start a computer.

Explanation: She FIRED UP the computer and printed out a hard copy of the
files.

899. Fire up Excite, become excited.

Explanation: Everyone was FIRED UP and desperate to get it finished in time.

900. Firm up Make things clearer in a negotiation or discussion.

Explanation: We need to FIRM UP some aspects of the contract before we sign

it.

901. Firm up Exercise to make muscles harder and remove fat.

Explanation: I go swimming every day to FIRM UP my body.

902. Fish for Try to get some information or to get someone to say something.

Explanation: He's always FISHING FOR compliments.

903. Fish out Remove something from a bag, pocket, etc.

Explanation: She reached into her handbag and FISHED some coins OUT.

904. Fish out Remove from water, such as the sea, rivers, etc.
Explanation: It's fallen in the pool- I'll have to FISH it OUT.

905. Fit in Get on in a group of people.

Explanation: I didn't FIT IN with the other people working there so I left and

found another job.

906. Fit in Have enough time or space for something.

Explanation: I didn't have time to FIT IN another appointment.

907. Fit in with Be convenient or occur conveniently.

Explanation: They're not arriving until Thursday, which FITS IN WITH my

76
 schedule for the week.

908. Fit in with Occur or happen in a way that shows that plans or ideas have not

changed.

Explanation: His rudeness yesterday FITS IN WITH what I have always thought
of his behavior.

909. Fit into Become part of.

Explanation: Their ideas didn't FIT INTO our plans.
910. Fit out Provide with necessary equipment.

Explanation: They FITTED OUT the boat for the race.

911. Fit out with Provide someone with necessary equipment.

Explanation: They didn't FIT the troops OUT WITH the necessary protective
gear.

912. Fit up Frame someone- make them look guilty of something they

haven't done.

Explanation: The police FITTED him UP for dealing drugs.

913. Fit up Provide equipment.

Explanation: They FITTED us UP with the latest IT.

914. Fix up Make an arrangement.

Explanation: He FIXED UP an appointment for me to see a specialist.

915. Fizzle out End in an unsuccessful way.

Explanation: The campaign started well, but FIZZLED OUT when they ran out of

money.
916. Flag down Signal at a vehicle to get it to stop.

Explanation: The police officer FLAGGED the car DOWN because it didn't have

its headlights on.

917. Flag up Raise an issue, or highlight its importance.

Explanation: We should FLAG UP working conditions at the meeting.

918. Flake out Fall asleep from exhaustion.

77
 Explanation: I worked till midnight then FLAKED OUT.

919. Flame out Fail.

Explanation: The company FLAMED OUT in the recession.

920. Flame up Burn brightly.

Explanation: The wood FLAMED UP in the fire.

921. Flare out Get angry suddenly.

Explanation: He FLARED OUT when he saw the dreadful report.
922. Flare up When trouble suddenly appears.

Explanation: The argument FLARED UP when he was rude to them.

923. Flesh out Add more details or information.

Explanation: The recent government report FLESHED OUT the draft proposals.
924. Flick over Change TV channels quickly.

Explanation: She FLICKED OVER to see if the news had started.

925. Flick through Change TV channels repeatedly.

Explanation: I FLICKED THROUGH the channels to see if there was anything

worth watching.

926. Flick through Look through something quickly.

Explanation: I FLICKED THROUGH the magazine and decided to buy it.

928. Flip off Extend your middle finger as a gesture of contempt.

Explanation: When the police were walking away, he FLIPPED them OFF.
929. Flip out Become very excited and lose control.

Explanation: He FLIPPED OUT when he won the final.

930. Flip through Look quickly through a magazine, book, etc.

Explanation: I FLIPPED THROUGH the latest issue of the magazine in the shop

and decided to buy it.

931. Flog off Sell something cheaply to get rid of it.

Explanation: The council FLOGGED OFF the land cheaply to a developer who

had close links to a few of the councilors.

78
932. Floor it Drive a vehicle as fast as possible.

Explanation: She FLOORED IT when the police arrived.

933. Flounce off Leave a place or walk away from someone angrily.

Explanation: He FLOUNCED OFF when they laughed at him.

934. Flounce out Leave a place angrily.

Explanation: He FLOUNCED OUT when the press started criticizing him.

935. Fluff out Shake or pat a cushion so that it fills with air. She FLUFFED OUT
the sofa cushions.

936. Fluff up Shake or pat a cushion so that it fills with air.

Explanation: He FLUFFED UP the pillow before going to bed.

937. Fly about Circulate (rumors, etc.).

Explanation: The rumor has been FLYING ABOUT for the past week, but no one

has confirmed it.

938. Fly around Circulate (rumors, etc.).

Explanation: There are a lot of stories FLYING AROUND about her past.
939. Fly at Attack.

Explanation: The dog FLEW AT the cat when it came into the garden.

940. Fly at Criticize or shout angrily.

Explanation: He FLEW AT them for not trying hard enough.

941. Fly by When time appears to move quickly.

Explanation: As I get older, the years just FLY BY.

942. Fly into Change emotion quickly.

Explanation: He FLEW INTO a rage.

943. Fob off Make or persuade someone to accept something.

Explanation: I FOBBED it OFF Paul.

944. Fob off Lie or deceive someone.

Explanation: He FOBBED us OFF with a really stupid excuse.

79
945. Fob off on Make or persuade someone to accept something you don't want.

Explanation: I FOBBED the work ON the others.

946. Fob off onto Make or persuade someone to accept something you don't want.
Explanation: I FOBBED the fake note ONTO a shopkeeper.

947. Fob off with Make or persuade someone to accept something of lower quality
than they wanted.
Explanation: He FOBBED her OFF WITH some fake gold.

948. Focus on Concentrate.

Explanation: The report FOCUSES ON the company's weak points.

949. Fold up Make a sheet of paper smaller.

Explanation: Darren FOLDED UP the letter and put it in an envelope.

950. Follow on Leave to meet someone after they have left the place you're at.

Explanation: He left an hour ago and I'll be FOLLOWING ON soon.

951. Follow on In cricket, if the second team to bat doesn't score enough runs, it
has to bat again.

Explanation: They were over 200 runs behind and had to FOLLOW ON.

952. Follow on from Be the part of something.

Explanation: The film FOLLOWS ON from the original.

953. Follow through Do what is necessary to complete something or make it

successful.

Explanation: The project went wrong when the staff failed to FOLLOW
THROUGH.

954. Follow through Continue moving limbs after hitting a ball.

Explanation: You need to FOLLOW THROUGH smoothly when playing golf.

955. Follow up Do something to check or improve an earlier action.

Explanation: He FOLLOWED UP the meeting with a report.

956. Follow up Find our about a problem and act.

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 Explanation: The police didn't FOLLOW UP the allegations.

957. Fool about Not be serious.

Explanation: They were FOOLING ABOUT and wouldn't settle down.

958. Fool about Be unfaithful.

Explanation: Their marriage broke down because he kept FOOLING ABOUT.

959. Fool around Not be serious.
Explanation: The teacher was angry because the class were FOOLING AROUND.

960. Fool around Be unfaithful.

Explanation: She suspects her husband is FOOLING AROUND with one of her

friends.
961. Fool with Play with something dangerous.

Explanation: Don't FOOL WITH that- it could explode.

962. Forge ahead Make a lot of progress in a short time.

Explanation: We've been FORGING AHEAD with the work and should be
finished well before the deadline.

963. Forge ahead Move forwards very quickly.

Explanation: She FORGED AHEAD of the other runners and won.

964. Freak out Become very disturbed or angry.

Explanation: She FREAKED OUT completely when she didn't get the grades to
get into university.

965. Free up Make money or time available by not using it elsewhere.

Explanation: If we get the work done tonight, it will FREE UP the weekend to go

away.

966. Free up Do work or a task for someone to make them available for

something.
Explanation: If you proofread this text, it will FREE me UP to get on with the

next part.

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967. Freeze out Shut out or exclude by unfriendly treatment.

Explanation: They tried to FREEZE me OUT of the conversation.

968. Freeze out Force to retire or withdraw from membership, a job, etc.

Explanation: After Jim was FROZEN OUT of the case, they hired a new lawyer.
969. Freeze over Become covered with ice (lake, river, pond, etc.).

Explanation: The winter was very severe and the lake FROZE OVER.
970. Freeze up Be blocked with ice.
Explanation: The pipes all FROZE UP so no water came through.

971. Freeze up Stop working because the parts of a machine won't move.

Explanation: The gears had FROZEN UP.

972. Freeze up When a computer stops working.

Explanation: The computer FROZE UP; it showed me the blue screen of death

and I couldn't reboot.

973. Freeze up Be paralyzed with fear.

Explanation: WE FROZE UP when we heard the window break.

974. Freshen up Wash quickly and improve appearance.

Explanation: I'm going to the bathroom to FRESHEN UP before they arrive.

975. Freshen up Add more alcohol to a glass before it is empty.

Explanation: Here, let me FRESHEN UP your drink.

976. Freshen up Quickly improve the appearance of something.

Explanation: The magazine gives you tips on how to FRESHEN UP your home

cheaply.
977. Frighten away Scare someone so much that they go away.

Explanation: The noise FRIGHTENED the birds AWAY.

978. Frighten away Scare or worry someone enough to stop them doing something

they had planned.

Explanation: The strikes FRIGHTENED many visitors AWAY.

979. Frighten off Scare someone so much that they go away.

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 Explanation: The dog FRIGHTENED the burglars OFF.

980. Frighten off Scare or worry someone enough to stop them doing something

they had planned.

Explanation: The crash in share prices FRIGHTENED investors OFF.

981. Front for Represent someone, especially when covering illegal or wrongful

activities.
Explanation: The solicitor FRONTS FOR a number of criminal gangs.
982. Front off Confront someone and let them know you are prepared to fight.

Explanation: The two guys FRONTED each other OFF, but someone managed to

calm them down before it got out of hand.

983. Front onto Face (of a building).

Explanation: My house FRONTS ONTO the main square.

984. Front out Face up to someone, withstand criticism.

Explanation: He accused her of lying, but she FRONTED him OUT

985. Front up Appear somewhere for a short time.

Explanation: I hate these occasions, but I'll FRONT UP for the first half.

986. Front up Advance cash for something.

Explanation: She FRONTED UP the money we needed.

987. Frown on Disapprove.

Explanation: He FROWNS ON people making personal calls at work.

988. Fuel up Put petrol or other fuel into a vehicle.

Explanation: We stopped to FUEL UP before the car ran out.

989. Gad about Visit a lot of different places for pleasure.

Explanation: I spent the afternoon GADDING ABOUT in the West End.

990. Gad around Visit different places for pleasure.

Explanation: I spent the afternoon GADDING AROUND looking for some books.
991. Gag for Want something a lot.

Explanation: I'm GAGGING FOR a drink.

83
992. Gang up Form a group against something or someone.

Explanation: They GANGED UP to try to stop the new system.

993. Gang up against Harass, bully (in a group).

Explanation: They GANGED UP AGAINST me because I wouldn't accept their

ideas.

994. Gang up on Harass, bully.

Explanation: They GANGED UP ON him because of the way he spoke.
995. Gear to Organize or arrange something for a particular purpose, audience,

etc. (Often passive).

Explanation: It's not GEARED TO non-specialists.

996. Gear towards Organize or arrange something for a particular purpose, audience,
etc.

Explanation: The project is GEARED TOWARDS older people.

997. Gear up Get ready for a busy period.

Explanation: The shops are GEARING UP for the New Year sales.
998. Geek out Talk at length about computing.

Explanation: Henry always GEEKS OUT at parties and bores all the people who

don't know much about computers.

999. Get about Visit many places.

Explanation: I GET ABOUT a lot with my job- last years I visited eleven
countries.

1000. Get about Become known.

Explanation: It didn't take long for the news to GET ABOUT- everyone's talking

about it.

1001. Get about Walk or visit places.

Explanation: She can't GET ABOUT much, but she is in her eighties.
1002. Get about Have personal or sexual relationships with many people.

Explanation: She GETS ABOUT a bit; she's always with some new guy.

84
1003. Get above Behave as if you are better or more important than others.

Explanation: She's been GETTING ABOVE HERSELF since she got promoted.(This

is normally used in progressive forms and followed by a reflexive

pronoun, though 'get above your station' is also used.)

1004. Get across Communicate successfully.

Explanation: I just couldn't GET my message ACROSS at the meeting.

1005. Get across Go from one side to the other.

Explanation: It's impossible to GET ACROSS the road with all this traffic.
1006. Get across Move something from one side to the other.

Explanation: How are we going to GET these bags ACROSS the river?

1007. Get across to Be convincing or make a good impression.

Explanation: How can I GET ACROSS TO my audience?

1008. Get after Nag or exhort someone.

Explanation: You should GET AFTER them to finish the work.

1009. Get after Chase.
Explanation: GET AFTER her and give her the message before she leaves the

building.
1010. Get ahead Progress.

Explanation: Nowadays, you need IT skills if you want to GET AHEAD.

1011. Get ahead of Move in front of.

Explanation: I work at home in the evening to GET AHEAD OF schedule.

1012. Get along Have a good relationship.

Explanation: Why don't you two GET ALONG? You're always arguing.
1013. Get along Leave.

Explanation: It's late; we must be GETTING ALONG.

1014. Get along Progress.

Explanation: How's the homework GETTING ALONG?

85
1015. Get along in Progress.

Explanation: How are you GETTING ALONG IN the company.

1016. Get along with Have a good relationship with someone.

Explanation: I don't GET ALONG WITH my sister- we have nothing in common.

1017. Get along with Deal with, handle.

Explanation: How are you GETTING ALONG WITH the training course?
1018. Get around Become known.
Explanation: It didn't take long for the news to GET AROUND once it got into

the newspapers.

1019. Get around Visit many different places.

Explanation: He GETS AROUND a lot- he's always flying somewhere different.

1020. Get around Walk or go to places.

Explanation: He's finding it hard to GET AROUND since the operation and

spends most of his time at home.

1021. Get around Avoid a problem.

Explanation: It'll be tricky, but we will find a way to GET AROUND the

regulations.

1022. Get around Persuade, convince.

Explanation: She didn't want to accept my application because it was late, but I

managed to GET AROUND her.

1023. Get around Have personal or sexual relationships with many people.

Explanation: He GETS AROUND a bit; he's always with some new girlfriend.
1024. Get around to Finally manage to do something, make the effort to do something.

Explanation: It always takes me ages to GET AROUND to replying to letters.

1025. Get at Criticize.

Explanation: His boss is always GETTING AT him for arriving late.

1026. Get at Mean.

Explanation: What do you think she's GETTING AT? I've no idea what she

86
 wants.

1027. Get at Be able to reach, find, access.

Explanation: It's on the top shelf and I can't GET AT it.

1028. Get at Use threats, payments, bribes, etc., to affect someone's testimony
or decision.

Explanation: The gangsters GOT AT the jury, who found them not guilty of all
charges despite the evidence presented in court.
1029. Get away Escape.

Explanation: The robbers GOT AWAY in a stolen car, which the police later

found abandoned.

1030. Get away Go on holiday or for a short break.

Explanation: We love to GET AWAY from everything and relax in the country.

1031. Get away Move, leave somewhere.

Explanation: He didn't come because he was stuck at work and couldn't GET

AWAY.
1032. Get away from Go somewhere different or do something different.

Explanation: Work's getting on top of me; I need to GET AWAY FROM it.

1033. Get away from Start to talk about something that is not relevant to the

discussion.

Explanation: I think we're GETTING AWAY FROM the point here- we need to
concentrate on the main ideas.

1034. Get away with Not get caught, criticized or punished for doing something wrong.
Explanation: Thieves GOT AWAY WITH two Picassos, which were never found.

1035. Get away with Achieve something, despite not doing it correctly or properly.

Explanation: Do you think we could GET AWAY WITH using the cheaper

product?
1036. Get away! An expression of disbelief.

Explanation: "I passed." "GET AWAY! You couldn't have passed."

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1037. Get back Return.

Explanation: The train was held up so we didn't GET BACK home until midnight.

1038. Get back Return something.

Explanation: Don't lend him any money; you'll never GET it BACK.
1039. Get back Revenge.

Explanation: He was rude and embarrassed me, but I'll GET him BACK.
1040. Get back Move away.
Explanation: The police told the crowd to GET BACK to allow the ambulance

through.

1041. Get back at Take revenge.

Explanation: I'll GET BACK AT her for landing me in trouble.

1041. Get back into Start doing something after stopping for some time.

Explanation: I am GETTING BACK INTO my Khmer lessons after the summer

break.

1042. Get back into Find a new enthusiasm for something.

Explanation: I lost interest for a while, but I'm GETTING BACK INTO it.

1043. Get back to Respond to a contact.

Explanation: I'll GET BACK TO you as soon as I hear any news.

1044. Get back to respond when you know the answer.

Explanation: I don't know at the moment, but I will GET BACK TO you as soon
as I have the information.

1045. Get back to Start doing something again after an interruption.

Explanation: It took me ages to GET BACK TO sleep after the phone rang.

1046. Get back together Restart a relationship.

Explanation: We split up a few months ago but GOT BACK TOGETHER last

week.
1047. Get behind Support.

Explanation: All the students GOT BEHIND the teacher.

88
1048. Get behind with Be late paying instalments for something..

Explanation: If you GET BEHIND WITH mortgage payments, you might lose your

home.

1049. Get by Have just enough money to live on.

Explanation: They're finding it increasingly difficult to GET BY since their

Daughter was born.

1050. Get by Not be noticed (problems, errors, etc.).
Explanation: I had checked it, but there still were a few mistakes that didn't

GET BY the editor.

1051. Get by on Manage on a certain amount of money.

Explanation: It's hard to GET BY ON my salary.

1052. Get by with Have enough of something to do the job.

Explanation: We should be able to GET BY WITH three PCs, but four would be

better.

1053. Get down Make someone depressed, unhappy, exhausted, etc..

Explanation: The miserable weather in winter really GETS me DOWN.

1054. Get down Write, record.

Explanation: I couldn't GET DOWN everything he said.

1055. Get down Manage to swallow.

Explanation: The medicine tasted horrible and it was difficult to GET it DOWN.
1056. Get down Descend, leave a vehicle.

Explanation: The trained pulled in and we GOT DOWN.

1057. Get down Leave the table after eating.

Explanation: When they had finished dinner, the children asked if they could

GET DOWN.

1058. Get down Reduce.

Explanation: The doctor says I my GET my cholesterol levels DOWN.

89
1059. Get down Have an affair or sexual relations.

Explanation: They GOT DOWN at the party last week.

1060. Get down on Criticize.

Explanation: My mother used to GET DOWN ON us for not doing enough

homework.

1061. Get down to Start working seriously.

Explanation: I find it extremely difficult to GET DOWN TO doing any revision for
examinations.

1062. Get down to Enjoy something a lot.

Explanation: People were GETTING DOWN TO the concert.

1063. Get in Arrange for someone to do a job in your home, workplace, etc.
Explanation: The air conditioning has broken down; we'll have to GET a

technician IN to fix it.

1064. Get in Arrive (train, plane, etc.).

Explanation: Her plane GETS IN at 2am our time.

1065. Get in Arrive home.

Explanation: She didn't GET IN till well after twelve o'clock because she'd been

out for a few drinks with her mates.

1066. Get in Enter a car or taxi.

Explanation: The taxi pulled up and we GOT IN.

1067. Get in Buy or obtain supplies, like food.

Explanation: We need to GET some coffee IN; we're completely out.

1068. Get in Arrive at work, school, home.

Explanation: I GOT IN late today because the train broke down.

1069. Get in Enter a building or place.

Explanation: I borrowed her pass to GET IN.

1070. Get in Be elected.

Explanation: The government GOT IN with a very small majority.

90
1071. Get in Manage to say or do.

Explanation: I couldn't GET a word IN throughout the meeting.

1072. Get in Be admitted to a university, club, etc.

Explanation: He did badly in the entrance exam and didn't GET IN.
1073. Get in Bring inside a place.

Explanation: It's raining; I'd better GET the washing IN.

1074. Get in Submit, apply.
Explanation: We have to GET the forms IN by the end of this week.

1075. Get in Pay for drinks.

Explanation: He GOT the drinks IN.

1076. Get in on Become involved.

Explanation: The company tried to GET IN ON our market.

1077. Get in with Become friendly with, ingratiate with.

Explanation: I tried to GET IN WITH them as I thought it would help me at

work.
1078. Get into Become involved or interested.

Explanation: She's been GETTING INTO dance music recently.

1079. Get into Become involved in something bad or criminal.

Explanation: He GOT INTO drugs when he was at university.

1080. Get into Be accepted or admitted.

Explanation: She did well and GOT INTO Cambridge University.

1081. Get into Become or be accepted as a member.

Explanation: He GOT INTO the first team for football.

1081. Get into Start a habit or way of acting or behaving.

Explanation: It took me ages to GET INTO driving on the left.

1082. Get into Be small enough to wear something.

Explanation: I couldn't GET INTO the boots; they were too tight.

91
1083. Get into Criticize.

Explanation: He GOT INTO me for doing it badly.

1084. Get it Be punished or scolded.

Explanation: If you don't stop that right now, you'll really GET IT!
1085. Get it off Have sex.

Explanation: They GOT IT OFF at the party.

1086. Get it off with Have sex with.
Explanation: She GOT IT OFF WITH her friend's husband.

1087. Get it on Become interested or excited.

Explanation: The talk was dull and nobody GOT IT ON.

1088. Get it on Have sex.

Explanation: Did you two GET IT ON?

1089. Get it on with Have sex with.

Explanation: Did you GET IT ON WITH him?

1090. Get it together Control things in your life to achieve your aims.
Explanation: If I don't GET IT TOGETHER, I will never reach my targets.

1091. Get it together Begin a relationship.

Explanation: They only GET IT TOGETHER at the very end of the film.

1092. Get it up Become aroused (of a man).

Explanation: He couldn't GET IT UP and felt very embarrassed.

1093. Get off Escape punishment.

Explanation: He GOT OFF on a technicality and left the court a free man.
1094. Get off Leave a bus, train, etc..

Explanation: We GOT OFF the bus and walked to my house.

1095. Get off Finish, leave work.

Explanation: I like to GET OFF early on Fridays.

1096. Get off Start a journey.

Explanation: We need to GET OFF early to avoid the rush hour traffic.

92
1097. Get off Help a baby or child sleep.

Explanation: I can't GET the kids OFF because of the noise from next door.

1098. Get off Orgasm, have sex.

Explanation: We GOT OFF last night.

1099. Get off Manage to fire a gun.

Explanation: She GOT OFF a few shots before she was arrested.
1100. Get off Stop talking on the phone.
Explanation: Let me know when he GETS OFF the phone as I need to make a

call.

1101. Get off Write or send letters, messages, etc.

Explanation: I GOT three emails OFF before the meeting.

1102. Get off Say or write something funny.

Explanation: She GOT OFF some jokes at the start of her presentation.

1103. Get off it A way of expressing disbelief, or telling someone that they're

wrong or have an incorrect opinion.

Explanation: I knew he was lying so I told him to GET OFF IT.

1104. Get off on Enjoy a drug.

Explanation: He GETS OFF ON crystal meth every night.

1105. Get off on Become excited by.

Explanation: She GETS OFF ON her power over us.

1106. Get off with Have casual sex with.

Explanation: He GOT OFF WITH her at the party.

1107. Get off! Don't touch, leave alone.

Explanation: If he bothers you, just tell him where to GET OFF.

1108. Get on Continue doing something.

Explanation: The teacher asked the pupils to GET ON with some work quietly as
she had to leave the classroom.

93
1109. Get on Enter a bus, train, plane, etc..

Explanation: We GOT ON the train at Plymouth and went up to London.

1110. Get on Make progress, deal with something with a reasonable degree of
success.

Explanation: How are you GETTING ON with your Spanish lessons?

1111. Get on Have a good relationship.
Explanation: We have always GOT ON well.

1112. Get on Become old, age.

Explanation: He's GETTING ON now and doesn't work so hard.

1113. Get on Be late or near an arranged time.

Explanation: I must get home now; it's GETTING ON.

1114. Get on Wear, fit.

Explanation: I have put so much weight on that I couldn't GET my old suits ON.

1115. Get on Leave.

Explanation: I must be GETTING ON; I have other things to do this evening.

1116. Get on at Criticize unfairly.

Explanation: He's always GETTING ON AT me when I haven't done anything

wrong.

1117. Get on for Be near a time.

Explanation: It's GETTING ON FOR midnight.

1118. Get on to Start to suspect.

Explanation: It took the authorities a long time to GET ON TO the gang.

1119. Get on with Have a good relationship.

Explanation: Fortunately, I GET ON WITH my boss.

1120. Get on with Continue or start doing something.

Explanation: She told us to GET ON WITH our work.

94
1121. Get onto Start discussing a topic.

Explanation: We didn't GET ONTO the third item on the agenda.

1122. Get onto Be elected, appointed.

Explanation: He didn't GET ONTO the committee.

1123. Get onto Appear on the radio or TV.

Explanation: He GOT ONTO every major channel after the accident.

1124. Get onto Contact someone because you need or want them to do
something.

Explanation: We'd better GET ONTO someone to fix this.

1125. Get onto Enter a plane, train, etc.

Explanation: She GOT ONTO the plane just before it took off.
1126. Get out Leave the house to visit place and socialize.

Explanation: She doesn't GET OUT much now she has her baby.

1127. Get out Become known when people want it to remain secret.

Explanation: The truth GOT OUT despite the injunction on reporting the case.
1128. Get out Leave a place, escape.

Explanation: The dog GOT OUT because I left the door open.

1129. Get out Remove something from where it is stored to use it.

Explanation: I GOT the car OUT so that we could load up the suitcases.

1130. Get out Remove dirt or something unwanted.

Explanation: I spilled some red wine on my carpet and can't GET the stains

OUT.
1131. Get out Publish, make available for the public to see or buy.

Explanation: We have to GET the report OUT by the end of the month.

1132. Get out Say what you want when it is difficult.

Explanation: He was so upset he couldn't GET the words OUT.

1133. Get out of Avoid doing something you dislike.

Explanation: I said I wasn't feeling well and GOT OUT OF the extra work.

95
1134. Get out of Leave a car, van, etc..

Explanation: We GOT OUT OF the taxi and paid the driver.

1135. Get out of Stop a regular activity or habit.

Explanation: If you GET OUT OF a routine, it can be hard to start again.

1136. Get out of Make someone confess or tell the truth.

Explanation: The police couldn't GET any information OUT OF him.

1137. Get out of Make someone give something to you.
Explanation: Did you GET a refund OUT OF the travel agency?

1138. Get out of Derive pleasure or benefit from something.

Explanation: She's GETTING a lot OUT OF her university course.

1139. Get out of Help someone avoid doing something.

Explanation: I GOT him OUT OF having to work at the weekend.

1140. Get out! Expression of disbelief.

Explanation: 'I got 100% on the test. ''Get out!'

1141. Get over Recover from something, feel better.

Explanation: It took me ages to GET OVER the bout of flu.

1142. Get over Solve, find a solution.

Explanation: It took us a long time to GET OVER the problems with the

computer system.

1143. Get over Communicate, make people understand.

Explanation: He makes jokes to help GET his message OVER.

1144. Get over Be shocked or surprised that something if real or true.

Explanation: I couldn't GET OVER how much weight he had put on.

1145. Get over Get to the other side.

Explanation: We couldn't GET OVER the river because of the floods.

1146. Get over Come somewhere.

Explanation: He said he needed help and ask me to GET OVER as soon as I

could.

96
1147. Get over with Do something unpleasant that has to be done rather than

delaying it any more.

Explanation: I GOT the test OVER WITH rather than have to worry about it any
longer.

1148. Get round Become known.

Explanation: I don't want this to GET ROUND, so please keep it to yourself.
1149. Get round Find a solution.

Explanation: We're nearly ready, but there are few little problems we have to

GET ROUND before we finish.

1150. Get round (around) to Finally manage to do something.

Explanation: It always takes me ages to GET ROUND to writing letters. (In

American English 'around' is used)

1151. Get round (or around) Persuade someone.

Explanation: She didn't want to let me do it, but I succeeded in GETTING

ROUND her. (In American English 'around' is used)

1152. Get through Contact.

Explanation: I tried calling her mobile phone, but I couldn't GET THROUGH.

1153. Get through Consume.

Explanation: He GETS THROUGH two bottles of wine a day.

1154. Get through Finish.

Explanation: I'm going to take some work home because I haven't managed to
GET THROUGH it all today.

1155. Get through Succeed in an exam or test.

Explanation: My car didn't GET THROUGH its inspection.

1156. Get through Help someone or something succeed or pass a test or exam.
Explanation: My teacher GOT me THROUGH the exam.

97
1157. Get through Endure or deal with a difficult experience.

Explanation: We will have to be careful with our money to GET THROUGH the

month.

1158. Get through Be accepted or passed (laws, proposals, etc.).

Explanation: If the proposal GETS THROUGH, it'll make things much better for

us.
1159. Get through Manage to pass.
Explanation: The water GOT THROUGH the roof and damaged the carpets.

1160. Get through Arrive.

Explanation: The message didn't GET THROUGH.

1161. Get through to Make someone understand.

Explanation: I explained it carefully, but I just couldn't GET THROUGH TO him.

1162. Get through to Contact, especially by phone.

Explanation: I rang but couldn't GET THROUGH TO her.

1163. Get through to Reach a stage in a competition.

Explanation: If they win, they'll GET THROUGH TO the quarter finals.

1164. Get to Annoy, irritate.

Explanation: Don't let her GET TO you; she's just in a bad mood.

1165. Get to Arrive.

Explanation: When I GET TO it, I'll look at the matter carefully.

1166. Get to Start discussing a topic.

Explanation: We asked him to GET TO the point, but he just waffled away.
1167. Get to Have the opportunity to do something.

Explanation: Last June I GOT TO visit Stonehenge.

1168. Get together Meet socially.

Explanation: We GOT TOGETHER in the pub for a drink.

1169. Get up Get out of bed.

Explanation: I GET UP at seven o'clock on weekdays, but lie in till noon at the

98
 weekend.

1170. Get up Organize.

Explanation: They GOT UP a list of two hundred people who were opposed to

the local council's plans.

1171. Get up to Do something wrong or naughty.

Explanation: The children are always GETTING UP TO some trouble or other.

1172. Ghost away Remove someone secretly of discreetly.
Explanation: They GHOSTED him AWAY to a secret location before he could be

arrested.

1173. Gin up Boost, increase or exaggerate.

Explanation: The candidates tried to GIN UP support at the straw poll by

transporting their supporters for free.

1174. Ginger up Make more lively.

Explanation: They tried to GINGER UP the party to stop people leaving.

1175. Give away Entrust your daughter to her husband through the marriage
ceremony.

Explanation: He GAVE his daughter AWAY and told the groom to look after her.

1176. Give away Tell a secret, often unintentionally.

Explanation: She didn't GIVE anything AWAY about the party so it came as a

complete surprise to me.

1177. Give away Distribute something for free.

Explanation: In this issue of the magazine, they are giving away a free DVD.
1178. Give away Give without asking for or expecting payment.

Explanation: He decided to GIVE his new album AWAY in a magazine.

1179. Give away Give an advantage to your opponent in a sport by making a

mistake, playing badly, etc.

Explanation: They GAVE AWAY two goals in the first half.

99
1180. Give away Give an unwanted baby to people to bring up.

Explanation: She had to GIVE her baby AWAY as she couldn't afford to bring it

up.

1181. Give away Betray, report to authorities.

Explanation: The gang GAVE him AWAY to the police.

1182. Give away Give a weight advantage to an opponent in boxing.

Explanation: He is GIVING AWAY thirty pounds to the challenger.
1183. Give back Return something you've borrowed.

Explanation: I GAVE the money BACK that she'd lent to me.

1184. Give back Return something that someone has lost.

Explanation: Nothing could GIVE me BACK the way I felt before the scandal.
1185. Give in Stop doing something because it's too hard or requires too much

energy.

Explanation: I couldn't finish the crossword puzzle and had to GIVE IN and look

at the answers.
1186. Give in Submit homework, etc..

Explanation: The projects have to be GIVEN IN three weeks before we break up

for the end of term.

1187. Give in Surrender, accept defeat.

Explanation: They GAVE IN when the police surrounded the building.

1188. Give in Offer or submit for judgment, approval.

Explanation: They GAVE IN their complaint to the court.

1189. Give in to Agree to something you don't like.

Explanation: The government says it will not GIVE IN TO terrorists.

1190. Give in to Allow a feeling or desire to control you.

Explanation: Eventually, I GAVE IN TO my anger and screamed at them.

1191. Give it to Criticise harshly or punish someone for something.

Explanation: They really GAVE IT TO me for forgetting to turn up.

100
1192. Give it up for Applaud.

Explanation: Please GIVE IT UP FOR our next guest.

1193. Give it up to Applaud.

Explanation: Please GIVE IT UP TO our next guest.

1194. Give of Contribute without expecting anything in return, usually time or

money.
Explanation: He GIVE OF his free time to help the club.
1195. Give off Emit pollution or something else unpleasant.

Explanation: The police stopped the van because it was GIVING OFF a lot of

black smoke.

1196. Give off Behave in a way that makes people think of you in a certain way.
Explanation: She GIVES OFF an air of nobility.

1197. Give off Expand.

Explanation: The company is GIVING OFF all over the country.

1198. Give off Follow or take one of 2 or more branches (instructions, in

machine code) in writing a computer program (using system

software for a programming language).

Explanation: A particular application of a processing code can be GIVEN OFF

while requiring minimal run-time support.

1199. Give onto Open into a place, for a door or window.

Explanation: The French windows GIVE ONTO the lawn.

1200. Give out Distribute.

Explanation: Somebody was GIVING leaflets OUT in front of the underground

station.

1201. Give out Stop working, through age or overuse.

Explanation: I'd been having trouble with my laptop and it finally GAVE OUT at
the weekend.

101
1202. Give out Have no more of a supply.

Explanation: The water GAVE OUT after a week in the desert.

1203. Give out Make public.

Explanation: They GAVE the names of the winners OUT last night.
1204. Give out Emit.

Explanation: The factory GIVES OUT a lot of fumes.

1205. Give out End or finish somewhere.
Explanation: The path GIVES OUT halfway around the lake.

1206. Give out Make a sound or noise.

Explanation: She GAVE OUT a moan.

1207. Give out Read the wordings of a hymn or psalm aloud for congregational
singing.

Explanation: He GAVE OUT the psalm.

1208. Give over Stop doing something bad or annoying.

Explanation: They were making a lot of noise so I told them to GIVE OVER.
1209. Give over Entrust, pass on responsibility.

Explanation: We've GIVEN the premises OVER to the new company.

1210. Give over Stop an activity.

Explanation: The police told the rioters to GIVE OVER.

1211. Give over to Dedicate, devote.

Explanation: He GAVE himself OVER TO finding his son.

1212. Give over to Transfer responsibility.

Explanation: After her death, they GAVE control of the estate OVER TO her

niece.

1213. Give over! An expression of disbelief.

Explanation: They've doubled your salary- GIVE OVER!

1214. Give up Stop doing something that has been a habit.

Explanation: I GAVE UP taking sugar in tea and coffee to lose weight.

102
1215. Give up Stop being friendly, end relationships.

Explanation: She GAVE UP all her school friends when she went to university.

1216. Give up Stop doing something.

Explanation: I have GIVEN UP trying to help them.

1217. Give up Surrender, stop trying.

Explanation: I can't think of the answer; I GIVE UP.

1218. Give up Sacrifice or dedicate time, etc., to something.
Explanation: I GAVE UP all my free time to the project.

1219. Give up Allow someone to sit in your chair, take your place, etc.

Explanation: I GAVE UP my seat to a pregnant woman.

1220. Give up Allow or give away a run while pitching (baseball).

Explanation: He has GIVEN UP 14 earned runs in 14 innings.

1221. Give up on Lose faith in or stop believing in something or someone.

Explanation: I GAVE UP ON them when I heard what they were saying about

me behind my back.
1222. Give up on Stop feeling hope.

Explanation: I have GIVEN UP ON them; they never do what they promise.

1223. Give up to Denounce, report to authorities.

Explanation: He GAVE his accomplices UP TO the police.

1224. Give way Stop to allow vehicles to pass.

Explanation: You must GIVE WAY at this junction.

1225. Give way Collapse, break.

Explanation: The dam GAVE WAY when the floods rose.

1226. Give way to Yield, surrender, retreat.

Explanation: Don't GIVE WAY TO your worst fears about this.

1227. Give way to Relinquish position or ascendancy.

Explanation: Night GIVES WAY TO day.

1228. Give way to Be replaced by something better, cheaper, more modern, etc.

103
 Explanation: Cottage industries GAVE WAY TO the big companies.

1229. Give way to Allow a vehicle to pass in front.

Explanation: You must GIVE WAY TO oncoming traffic.

1230. Give way to Surrender to strong emotions.

Explanation: He GAVE WAY TO his anger and started screaming at them.

1231. Give yourself up Surrender to the police or authorities.
Explanation: The gang GAVE THEMSELVES UP last night.

1232. Give yourself up to Dedicate time, energy, etc, to something.

Explanation: He GAVE himself UP TO his job.

1233. Gloss over Try to minimize the importance of something.

Explanation: The Minister tried to GLOSS OVER the report that was critical of

her department.

1234. Gnaw at Trouble, worry or annoy someone.

Explanation: I know it was wrong and guilt has GNAWED AT me ever since I did
it.

1235. Gnaw at Harm gradually.

Explanation: The government's dishonesty has GNAWED AT people's trust in

politicians.

1236. Gnaw away at Harm gradually.

Explanation: Their behavior GNAWED AWAY AT our trust in them.

1237. Go about Deal with something.

Explanation: How should I GO ABOUT telling her the bad news?

1238. Go about Circulate.

Explanation: A rumor is GOING ABOUT involving the Attorney General.

1239. Go across Move to another side or place.

Explanation: He WENT ACROSS to the opposition.

104
1240. Go after Chase, try to get.

Explanation: The cat WENT AFTER the pigeon, but it flew away.

1241. Go against Lose a decision or a verdict of a court.

Explanation: If the decision GOES AGAINST me, I'll go bankrupt.

1242. Go ahead Proceed.

Explanation: The construction of the bypass WENT AHEAD despite the protests
from environmentalists.
1243. Go ahead with Proceed.

Explanation: We now intend to GO AHEAD WITH the inal stage of the project.

1244. Go along with Accept a decision or suggestion.

Explanation: I didn't really agree, but I WENT ALONG WITH the decision
because I was in the minority.

1245. Go along with Accompany.

Explanation: I plan to GO ALONG WITH them as far as Los Angeles.

1246. Go around Circulate.

Explanation: A rumor is GOING AROUND about the Attorney General.

1247. Go around Be or have enough of something.

Explanation: There aren't enough jobs to GO AROUND for the numbers of

people graduating nowadays.

1248. Go around Visit.

Explanation: I WENT AROUND for dinner at their house.

1249. Go at Attack or approach something with vigor.

Explanation: She WENT AT her dinner like she hadn't eaten for days.

1250. Go away Leave a place or disappear.

Explanation: This drug should make the pain GO AWAY.

1251. Go back Have a long history.

Explanation: He and I GO BACK a long way- we were at school together.

1252. Go back Return to, start doing something again.

105
 Explanation: We WENT BACK to work after the break.

1253. Go back on Break a promise.

Explanation: The government have GONE BACK ON their promise not to raise

taxes.
1254. Go before Precede.

Explanation: We can´t ignore what has GONE BEFORE and pretend that
everything has been OK.
1255. Go below Leave the top deck of a ship.

Explanation: The captain told the passengers to GO BELOW when the storm

started.

1256. Go by The passing of time.

Explanation: Ten years WENT BY before we saw each other again.

1257. Go by Trust or depend on for correct information.

Explanation: Don't GO BY my watch; it's usually a bit slow.

1258. Go by Pay a short visit, call. Nobody was at home when I WENT BY
yesterday.

1259. Go down Decrease, get smaller.

Explanation: The price of scanners has GONE DOWN recently.

1260. Go down Sink.

Explanation: The Titanic WENT DOWN after it hit an iceberg on its maiden
voyage.

1261. Go down Sunset.

Explanation: The sun WENT DOWN at seven o'clock.

1262. Go down Be sent to to prison.

Explanation: He WENT DOWN for ten years for armed robbery.

1263. Go down Become recorded as or known as.

Explanation: It WENT DOWN as the worst day in the history of the company.

1264. Go down Be eaten or swallowed.

106
 Explanation: The medicine WENT DOWN easily.

1265. Go down Fall to the ground.

Explanation: The boxer WENT DOWN in the second round.

1266. Go down Happen, take place.

Explanation: The police thought that a big crime was GOING DOWN that night.

1267. Go down Stop working, especially computers.

Explanation: The computer system WENT DOWN for an hour last night.
1268. Go down Become dimmer.

Explanation: The lights WENT DOWN and the audience stopped talking.

1269. Go down Be received by people, in terms of their reaction.

Explanation: My joke WENT DOWN very badly.

1270. Go down on Perform oral sex.

Explanation: He WENT DOWN ON her.

1271. Go down to Be defeated.

Explanation: Chelsea WENT DOWN TO Arsenal in a thrilling game.

1272. Go down with fall ill.

Explanation: She WENT DOWN WITH a virus.

1273. Go down with Find acceptance.

Explanation: Do you think the scheme will GO DOWN WITH the farmers in the

Area?
1274. Go for Attack.

Explanation: The neighbour’s dog WENT FOR the postman and bit him.
1275. Go for Be attracted to.

Explanation: She tends to GO FOR guys like him.

1276. Go for Choose, select.

Explanation: I'll GO FOR the soup of the day, followed by the duck.
1277. Go for Try to get.

Explanation: The player WENT FOR the ball but missed.

107
1278. Go for Have something favorable.

Explanation: The play didn't have much GOING FOR IT and we left halfway

through.

1279. Go for Pass for or serve as.

Explanation: It's a couch that also GOES FOR a bed.

1280. Go for it Be assertive and ready to initiate action.

(Related to the meaning 'attack').
Explanation: He was not always successful, but whatever he tried to do he

would always GO FOR IT.

1281. Go forth Leave a place.

Explanation: He WENT FORTH and found a wife in another city.

1282. Go forth Travel abroad, leave a place.

Explanation: They WENT FORTH to spread the word of the new religion.

1283. Go forward Move clocks ahead.

Explanation: The clocks MOVE FORWARD an hour on Sunday.

1284. Go forward Progress.

Explanation: The top three teams GO FORWARD to the next round.

1285. Go in Go to hospital for treatment, surgery, etc..

Explanation: He WENT IN for a triple bypass operation two days ago.

1286. Go in Fit.
Explanation: The cable GOES IN here.

1287. Go in Disappear, become obscured by a cloud.

Explanation: The sun has GONE IN.

1288. Go in Attack.

Explanation: The troops WENT IN at dawn.

1289. Go in for Enter a competition or sit an exam.

Explanation: He WENT IN FOR the photography prize, but didn't win.

108
1290. Go in for Support, advocate.

Explanation: I don't GO IN FOR the claims being made about blogging.

1291. Go in for Like, have an interest in.

Explanation: He GOES IN FOR classical music.

1292. Go in for Make a career choice.

Explanation: Have you thought about GOING IN FOR teaching?

1293. Go in with Form a union or alliance.
Explanation: They're going to GO IN WITH the Social Democrats.

1294. Go in with Join, enter.

Explanation: Ask the other to GO IN WITH them on the plan

1295. Go into Discuss in some detail.

Explanation: They refused to GO INTO exactly what was wrong.

1296. Go into Enter a profession, hospital, trade, market.

Explanation: She WENT INTO banking after she'd finished university.

1297. Go into Begin a speech or description.

Explanation: He WENT INTO a long attack on the way press had handled the

issue.

1298. Go into Be dedicated or devoted.

Explanation: A lot of time and effort WENT INTO this book.

1299. Go into Be contained in a larger number.

Explanation: Five GOES INTO sixty 12 times

1300. Go it Behave in a reckless way.

Explanation: Shouting at the boss like that is GOING IT.

1301. Go it Move or drive very fast.

Explanation: After the traffic jam, he really WENT IT to make up time.

1302. Go it alone Do something without help.

Explanation: He prefers to GO IT ALONE rather then working with the team.

109
1303. Go off Explode (bomb), start ringing (alarm).

Explanation: The fire alarm WENT OFF because someone was smoking in the

toilets.

1304. Go off Go bad.

Explanation: The milk WENT OFF because I forgot to put it in the fridge.

1305. Go off Start to dislike.

Explanation: I WENT OFF her when she lied to me.
1306. Go off Leave a place.

Explanation: Please don't GO OFF until we have sorted this out.

1307. Go off Take place, follow a plan or pattern.

Explanation: The party WENT OFF well.

1308. Go off Stop working (electric/electronic equipment).

Explanation: The lights GO OFF automatically when the office is empty.

1309. Go off with Elope, run away with someone.

Explanation: She WENT OFF WITH her friend's husband.

1310. Go off with Steal.

Explanation: He WENT OFF WITH my credit cards.

1311. Go on Continue.

Explanation: He WENT ON and ON talking and I was so bored.

1312. Go on Happen.
Explanation: There are loads of people out in the street; what's GOING ON?

1313. Go on Start doing or taking something.

Explanation: She WENT ON the pill when she met him.

1314. Go on Be guided.

Explanation: The investigators have no clues to GO ON.

1315. Go on Be nearly a certain period of time.

Explanation: It's GOING ON ten years since we met.

110
1316. Go on Progress.

Explanation: They asked me how the project was GOING ON.

1317. Go on Spend money.

Explanation: Most of my salary GOES ON my mortgage repayments.

1318. Go on Start working (electric/electronic equipment).

Explanation: The alarm GOES ON when you close the front door.
1319. Go on about Talk too much.
Explanation: He's always GOING ON ABOUT his kids.

1320. Go on at Pester, try to make someone do something by repeatedly asking

or suggesting.

Explanation: He WENT ON AT his parents until they bought him the game.
1321. Go on to Proceed.

Explanation: We had dinner and WENT ON TO a few bars.

1322. Go on with Continue doing.

Explanation: Please GO ON WITH your work.

1323. Go one A way of encouraging someone.

Explanation: GO ON, apply for the job.

1324. Go out Stop burning, be extinguished.

Explanation: The candle WENT OUT and left us in darkness.

1325. Go out Leave a place.

Explanation: He WENT OUT last night.

1326. Go out Go on strike.

Explanation: The workers WENT OUT for more money.

1327. Go out Become unfashionable.

Explanation: That sort of tie WENT OUT last year.

1328. Go out Move backwards, of a tide.

Explanation: The tide GOES OUT in the evening.

111
1329. Go out Be eliminated in a competition.

Explanation: England WENT OUT in the second round.

1330. Go out Be transmitted.

Explanation: The item WENT OUT on the newsyesterday.

1331. Go out Be sent.

Explanation: The newsletter WENT OUT last night.

1332. Go out Intend.
Explanation: I didn't GO OUT to offend them.

1333. Go out for Become a candidate, apply for something.

Explanation: She WENT OUT FOR a place on the team.

1334. Go out to Feel sympathy with someone.

Explanation: Our condolences GO OUT TO all the families who have lost people

in this tragic accident.

1335. Go out with Have a relationship with.

Explanation: He's been GOING OUT WITH his girlfriend for around six months
now.

1336. Go over Look at something, revise.

Explanation: We WENT OVER our notes before the exam.

1337. Go over Visit.

Explanation: I hadn't seen her for a while, so I WENT OVER on Friday night.
1338. Go over Be approved or accepted.

Explanation: My plans WENT OVER well.

1339. Go over Repeat or explain.

Explanation: Could you GO OVER that point again, please?

1340. Go over Clean.

Explanation: I WENT OVER the living room with the vacuum cleaner before
they arrived.

112
1341. Go over to Go on a journey.

Explanation: I'm GOING OVER TO Hong Kong next month.

1342. Go over to Become converted.

Explanation: She WENT OVER TO Islam when she was living in the Middle East.
1343. Go over to Change to something different.

Explanation: I used to drink beer but I have GONE OVER TO wine.

1344. Go past Pass without stopping.
Explanation: She WENT PAST me without saying hello.

1345. Go round Be or have enough of something.

Explanation: There aren't enough jobs to GO ROUND for the numbers of

people graduating nowadays.

1346. Go round Circulate.

Explanation: There's a nasty rum our GOING ROUND about them.

1347. Go round Visit.

Explanation: I WENT ROUND last night to see them.

1348. Go through Experience.

Explanation: You wouldn't believe what I WENT THROUGH when I was ill!

1349. Go through Read again.

Explanation: I WENT THROUGH my notes before the exam.

1350. Go through Examine, search.

Explanation: I WENT THROUGH my desk looking for the letter.

1351. Go through Do something in a certain way or following certain procedures.

Explanation: You must GO THROUGH the proper channels to get the approval.

1352. Go through Explain.

Explanation: He WENT THROUGH his ideas twice but I couldn't really

understand them.
1353. Go through Be approved formally or sanctioned.

Explanation: My divorce WENT THROUGH last week.

113
1354. Go through Enter.

Explanation: They said I could GO THROUGH the exam room.

1355. Go through Consume or spend.

Explanation: We WENT THROUGH a fortune on our holiday.

1356. Go through Perform or carry something out.

Explanation: I WENT THROUGH my work in a daze after I heard the news.

1357. Go through with Do or complete something you've agreed to.
Explanation: He did promise, but I doubt that he'll GO THROUGH WITH it.

1358. Go to Allocate money.

Explanation: About half of my income GOES TO pay the mortgage.

1359. Go together Harmonize or be compatible.

Explanation: Drinking and driving don't GO TOGETHER.

1360. Go towards Contribute.

Explanation: The money WENT TOWARDS my university fees.

1361. Go under Go bankrupt.

Explanation: Many small shops are GOING UNDER because they cannot

compete with the supermarkets.

1362. Go under Lose consciousness.

Explanation: She WENT UNDER a few minutes after they administered the

anesthetic.
1363. Go under Sink.

Explanation: The ship WENT UNDER in a heavy storm.

1364. Go up Rise or climb.

Explanation: The price of petrol has GONE UP sharply because of the increase

in duty in the Government's budget.

1365. Go up Approach.
Explanation: We WENT UP and asked them for some information about the

courses.

114
1366. Go up Be built.

Explanation: Skyscrapers are GOING UP everywhere in the city Centre.

1367. Go up Be heard.

Explanation: A huge cheer WENT UP when the president arrived.

1368. Go up Be promoted.

Explanation: The top three teams GO UP at the end of the season.

1369. Go up to Approach.
Explanation: She WENT UP TO him and asked him if he wanted a drink.

1370. Go up to Attend a university.

Explanation: She WENT UP TO Cambridge after she finished secondary school.

1371. Go up to Reach.
Explanation: The book only GOES UP TO the start of the Second World War.

1372. Go with Combine nicely.

Explanation: Does this tie GO WITH my shirt?

1373. Go with Accompany.

Explanation: A lot of benefits GO WITH the job.

1373. Go with Accept, agree to.

Explanation: We're GOING WITH our original plan in the end.

1374. Go with Date, have a relationship with.

Explanation: She's been GOING WITH him since she was at university.
1375. Go without Not have.

Explanation: I had to GO WITHOUT lunch today because I didn't have any time.
1376. Go without Cope without having something.

Explanation: They're not coming, so we'll have to GO WITHOUT their help.

1377. Goof around Fool around, not be serious.

Explanation: We spent the weekend GOOFING AROUND.

1378. Goof off Avoid or leave work.

Explanation: We GOOFED OFF for the afternoon to watch the match.

115
1379. Goof up Mess, spoil.

Explanation: They GOOFED UP our plans.

1380. Grasp at Try to take hold of something quickly.

Explanation: He GRASPED AT the rail when he fell.

1381. Grasp at Take an opportunity without hesitation.

Explanation: They GRASPED AT the chance to speak to her.

1382. Grass on Report someone to a person in authority.
Explanation: He GRASSED ON us and got us into a lot of trouble.

1383. Grass up Report someone to a person in authority.

Explanation: She didn't to GRASS them UP, even though they'd been bullying

her badly.
1384. Grey out Disable a function in a computer program, leaving it visible but

not working.

Explanation: They GREYED OUT the print button to stop people using it.(In

American English, 'gray' would be used.)

1385. Grind away Keep working at something.

Explanation: Although I hated it, I GROUND AWAY until I had finished.

1383. Grind down Reduce or destroy someone's enthusiasm.

Explanation: Their negativity GRINDS me DOWN

1384. Grind into Press or twist something hard into something else.
Explanation: She GROUND her cigarette INTO the ashtray.

1385. Grind on Proceed relentlessly.

Explanation: The war GROUND ON for years.

1386. Grind on Talk endlessly.

Explanation: He was still GRINDING ON about football when we left.

1387. Grind out Produce something with great difficulty.

Explanation: I find it very hard to GRIND OUT an original essay every week.

116
1388. Grind up Reduce to small pieces.

Explanation: She GROUND the beans UP and made some coffee.

1389. Grow apart Become distant, stop having a close relationship because time,

distance, interests, etc, have changed.

Explanation: We used to be good friends at school but have since GROWN

APART.
1390. Grow away from Become less friendly with.
Explanation: I have GROWN AWAY FROM many of the people I grew up with.

1391. Grow back Grow again.

Explanation: Nails GROW BACK quickly after you cut them.

1392. Grow from Result from a process.

Explanation: A lot GREW FROM the peace talks.

1393. Grow into Grow to fit large clothes.

Explanation: The jacket's a bit big, but she'll GROW INTO it.

1394. Grow into Mature or change into.

Explanation: She's has GROWN INTO a lovely person.

1395. Grow into Develop or change over time to fit something.

Explanation: It may seem difficult at first, but you will GROW INTO the job.

1396. Grow on Like something that you didn't like at first.

Explanation: The painting has GROWN ON me; I used to ate it.

1397. Grow on Have a greater influence or degree of acceptance.

Explanation: The plans sounded strange at first, but they have GROWN ON me.
1398. Grow on Become gradually more evident.

Explanation: A feeling of distrust of them GREW ON me.

1399. Grow out Let hair, etc., with dyes, perms grow to get rid of the style.

Explanation: I'm letting the perm GROW OUT.

1400. Grow out of Grow too large for clothes.

Explanation: He GREW OUT OF those shoes in no time at all.

117
1401. Grow out of Lose interest as you grow older or become more mature.

Explanation: He was obsessed with computer games but the he GREW OUT OF

them.
1402. Grow out of Result or develop from.

Explanation: The idea for the film GREW OUT OF an accident that happened to
the director.
1403. Grow to Eventually do something.

Explanation: We GREW TO like the neighbourhood.

1404. Grow together Gradually become attached, united or close.

Explanation: We GREW TOGETHER while we were working on the same

project.

1405. Grow up Mature, become adult.

Explanation: He GREW UP in the West Country.

1406. Grow up Arise, emerge.

Explanation: The industry GREW UP very quickly.

1407. Grow up Develop in a place or for a reason (city, town, etc.).

Explanation: The town GREW UP as a trading post.

1408. Grow up on Do or have something when you are a child.

Explanation: We GREW UP ON cartoons.

1409. Grow upon Like something that you didn't like at first.

Explanation: The book started slowly and was a bit dull, but it has GROWN
UPON me.

1410. Grow upon Have a greater influence or degree of acceptance.

Explanation: As we got nearer the date of the meeting, their idea GREW UPON

me.
1411. Grow upon Become gradually more evident.

Explanation: A feeling of distrust of them GREW UPON me.

118
1412. Gun for Try to destroy an opponent.

Explanation: He's GUNNING FOR his rivals at work.

1413. Gussy up Dress smartly or improve the appearance of something.

Explanation: They spent a fortune GUSSYING UP the

house.

1414. Hack around Waste time.

Explanation: I've been HACKING AROUND all morning because I can't get down
to doing any revision.
1415. Hack into Break into a computer system.
Explanation: He HACKED INTO the government database and stole a lot of

data.

1416. Hack off Annoy.

Explanation: He HACKS me OFF with his endless complaining.

1417. Hack up Chop or cut into small pieces.

Explanation: They HACKED the table UP and burnt it.

1418. Hack up Expel by coughing.
Explanation: I HACKED UP a lot of phlegm while I was ill.

1419. Ham up Perform or act in an excessive way to attract attention or amuse

people.

Explanation: He HAMMED the part UP to get the audience to laugh.

1420. Hammer away at Work relentlessly.

Explanation: She HAMMERED AWAY AT her PC all night and finished the
project.

1421. Hammer into Repeat something over a period of time to make someone
remember it.

Explanation: He HAMMERED the rules INTO me.

1422. Hammer out Negotiate and reach an agreement.

Explanation: They HAMMERED OUT their differences and got the contract

119
 signed.

1423. Hand back Return.

Explanation: The police officer checked my license, then HANDED it BACK.

1424. Hand down Pass on to the next generation.

Explanation: The jewellery has been HANDED DOWN in my family for

generations.
1425. Hand down Give a formal decision.
Explanation: The court HANDED DOWN its ruling yesterday.

1426. Hand in Submit work for appraisal.

Explanation: I HANDED my homework IN late as usual.

1427. Hand on Give to someone else.

Explanation: I HANDED the job ON to a colleague.

1428. Hand on Transmit knowledge to the next generation.

Explanation: The secrets have been HANDED ON from generation to

generation.
1429. Hand out Distribute.

Explanation: The teacher HANDED OUT the worksheet to the class.

1430. Hand over Give.

Explanation: The robbers told the clerk to HAND OVER all the money.

1431. Hang about Spend time somewhere not doing much.

Explanation: They HANG ABOUT the station most of the day.

1432. Hang about! Stop what you're doing and pay attention to me.
Explanation: HANG ABOUT! We're not allowed to do this.

1433. Hang around Stay in a place.

Explanation: They HANG AROUND the station most of the day.

1434. Hang back Not move forwards to avoid doing something.

Explanation: When they raced towards the entrance, I HUNG BACK till it was

less crowded.

120
1435. Hang back from Delay or avoid doing something.

Explanation: They were HANGING BACK FROM making the final decision.

1436. Hang in there Persevere, not give up.

Explanation: Were were doing badly, but we HUNG IN THERE till we finished.
1437. Hang it up Retire, quit.

Explanation: I’m getting too old for this- I’m going to HANG IT UP starting next
month.
1438. Hang on Wait.

Explanation: Could you HANG ON for a moment till she's free.

1439. Hang on Hold tightly.

Explanation: The driver told the passengers to HANG ON as the bus pulled off.
1440. Hang onto Keep.

Explanation: I HUNG ONTO my old records even though I never played them.

1441. Hang out Spend time socially.

Explanation: He HANGS OUT in the pub The Monarch; he's there most nights.
1442. Hang out for Wait or refuse to do something until you get what you want.

Explanation: She's HANGING OUT FOR a big raise.

1443. Hang over Worry or trouble.

Explanation: I have a lot of financial problem HANGING OVER my head.

1444. Hang together Work together when things are difficult.

Explanation: We have to HANG TOGETHER if we're going to finish this project.

1445. Hang up End a phone call.

Explanation: I lost my temper and HUNG UP.

1446. Hang up on End a phone call with someone.

Explanation: A telesales person called, so I said something rude and HUNG UP

ON them.
1447. Hang with Spend time with.

Explanation: He has been HANGING WITH them for a few months.

121
1448. Hanker after Want something a lot, especially if you shouldn't want it or can't .
have it.
Explanation: I'm supposed to be on a diet and I can't stop HANKERING AFTER

some chocolate.

1449. Hanker for Want something a lot, especially if you shouldn't want it or can't
have it.
Explanation: I have always HANKERED FOR a soft top car.

1450. Harp on Talk repeatedly about something.

Explanation: I was late twice last week and my boss keeps HARPING ON about

it.
1451. Hate on Be jealous, abuse or have an active hatred of someone.

Explanation: She HATES ON people who disagree with her ideas.

1452. Have against Dislike, disagree or hold a grudge (Usually negative).

Explanation: I HAVE nothing AGAINST their proposals.

1453. Have around Entertain someone in your home.

Explanation: I HAD the neighbours AROUND for dinner last night.

1454. Have down as Think of someone or something in a particular way.

Explanation: I HAD her DOWN AS a liberal, but I was very wrong.

1455. Have in Have a supply of something in a particular place.

Explanation: Do we HAVE any beer IN?

1456. Have in Get someone to do some work.

Explanation: We HAD the decorators IN last week.

1457. Have in Entertain people in your home.

Explanation: We HAD them IN last night for dinner.
1458. Have it away Have sex with someone, especially casual sex.

Explanation: She HAD IT AWAY with him last Friday.

1459. Have it in for Hold a grudge.

Explanation: He has HAD IT IN FOR me since I beat him last year.

122
1460. Have it off Have sex.

Explanation: They HAD IT OFF after the party.

1461. Have it out with Discuss or argue an issue to improve a situation.

Explanation: I'd been worried for ages, so I decided to HAVE IT OUT WITH
them.

1462. Have off Take time off work.

Explanation: I HAD a couple of days OFF last week to relax.
1463. Have on Be wearing.

Explanation: What did Jennie HAVE ON at the party?

1464. Have on Have an electronic device switched on.

Explanation: I HAVE my computer ON all the time.

1465. Have on Have an arrangement.

Explanation: I HAVE a lot of meetings ON next week.

1466. Have on Tease, deceive.

Explanation: They said they'd failed, but they were HAVING me ON.
1467. Have on Be in possession at a particular time.

Explanation: I HAVEN'T any money ON me, but I can get some from the ATM.

1468. Have on Know something about someone that could harm them.

Explanation: I HAVE a lot ON him because we used to work together.

1469. Have over Receive a guest.

Explanation: Shall we HAVE them OVER for dinner?

1470. Have round Entertain someone in your home.

Explanation: I HAD a few friends ROUND yesterday.

1471. Have up Make someone appear in court.

Explanation: They HAD him UP for armed robbery.

1472. Head for Move or travel towards.

Explanation: It's getting late- I'm HEADING FOR home.

123
1473. Head off Stop someone or force them to change direction.

Explanation: The sheriff and his men HEADED the bandits OFF at the pass.

1474. Head off Prevent something bad happening.

Explanation: The company made a better offer to HEAD OFF the moves for a

strike.
1475. Head off Leave somewhere to go to another place.
Explanation: After work, we all HEADED OFF to the pub.

1476. Head out Go out.

Explanation: We're HEADING OUT at seven, so don't be late.

1477. Head up Be in charge.

Explanation: He's HEADING UP the steering committee.

1478. Hear about Get to know some information.

Explanation: Have you HEARD ABOUT the company takeover?

1479. Hear from Receive a phone call, email, letter or other communication from
someone.

Explanation: I haven't HEARD FROM them since we left university.

1480. Hear of Know of something or someone's existence.

Explanation: I've HEARD OF the band, but don't know their music.

1481. Hear of Receive news, updates or information about someone.

Explanation: I have HEARD nothing OF them since they moved house.

1482. Hear of In the negative, this can mean that someone refuse to accept,
allow or acknowledge something.

Explanation: I said it would be a positive step, but she wouldn't HEAR OF it.

1483. Hear out Listen to everything someone has to say.

Explanation: I HEARD them OUT before I commented.

1484. Heat up Make food hot.

Explanation: He HEATED the soup UP in the microwave.

124
1485. Help out Give assistance.

Explanation: She really HELPED me OUT when I was going through my divorce.

1486. Hide away Put something in a place where it won't be found.

Explanation: They HID the money AWAY in secret bank accounts.

1487. Hide away Go or stay somewhere where you won't be found or away from

people.
Explanation: I'm renting a cottage where I can HIDE AWAY for the summer.
1488. Hide out Go or stay somewhere to avoid being caught or found.

Explanation: The police think he's HIDING OUT in the woods.

1489. Hinge on Depend very much or completely.

Explanation: Everything HINGES ON the results of the negotiations; if they go

badly, we'll be in real trouble.

1490. Hinge on Be an essential point for the development of a story.

Explanation: The film HINGES ON his not being recognized when he's in

disguise.
1491. Hinge upon Depend very much or completely.

Explanation: Everything HINGES UPON the results of the negotiations; if they

go badly, we'll be in real trouble.

1492. Hit back Attack or criticize.

Explanation: The president HIT BACK at her critics in speech last night.
1493. Hit for Get someone to pay or donate money.

Explanation: They HIT the sponsors FOR a lot of money.

1494. Hit it off Have a good relationship from the first time you meet a person.

Explanation: We HIT IT OFF immediately and became firm friends.

1495. Hit it off with Like someone from the first time you meet them.

Explanation: I HIT IT OFF WITH her immediately.

1496. Hit on Have an idea.

Explanation: I suddenly HIT ON the solution.

125
1497. Hit on Talk to someone to try to attract them sexually.

Explanation: She HIT ON him at the party and they went back to her house.

1498. Hit on Ask for money.

Explanation: A beggar HIT ON me when I left the restaurant.

1499. Hit out at Respond angrily to criticism.

Explanation: The government HIT OUT AT the media for their negativity.
1500. Hit up Inject drugs.

Explanation: She's been HITTING UP for years.

1501. Hit up Ask someone for some money.

Explanation: He always tries to HIT me UP for money when we meet.

1502. Hit up on Inject drugs.

Explanation: He's been HITTING UP ON heroin for years.

1503. Hit upon Have an idea.

Explanation: It took us ages to HIT UPON a solution.

1504. Hit upon Try to attract someone sexually.

Explanation: He tried to HIT UPON her at the pub.

1505. Hit with Surprise someone with some information or news.

Explanation: He HIT me WITH the details of their demands.

1506. Hive off Separate part of a company or service, often by selling it.
Explanation: They HIVED OFF the retail operations.

1507. Hold against Have a grudge against someone, or little respect.

Explanation: He was very rude, but I won't HOLD it AGAINST him.

1508. Hold back Not show emotion.

Explanation: It was really hard to HOLD BACK the tears.

1509. Hold back Prevent something moving forwards or progressing.

Explanation: Lack of funding HELD the project BACK.

1510. Hold back Not disclose information or make it public.

126
 Explanation: The government HELD BACK the findings of the report for fear of

alienating voters.

1511. Hold back from Not allow yourself to do something.

Explanation: I had to HOLD BACK FROM losing my temper with them.

1512. Hold down Keep a job.

Explanation: He's so unreliable that he can never HOLD DOWN a job for more
than a couple of months.

1513. Hold down Stop someone or something from moving.

Explanation: It took four of us to HOLD him DOWN and stop the fight.

1514. Hold forth State your opinions about something, especially when talking for
a long time and boringly.

Explanation: The manager HELD FORTH on the topic for about twenty minutes.

1515. Hold off When bad weather doesn't appear.

Explanation: The rain HELD OFF until we'd got back home.

1516. Hold off Stop someone from attacking or beating you.

Explanation: Chelsea couldn't HOLD their opponents OFF and lost the game.

1517. Hold on Wait.

Explanation: Could you HOLD ON for a minute; she'll be free in a moment.

1518. Hold on To hold tightly.

Explanation: We HELD ON as the bus started to move.

1519. Hold on to Hold tightly.

Explanation: I HELD ON TO my luggage while I was waiting fr the taxi so that it

didn't get stolen.

1520. Hold onto Keep as long as possible.
Explanation: It tried to HOLD ONTO my cash during the holiday so I could buy
some duty free stuff on the way back.
1521. Hold onto Hold tightly.

Explanation: The mother HELD ONTO her daughter's hand to keep together in
the crowd.
127
1522. Hold out Resist.

Explanation: When the enemy attacked, they HELD OUT for six weeks.

1523. Hold out Hold in front of you.

Explanation: I HELD OUT my hand when she walked in.

1524. Hold out against Try to reject.

Explanation: The staff are HOLDING OUT AGAINST the plans to reduce the
workforce.
1525. Hold out for Wait for something better or refuse something now for something
better in the future.
Explanation: We are HOLDING OUT FOR a much better deal than the one
offered.

1526. Hold out on Not pay someone or give them information.

Explanation: He's been HOLDING OUT ON me for weeks and I really need the
money.
1527. Hold over Delay.

Explanation: The meeting has been HELD OVER till Friday.

1528. Hold over To continue something for longer than planned.

Explanation: It has been so successful that they have HELD it OVER for another
fortnight.

1529. Hold together Not break up.

Explanation: The society managed to HOLD TOGETHER despite the crisis.

1530. Hold up Delay when travelling.

Explanation: I was HELD UP by the terrible traffic and arrived half an hour late
or my appointment.
1531. Hold up Rob with violence or threats thereof.

Explanation: Two armed men HELD UP the bank in High Street this morning
and got away with £75,000.

1532. Hold with Accept (usually negative).

Explanation: I don't HOLD WITH their plans.

128
1533. Hole up Hide to avoid detection or an unpleasant situation.

Explanation: They HOLED UP in a remote cottage while the police were

searching for them.

1534. Home in on Target.

Explanation: The government is HOMING IN ON benefit fraud.

1535. Hone in on Target, focus.

Explanation: The company HONED IN ON its rival and tried to take it
over.(Some consider this verb to be wrong and that is confused
with 'home in on.)

1536. Hook into Persuade someone to do something they don't want to do.
Explanation: She HOOKED them INTO coming after all.

1537. Hook up Meet someone.

Explanation: We HOOKED UP at the conference.

1538. Hook up to Connect to a machine.

Explanation: He's HOOKED UP TO a ventilator in the hospital.

1539. Hoon around Act in a dangerous or reckless way, especially when driving fast.

Explanation: He was HOONING AROUND in his new car last night and the police
pulled him.

1540. Horse around Not be serious.

Explanation: The class were HORSING AROUND when the teacher came in and
told them to sit down.

1541. Hose down Use a hose to wet, clean or wash something.

Explanation: They HOSED the patio DOWN.

1542. Hose down Invest heavily in or throw a lot of money at something.

Explanation: They have HOSED DOWN an obscure start-up up with capital.

1543. Hound out Force someone out of a place, job, position, etc..
Explanation: The press HOUNDED the minister OUT after the scandal broke.

1544. Hover around Move about a place.

Explanation: She was HOVERING AROUND to see what we were talking about.
129
1545. Hunker down Settle in a place as comfortably as possible to stay there.

Explanation: The troops HUNKERED DOWN in the building.

1546. Hunt down Search for someone to punish or kill them.

Explanation: The police HUNTED the killer DOWN.

1547. Hunt out Search until you find something.

Explanation: It took me ages to HUNT OUT the photos.
1548. Hunt up Search for and manage to find something.

Explanation: He HUNTED UP a copy the book in the British library.

1549. Hush up Try to keep something bad from becoming widely known.

Explanation: The company tried to HUSH UP the scandal, but it still got into the
newspapers.

1550. Iron out Remove small problems or irregularities.

Explanation: The management team IRONED OUT the tax problems before
they gave the project the OK.
1551. Issue forth Come out of a place.
Explanation: New initiatives ISSUE FORTH from the government on a daily
basis.

1552. Jabber away Talk fast or incomprehensibly.

Explanation: They started JABBERING AWAY about file systems and lost me
completely.
1553. Jack around Make trouble for someone, fail to keep promises.

Explanation: Don't listen to him- he always JACKS people AROUND.

1554. Jack in Quit, give up.

Explanation: I JACKED my job IN because my boss refused to give me a raise.

1555. Jack up Raise a car to be able to do mechanical work.

Explanation: We JACKED the car UP and changed the tire.

1556. Jack up Increase sharply.

Explanation: They have JACKED UP the price of oil this month.

130
1557. Jam on Apply or operate something forcefully.

Explanation: Jack JAMMED ON the brakes when the rabbit ran in front of his
car.
1558. Jaw away Talk just for the point of talking rather than having anything to
say.

Explanation: That shows that your interest is not in helping the student, but in
JAWING AWAY.

1559. Jazz up Make something more interesting or attractive.

Explanation: The show was getting stale so they JAZZED it UP with some new
scenes.
1560. Jerk around Cause someone trouble, treat someone badly.

Explanation: He was JERKING us AROUND and wouldn't give us the facts.

1561. Jerk around Behave stupidly.

Explanation: They were JERKING AROUND during the lecture.

1562. Jerk off Waste time doing unimportant things.

Explanation: You should get your work done and stop JERKING OFF.

1563. Joke around Be funny, or try to.

Explanation: He's always JOKING AROUND in class.

1564. Jot down Make a quick note.

Explanation: I JOTTED DOWN her number on a scrap of paper and I can't find it
now.
1565. Juice up Make something more exciting or perform better.

Explanation: I need to buy some memory to JUICE my computer UP.

1566. Jump at Accept eagerly.

Explanation: I'd JUMP AT the chance to go and live in Japan.

1567. Jump in Enter a conversation.

Explanation: He JUMPED IN and told them exactly what he thought.

1568. Jump off Start quickly, often well.

Explanation: The IPO JUMPED OFF on the first day.

131
1569. Jump on Criticize, attack.

Explanation: Everyone JUMPED ON me when I raised the issue.

1570. Keel over Turn upside down.

Explanation: The boat KEELED OVER in the storm and the crew drowned.
1571. Keel over Surrender, give in.

Explanation: He was going to confront his boss, but KEELED OVER and didn't
mention the matter.
1572. Keel over Fall to the ground.

Explanation: The drunk KEELED OVER when trying to leave the pub.
1573. Keep around Keep something near you.

Explanation: I KEEP a dictionary AROUND when I'm doing my homework.

1574. Keep at Continue with something difficult.

Explanation: She found the course hard but she KEPT AT it and completed it
successfully.
1575. Keep away Don't allow someone near something.

Explanation: Medicines should always be KEPT AWAY from children.

1576. Keep back Maintain a safe distance.

Explanation: The police told the crowd to KEEP BACK from the fire.

1577. Keep down Not vomit.

Explanation: The food was so horrible that I struggled to KEEP it DOWN.

1578. Keep from Control yourself, refrain.

Explanation: I couldn't KEEP FROM arguing with her.

1579. Keep in Not allow someone out.

Explanation: The teacher KEPT the students IN after school because they had
misbehaved.
1580. Keep off Not talk about.

Explanation: She KEPT OFF the subject of her divorce.

1581. Keep off Not tread on something.

Explanation: KEEP OFF the grass in the park, please.

132
1582. Keep on Continue.

Explanation: He KEPT ON trying and succeeded in the end.

1583. Keep out Not allow someone to enter.

Explanation: The police KEPT the demonstrators OUT of the building.

1584. Keep to Stay within limits.

Explanation: Please KEEP TO the path.

1585. Keep up Not let someone go to bed.
Explanation: My neighbours KEPT me UP till after 4 am with their loud music
last night.
1586. Keep up Maintain a continuous action, persist.

Explanation: First I phoned you and left a message that you should phone me;
then you phoned and I was out, so you left a message;

then...! How long can we KEEP this UP without ever speaking to

each other directly?

1587. Keep up at Continue, not quit.

Explanation: Learning a language is difficult, but if you KEEP UP AT it, you'll

succeed in the end.

1588. Keep up with Move at the same rate.

Explanation: He walks too fast and it's really hard to KEEP UP WITH him.

1589. Keep up with Stay up to date.

Explanation: It's hard to KEEP UP WITH all the latest improvements and
breakthroughs in technology nowadays.

1590. Key down Relax, unwind.

Explanation: I need to KEY DOWN before I go to bed.

1591. Key in Enter numbers or information into a computer or electronic

system.
Explanation: It took me ages to KEY IN all the information into the database.

1592. Key in on Focus attention on, single out.

Explanation: They KEYED IN ON the person they believed had done it.

133
1593. Key on Target, focus on (sport).

Explanation: We will KEY ON the opposing team's lack of skills on defense.

1594. Key to Plan things to fit or suit people or situations.

Explanation: Promotions are KEYED TO people's abilities.

1595. Key up Make someone excited or nervous.

Explanation: The noise got us KEYED UP.

1596. Kick about Discuss.
Explanation: We KICKED the idea ABOUT at the meeting.

1597. Kick around Discuss.

Explanation: We KICKED the idea AROUND.

1598. Kick around with Spend time with.

Explanation: I used to KICK AROUND WITH them, but haven't seen them for a
while.
1599. Kick back Pay someone illegally as part of the price.

Explanation: I had to KICK ten percent BACK to the government official to get
the contract.

1600. Kick back Resist.

Explanation: They KICKED BACK when we suggested downsizing.

1601. Kick back Relax.

Explanation: Rather than go out tonight, we plan to KICK BACK and watch
television.
1602. Kick down Break something with your feet.

Explanation: The police KICKED the door DOWN.

1603. Kick in When a drug starts to take effect.

Explanation: Her hay fever didn't feel half as bad once the antihistamines had
KICKED IN.

1604. Kick in Break something with your feet.

Explanation: They KICKED his head IN.

134
1605. Kick in Contribute money.

Explanation: I’ll KICK IN for some of the beer if you will buy the pizza.

1606. Kick in Start having an effect.

Explanation: The budget cuts are starting to KICK IN and people are struggling.
1607. Kick off Start a game of football.

Explanation: The match KICKS OFF at three o'clock.

1608. Kick off Die.
Explanation: He KICKED OFF last month when he had a massive heart attack.

1609. Kick off When trouble starts.

Explanation: The fight KICKED OFF when he insulted the guy's girlfriend.

1610. Kick off Argue, protest and refuse to co-operate.

Explanation: He started KICKING OFF big time when the police tried to arrest
him.
1611. Kick out Expel.

Explanation: The family KICKED the au pair OUT when they found out that she
was planning to move to work for another household.

1612. Kick up Cause trouble or pain.

Explanation: My back KICKS UP when it gets cold.

1613. Kill off Reduce or exterminate a population by hunting, pollution,

development, etc..
Explanation: There used to be a lot of wolves around here, but most of them
have been KILLED OFF.

1614. Kip down Sleep away from your home, often without planning to.
Explanation: It's too late to get the train, so can I KIP DOWN here tonight?

1615. Kip down on Sleep on something other than a bed.

Explanation: There were so many of us that we had to KIP DOWN ON the floor.

1616. Kiss off Used to tell someone to go away.

Explanation: He was bugging us, so we told him to KISS OFF.

135
1617. Kiss off Consider something to be unimportant or inferior.

Explanation: He KISSED the criticism OFF.

1618. Kiss up to Try to get into someone's favour.

Explanation: He's a creep and is always KISSING UP TO the director.

1619. Knock about Beat someone.

Explanation: He KNOCKED his brother ABOUT after they argued.
1620. Knock around Discuss casually.

Explanation: We KNOCKED the idea AROUND a bit, but decided not to bother.

1621. Knock back Cost someone a lot of money.

Explanation: Your holiday must have KNOCKED you BACK a bit.

1622. Knock back Finish a drink quickly, drink a lot of alcohol.

Explanation: The pub was closing so we KNOCKED our drinks BACK and left.

1623. Knock back Shock.

Explanation: It really KNOCKED me BACK when I heard they had been killed.
1624. Knock down Demolish.

Explanation: They KNOCKED DOWN the old church and built a block of flats in

its place.

1625. Knock down Hit and injure someone.

Explanation: The car KNOCKED her DOWN and she broke her arm.
1626. Knock it off! Stop doing something annoying.

Explanation: The were making too much noise so I told them to KNOCK IT OFF.
1627. Knock off Finish work for the day.

Explanation: We KNOCKED OFF early on Friday to avoid the rush hour queues.

1628. Knock off Reduce the price of something.

Explanation: They KNOCKED ten pounds OFF when I asked for a discount.
1629. Knock off Reduce the time required to do something.

Explanation: The new road KNOCKS an hour OFF the journey.

136
1630. Knock off Steal.

Explanation: He KNOCKED it OFF and sold it.

1631. Knock off Produce or create something quickly.

Explanation: I KNOCKED the essay OFF in an hour

1632. Knock out Hit and make somebody unconscious.

Explanation: The reigning middleweight champion KNOCKED OUT the
challenger in the fourth round of the fight.

1633. Knock out Sell, distribute.

Explanation: They're KNOCKING hundreds OUT a day in the sales.

1634. Knock together Join houses that had been separate.

Explanation: They KNOCKED TOGETHER two outbuilding and turned them into
a home.

1635. Knock up Become or get someone pregnant..

Explanation: She got KNOCKED UP when she was on holiday.

1636. Knock up Play a bit before a match to get ready.

Explanation: The teams KNOCKED UP for a few minutes before the final.

1637. Knock up Produce or create something quickly.

Explanation: They KNOCKED a model UP over the weekend.

1638. Knuckle down Make a great effort.

Explanation: I've got my exams next week and I haven't done much work, so I'd
better KNUCKLE DOWN.

1639. Knuckle under Submit to authority.

Explanation: The teacher made the students KNUCKLE UNDER and hand their

projects in on time.
1640. Land in Get someone into trouble.

Explanation: He LANDED ME IN it when he told them what I had done wrong.

1641. Land up in Arrive, end a journey in a place, often without planning.

Explanation: We set out for Manchester, but LANDED UP IN Liverpool.

137
1642. Land with Create a problem for someone.

Explanation: He LANDED ME WITH the job of proofreading the whole thing.

1643. Lap up Appreciate something.

Explanation: He LAPPED UP their praise.

1644. Large it up Have a good time when intoxicated.
Explanation: They were LARGING IT UP in the rave.

1645. Lark about Behave in a silly way.

Explanation: The children made me angry because they were LARKING ABOUT.

1646. Lark around Behave in a silly way.

Explanation: The students wouldn't stop LARKING AROUND.

1647. Lark it up Enjoy yourself noisily and exuberantly.

Explanation: After they won, they went to a bar to LARK IT UP.

1648. Lash down Fall heavily (rain).

Explanation: The rain was LASHING DOWN all day and the roads were flooded.

1649. Lash down Secure something with ropes or cords.

Explanation: We LASHED the tarpaulin DOWN to stop the wind blowing it

away.

1650. Lash into Criticize someone strongly.

Explanation: He LASHED INTO them for messing thins up.

1651. Lash out Suddenly become violent.

Explanation: He LASHED OUT and broke the man's nose.

1652. Lash out React angrily.

Explanation: He LASHES OUT when things don't go his way.

1653. Lash out Spend a lot of money on luxuries.

Explanation: I LASHED OUT in the sales last week.

1654. Lash out against Criticize something strongly.

Explanation: The press has LASHED OUT AGAINST the policy.
138
1655. Lash out at Hit someone suddenly, usually without warning, or try to hit
them.
Explanation: He LASHED OUT AT me when I laughed at him.

1656. Lash out at Criticize someone or shout at them.

Explanation: She LASHED OUT AT her colleagues when she was sacked.

1657. Lash out on Spend a lot of money buying something.

Explanation: I LASHED OUT a lot ON a new car.

1658. Latch on Understand, often after a long time.

Explanation: They were lying, but it took her ages to LATCH ON.

1659. Latch on to Understand something, often after a long time.

Explanation: The police didn't LATCH ON TO what the crooks were doing for
years.

1660. Latch onto Connect to something.

Explanation: The gecko LATCHED ONTO the ceiling.

1661. Latch onto Decide or realize that something is good or profitable.

Explanation: Oil companies have LATCHED ONTO environmental ideas.

1662. Laugh off Pretend something (an injury, news, etc.) isn’t important.

Explanation: He LAUGHED OFF the sprained finger but it obviously affected his
golf game.
1663. Lay down Establish rules or procedures.
Explanation: The rules of the sport were LAID DOWN early in the nineteenth
century.
1664. Lay down Kill, murder.

Explanation: He got LAID DOWN in a turf war about supplying drugs.

1665. Lay into Criticize angrily.

Explanation: His partner LAID INTO him when he arrived two hours late..
1666. Lay off Make an employee redundant.

Explanation: The hotel LAID OFF twenty staff because tourist numbers were
down.

139
1667. Lay on Organize , supply.

Explanation: They LAID ON a buffet lunch at the conference.

1668. Lay out Spend money.

Explanation: They LAID OUT thousands of pounds on their wedding reception.

1669. Lead on Falsely or cruelly raise hopes.

Explanation: She LED HIM ON about her desire to get married.

1670. Lead to Result in.
Explanation: The investigation LED TO the arrest of a number of suspects.

1671. Leak out Become public knowledge.

Explanation: The company's plans to close the factory LEAKED OUT and they
were very embarrassed.

1672. Lean on Put pressure on someone to get them to do what you want.

Explanation: The government has denied LEANING ON the Attorney General to

get his approval of the war.
1673. Leap at Take an opportunity enthusiastically.

Explanation: He LEAPED AT the chance to visit.

1674. Leap on Show interest in or try to use something to your advantage.

Explanation: They have LEAPT ON the bandwagon to increase sales.

1675. Leap out at Be very noticeable.

Explanation: Her face LEAPT OUT AT me the second I saw the photo.

1676. Leap upon Show interest in or try to use something to your advantage.

Explanation: They have LEAPT UPON a couple of errors in the document and
want to invalidate the agreement.
1677. Leave on Not turn off.

Explanation: LEAVE the TV ON; I want to hear the football results.

1678. Leave out Not include.

Explanation: He was LEFT OUT of the side because he hasn't been playing too
well lately.

140
1679. Let down Disappoint, fail to keep an arrangement.

Explanation: She failed to turn up and I felt badly LET DOWN.

1680. Let down Make clothes longer.

Explanation: He's grown so much, we'll have to LET his trousers DOWN.
1681. Let in Allow someone to enter.

Explanation: The door staff didn't LET him IN the nightclub because he was
wearing jeans.
1682. Let off Not punish.

Explanation: The judge LET him OFF with a fine rather than a prison sentence
since it was his first offence.

1683. Let on Tell a secret.

Explanation: I didn't mean to LET ON about the party; I just said it without
thinking.

1684. Let out Allow to leave or go out.

Explanation: The convict was LET OUT of prison after serving five years of an
eight-year sentence.

1685. Let out Make a sound.

Explanation: He LET OUT a huge sigh of relief when he heard the results.

1686. Let out Make clothes bigger.

Explanation: I've put on so much weight that I'm going to have to LET my suits
OUT.
1687. Level off Stabilize the altitude of an airplane.

Explanation: The pilot LEVELED OFF at 5,000 meters.

1688. Level out Stabilize the altitude of an airplane.

Explanation: The pilot LEVELED OUT at 5,000 meters.

1689. Lie around Act in a lazy or unproductive way.

Explanation: Most days he would usually just LIE AROUND the house.

1690. Lie down Rest.

Explanation: I'm going to LIE DOWN for a few minutes before we have to go
out.

141
1691. Lie with Have the right to make a decision.

Explanation: The decision about the contract LIES WITH the courts.

1692. Lift off Leave the ground- rocket or spaceship.

Explanation: 5-4-3-2-1- we have LIFT-OFF!

1693. Light out Leave suddenly.

Explanation: When Zeke found out they were coming for him he LIT OUT for
the border.
1694. Light up Light or start smoking a cigarette.

Explanation: Asif LIT UP as soon as he got out of the building.

1695. Light up Illuminate.

Explanation: They LIGHT UP the streets at Christmas time.

1696. Lighten up Be less serious.

Explanation: I told them to LIGHTEN UP but they continued complaining about

it.
1697. Limber up Do some exercises to warm up before playing a sport or other
physical activity.
Explanation: The team LIMBERED UP for a few minutes before the game
started.

1698. Limber up for Prepare for something that will require a great effort.
Explanation: They are LIMBERING UP FOR the end of the financial year.

1699. Line up Arrange in a line.

Explanation: The police got them to LINE UP against the wall.

1700. Line up Arrange something in a line.

Explanation: He LINED the bottles UP against the wall.

1701. Line up Arrange events for someone.

Explanation: We have LINED UP a lot of meetings for them.

1702. Link up Connect, join.

Explanation: The train LINKS UP the cities.

142
1703. Link up with Connect with someone or contact them.

Explanation: We LINKED UP WITH the firm over the web.

1704. Listen out for Listen for a particular noise or sound.

Explanation: They put their coats on and LISTENED OUT FOR the minicab.
1705. Listen up Pay attention (often used as a command).

Explanation: LISTEN UP, men! Here are your new assignments.

1706. Live by Follow a belief system to guide your behavior.
Explanation: He tries hard to LIVE BY the Bible.

1707. Live down Stop being embarrassed about something.

Explanation: If I fail the test and everyone else passes, I'll never be able to LIVE
it DOWN.

1708. Live for Believe something is extremely important.

Explanation: He LIVES FOR football.

1709. Live in Live in the place where you work or study..

Explanation: The university has a residential halls where students can LIVE IN.
1710. Live it up Have a good time by spending a lot of money.
Explanation: She's been LIVING IT UP like crazy since she won the lottery.

1711. Live off Use money earned.

Explanation: They find it hard to LIVE OFF the money they make.

1712. Live off Be financially supported.

Explanation: He’s 40 and he still LIVES OFF his parents.

1713. Live on Use money for basic necessities.

Explanation: They have to LIVE ON $200 a week.

1714. Live on Not be forgotten.

Explanation: He's been dead for many years, but his name LIVES ON.

1715. Live out Stay somewhere until you die.

Explanation: She LIVED OUT her final years in a nursing home.

143
1716. Live out Fulfill an ambition or fantasy.

Explanation: Many parents try to LIVE OUT their dreams through their children.

1717. Live out Not live at the place where you study or work.

Explanation: In my final year at university I LIVED OUT with some friends in a

flat we rented.

1718. Live through Experience different times.

Explanation: It was hard to LIVE THROUGH the recession, but we managed it.
1719. Live together Have a relationship and live in the same place without marrying.

Explanation: We LIVED TOGETHER for a few years before we got married.

1720. Live up to Meet expectations or standards.

Explanation: The concert didn't LIVE UP TO my expectations.

1721. Live with Accept something unpleasant.

Explanation: It's hard to LIVE WITH the pain of a serious illness.

1722. Live with Have a relationship and live in the same place without marrying.

Explanation: I LIVED WITH her for a couple of years before the relationship
went sour.

1723. Load down Burden.

Explanation: I was LOADED DOWN with all the stuff I had to take there.

1724. Load up Take illegal drugs.

Explanation: He's been LOADING UP for years.

1725. Load up Fill a machine or vehicle.

Explanation: We LOADED the car UP and left for our holiday.

1726. Load up on Consume a lot of something for a particular purpose.

Explanation: The athletes LOADED UP ON carbohydrates before the race.

1727. Lock away Lock in a safe place.
Explanation: He LOCKED the gun AWAY in a drawer.

1728. Lock away Put someone in prison or a mental hospital for a very long time.
Explanation: They LOCKED him AWAY for life after the murders.

144
1729. Lock down Make very secure.

Explanation: If you lock down your computer properly, it is very difficult for
people to access it.
1730. Lock in Lock a place to stop someone leaving.

Explanation: They LOCKED him IN the room until he had calmed down.

1731. Lock in Commit someone in such a way that they cannot leave.

Explanation: They are LOCKED IN now that they have paid their subscription.
1732. Lock onto Find a target and head for it.

Explanation: The missile LOCKED ONTO the plane and blew it out of the sky.
1733. Lock out Close a workplace to stop workers entering.

Explanation: The management LOCKED the staff OUT because they had turned
down the pay offer.

1734. Lock out Lock a place to stop someone getting in.

Explanation: I lost my key and LOCKED myself OUT.

1735. Lock up Close all doors, windows, etc..

Explanation: She LOCKED UP after everyone had left and went home.

1736. Lock up Lock something in a safe place.

Explanation: I LOCKED my money UP in the safe.

1737. Lock up Put in prison or a mental hospital.

Explanation: They LOCKED him UP for burglary.

1738. Lock yourself away Go somewhere away from people to study or work.

Explanation: I LOCK MYSELF AWAY for a few weeks before exams.

1739. Log in Enter a restricted area on a computer system.

Explanation: I had forgotten my password and couldn't LOG IN.

1740. Log into Enter a restricted area of a computer system.
Explanation: I LOGGED INTO the staff intranet to check my email.

1741. Log off Exit a computer system.

Explanation: When she'd finished working on the spreadsheet, she LOGGED
OFF and left the office.

145
1742. Log on Enter a computer system.

Explanation: He entered his password for the college intranet and LOGGED ON.

1743. Log out Exit a computer system.

Explanation: Danny closed the programs and LOGGED OUT when it was time to
go home.

1744. Look after Take care.

Explanation: Their auntie LOOKED AFTER them while their mother was in
hospital.

1745. Look back Think about the past.

Explanation: Old people often LOOK BACK on over their lives.

1746. Look down Have a low opinion of.

Explanation: He LOOKS DOWN ON his colleagues on because he thinks he's
better than they are.

1747. Look for Try to find.

Explanation: I've been LOOKING FOR all their hidden files, but I can't find them

anywhere.
1748. Look forward to Wait for or anticipate something pleasant.

Explanation: I'm LOOKING FORWARD TO meeting you.

1749. Look in Make a quick visit.

Explanation: I'll LOOK IN on my way home.

1750. Look in on Visit briefly to see if everything's all right.
Explanation: I'm going to LOOK IN ON grannie on the way home tonight as
she's been a bit unwell recently.
1751. Look into Research, investigate.

Explanation: We'll LOOK INTO the problem and come back to you when we
have the information.
1752. Look on Watch something like a crime without helping.

Explanation: The crowd just LOOKED ON as the old lady was mugged.
1753. Look on as Consider, regard.

Explanation: I LOOK ON her AS a close friend.

146
1754. Look out Be careful.

Explanation: LOOK OUT; you're going to drop that!

1755. Look out for Take care of someone, make sure someone is cared for.

Explanation: She LOOKED OUT FOR her sister when she started school.
1756. Look out for Keep alert and try to see.

Explanation: We told to LOOK OUT FOR any suspicious behavior.

1757. Look over Inspect.
Explanation: They came to LOOK the house OVER with a view to buying it.

1758. Look round Inspect a house.

Explanation: We LOOKED ROUND the house and decided that we didn't like it
enough to buy it.

1759. Look through Read quickly.

Explanation: I LOOKED THROUGH the article.

1760. Look to Expect, hope.

Explanation: The company is LOOKING TO increase its sales in Asia.

1761. Look up Consult a reference work (dictionary, phonebook, etc.) for a
specific piece of information..

Explanation: I didn't know the correct spelling so I had to LOOK it UP in the

dictionary.

1762. Look up Improve.

Explanation: The economy is LOOKING UP.
1763. Look up Find, trace an old friend.

Explanation: I LOOKED him UP when I went back to Cambridge.

1764. Look up to Respect.

Explanation: She's LOOKS UP TO her mother.

1765. Look upon as Consider, regard.

Explanation: I LOOK UPON him AS a close friend.

147
1766. Loosen up Become more relaxed or comfortable.

Explanation: He was very shy at first but has LOOSENED UP and is more
talkative now.
1767. Lord it over Behave in a superior manner.

Explanation: She loves to LORD IT OVER her employees.

1768. Lose out Be at a disadvantage.

Explanation: Many people LOST OUT when the new regulations were enforced.
1769. Lose out on Not gain or have something advantageous.

Explanation: Because I left the company, I LOST OUT ON my bonus.

1770. Lose out to Be less successful.

Explanation: People without IT skills often LOSE OUT TO those with the skills.

1771. Luck into Get something by chance.

Explanation: We LUCKED INTO getting the answer.

1772. Luck out Be very lucky.

Explanation: I really LUCKED OUT when I met my partner.

1773. Lust after Be attracted sexually.
Explanation: He secretly LUSTS AFTER his friend’s wife.

1774. Lust after Want something very much.

Explanation: He LUSTS AFTER a Rolex.

1775. Magic away Make something disappear quickly.

Explanation: He MAGICKED the bill AWAY and paid for us all before I could get
my wallet out.
1776. Make after Chase.

Explanation: The police MADE AFTER the stolen car.

1777. Make away with Steal.
Explanation: The thieves MADE AWAY WITH the painting.

1778. Make do with Accept something less satisfactory because there's no alternative.
Explanation: There's no coffee, so we'll have to MAKE DO WITH tea.

148
1779. Make for Head in a certain direction.

Explanation: We MADE FOR home when it started raining.

1780. Make for Produce a result or situation.

Explanation: The low quality of the service MADE FOR a lot of dissatisfaction.
1781. Make into Change something into something else.

Explanation: Many churches have been MADE INTO flats in recent years.
1782. Make it Arrive or get a result.
Explanation: I thought you weren't coming, so I was really pleased you MADE
IT.
1783. Make it up to Try to compensate for doing something wrong.

Explanation: He tried to MAKE IT UP TO her, but she wouldn't speak to him.

1784. Make of Understand or have an opinion.

Explanation: What do you MAKE OF your new boss?

1785. Make off Leave somewhere in a hurry.

Explanation: They MADE OFF when they heard the police siren.
1786. Make off with Steal.
Explanation: Thieves MADE OFF WITH over a million dollars in the robbery.

1787. Make out Make a cheque payable to somebody.

Explanation: Please MAKE the cheque OUT to RGM Productions Ltd.

1788. Make out Pretend.

Explanation: He MADE OUT that he was ill so that he didn't have to go to

school.
1789. Make out Progress.

Explanation: How are your children MAKING OUT at the new school?
1790. Make out Kiss and pet.
Explanation: They were MAKING OUT at the party last night.

1791. Make out Discern a small detail.

Explanation: I can just MAKE OUT the outline of a flying saucer in this photo.

149
1792. Make out Be able to see or hear something.

Explanation: Can you MAKE OUT what she's saying?

1793. Make out Understand someone's nature or personality.

Explanation: He's strange; I can't MAKE him OUT.

1794. Make over Change appearance.

Explanation: The beauty salon gave her a MAKEOVER before the party.
1795. Make over Give money or possessions to someone in a legal way.
Explanation: She MADE OVER her property to her children.

1796. Make towards Head in the direction.

Explanation: We MADE TOWARDS the Centre.

1797. Make up Stop being angry with someone.

Explanation: They are always arguing, but they MAKE UP again very quickly.

1798. Make up Put on cosmetics.

Explanation: She went to the bathroom to MAKE her face UP.

1799. Make up Invent a story.

Explanation: They MADE UP an excuse for being late.

1800. Make up for Compensate.

Explanation: I sent her a present to try to MAKE UP FOR my appalling behavior.

1801. Make up to Increase a sum received to a higher figure.

Explanation: The charity collected £24,517.57, and the anonymous donor

MADE the total UP TO £25,000'

1802. Make with Give (usually used as an imperative).

Explanation: MAKE WITH the money you owe me.

1803. Man down Behave without courage or conviction.

Explanation: He MANNED DOWN and didn't come with us.

1804. Man up Behave with courage or conviction.

Explanation: She told her anonymous critics to MAN UP and speak publicly.

150
1805. Mark down Give a student a lower grade for a particular reason.

Explanation: Students who gave obviously rehearsed answers were MARKED

DOWN, while those who spoke naturally were rewarded
accordingly.

1806. Mark down Reduce the price of something.

Explanation: I'll buy a lot more if you MARK them DOWN a bit.
1807. Mark down as Consider someone or something to be of a certain group, type,
etc..

Explanation: I MARKED them DOWN AS conservatives, but they're very liberal.

1808. Mark off Tick, cross out or otherwise mark something to show that it has
been dealt with.
Explanation: I MARKED OFF the items on the list as I finished them.

1809. Mark out Draw lines to enclose an area.

Explanation: They MARKED OUT the pitch.

1810. Mark out for Show promise for the future.

Explanation: His dedication MARKED him OUT FOR great things.

1811. Mark out from Stand out because of certain qualities.

Explanation: Her speed MARKS her OUT FROM the rest of the group.
1812. Mark up Increase the price of something.

Explanation: They MARK the goods UP by 25% before they sell them.

1813. Marry in Marry someone of the same ethnicity, religion, etc.

Explanation: Many religions encourage their followers to MARRY IN.

1814. Marry out Marry someone of a different ethnicity, religion, etc.

Explanation: Her parents disowned her and refused to speak to her when she
MARRIED OUT.
1815. Mash up Crush something until it becomes a paste.

Explanation: He MASHED UP some bananas for the dessert.

1816. Mash up Mix sources of audio, video or other computer sources..

Explanation: She MASHED UP the songs into a single track.

151
1817. Mash up Break or damage.

Explanation: He MASHED UP my MP3 player and lost my files.

1818. Max out Take something to the limit, reach a limit.

Explanation: She MAXED OUT her credit cards.

1819. Measure against Evaluate or judge by comparison.

Explanation: The work doesn't look good if you MEASURE it AGAINST what our
competitors have done.
1820. Measure off Measure something and mark the point where it ends or will be
cut.
Explanation: The tailor MEASURED OFF the material for my suit.

1821. Measure off Mark a length on something to cut it.

Explanation: He MEASURED OFF a meter of the silk.

1822. Measure out Measure or weigh the amount needed.

Explanation: He MEASURED OUT the flour for the bread.

1823. Measure out Weigh or measure an exact amount.

Explanation: She MEASURED OUT a hundred grams of the powder.
1824. Measure up Find the size of something.

Explanation: The estate agent MEASURED UP all the rooms.

1825. Measure up Be good enough, meet the required standard.

Explanation: She didn't MEASURE UP in her probationary period, so we didn't

extend her contract.

1826. Measure up Be good enough.

Explanation: They made her a director, but she didn't MEASURE UP.

1827. Measure up Find out the size of something.

Explanation: They MEASURED UP the room.
1828. Measure up to Be good enough or worthy of something.

Explanation: I hope to MEASURE UP TO the confidence you have in me.

1829. Meet with Have something happen to you.

Explanation: They MET WITH some problems they hadn't anticipated.

152
1830. Melt down Heat something solid, especially metal, until it becomes liquid.

Explanation: They MELTED the gold statue DOWN and turned it into gold bars.

1831. Mess about Not be serious, not use something properly.

Explanation: The children were MESSING ABOUT with the TV remote control
and broke it.

1832. Mess about Treat someone badly.

Explanation: He is always MESSING me ABOUT and never does what he
promises.
1833. Mess about Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent
relationship.

Explanation: He's not faithful- he's been MESSING ABOUT since they were
married.

1834. Mess about with Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent
relationship.
Explanation: She's been MESSING ABOUT WITH another guy she knows from
work.
1835. Mess about with Try to improve something, usually making things worse.

Explanation: The computer was working fine until he started MESSING ABOUT
WITH it.
1836. Mess around Not be serious, play with something.

Explanation: I was MESSING AROUND on the internet because I couldn't be

bothered to do any work.

1837. Mess around Treat someone badly.

Explanation: She is always MESSING me AROUND and never does what she
promises.

1838. Mess around Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent

relationship.

Explanation: She's not faithful- she's been MESSING ABOUT since they got
married.
1839. Mess around with Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent
relationship.

153
 Explanation: He's been MESSING ABOUT WITH a woman he works with.

1840. Mess around with Try to improve something, usually making things worse.

Explanation: The computer was working fine until they started MESSING
ABOUT WITH it.

1841. Mess over Treat someone badly.

Explanation: They MESSED her OVER when she applied for the job.
1842. Mess up Spoil or ruin.

Explanation: They MESSED UP the discussions and the contract fell through.
1843. Mess up Make something untidy or dirty.

Explanation: They MESSED UP the room and left stuff all over the place.

1844. Mess up Cause mental, physical or emotional problems.

Explanation: He took a lot of LSD and it really MESSED him UP.

1845. Mess with Become involved in something damaging or dangerous. He's been
MESSING WITH cocaine.

1846. Mess with Annoy, bother.

Explanation: Don't MESS WITH me or there will be trouble.

1847. Mess with Associate (negative).

Explanation: He's been MESSING WITH some dangerous people.

1848. Mess with Try to repair or improve, usually unsuccessfully.

Explanation: She's been MESSING WITH it for hours and it still doesn't work.

1849. Mete out Give people harsh punishments or treatment.

Explanation: They METED OUT savage penalties to anyone who broke the law.

1850. Mill around Walk around without going anywhere.

Explanation: There were a lot of people MILLING AROUND waiting for the bus.
1851. Miss out Not do something enjoyable or rewarding.

Explanation: It'll be great; you'll be MISSING OUT if you don't come.

154
1852. Miss out Not include.

Explanation: Make sure you don't MISS anyone OUT when you call their
names.
1853. Miss out on Lose a chance, fail to achieve.

Explanation: Trudy MISSED OUT ON the promotion.

1854. Mix up Confuse.

Explanation: I always MIX those two sisters UP because they look so like each
other.

1855. Mix up Make something lively.

Explanation: The DJ MIXED UP the night with some hard techno.

1856. Mock up Make a model of something to show or test it.

Explanation: They MOCKED UP an example to show us what they would look
like.

1857. Muggy off Leave ('muggy off' is also used.).

Explanation: We MOGGIED OFF early.

1858. Monkey around Not be serious.

Explanation: The police officer told the drunks to stop MONKEYING AROUND
and go home quietly.

1859. Mooch about Spend time doing little or nothing.

Explanation: I MOOCHED ABOUT the whole afternoon because I didn't feel like

working.

1860. Mooch around Spend time doing little or nothing.

Explanation: I MOOCHED AROUND the house all day.

1861. Mop up Resolve a problem.

Explanation: He was left to MOP UP the mess after they resigned.

1862. Mop up Kill or capture the last few enemy soldiers after a victory..

Explanation: After the battle, it took them a couple of weeks to MOP UP the
remaining rebels.

155
1863. Mop up Eat a sauce with bread to finish it.

Explanation: The sauce was so delicious that I ordered some bread to MOP it
UP.
1864. Mop up Remove a liquid that has been spilt.

Explanation: I used a cloth to MOP UP the coffee I had knocked over.

1865. Mope about Move around being miserable.

Explanation: She didn't get the job and has been MOPING ABOUT all afternoon.
1866. Mope around Move around being miserable.

Explanation: He's been MOPING AROUND since his girlfriend left him.
1867. Mount up Increase over time.

Explanation: My debts MOUNTED UP while I was at university.

1868. Mouth off Speak angrily about something.

Explanation: I always get angry and start MOUTHING OFF when the news is on
TV.
1869. Move ahead Make progress, often after a pause or delay.

Explanation: The construction can MOVE AHEAD now that permission has been
granted.

1870. Move along Tell someone to move from a place.

Explanation: The police told the people watching to MOVE ALONG.

1871. Move along Develop or progress in a reasonable or satisfactory manner.

Explanation: The project's MOVING ALONG and everything should be ready on
time.

1872. Move away Leave the area where you have been living.
Explanation: I MOVED AWAY when the factory shut down.

1873. Move away from Stop doing or using something to change to something different.
Explanation: They're MOVING AWAY FROM Windows and are using Linux.

1874. Move down Move a student to a lower level.

Explanation: He was finding the course too difficult so they MOVED him
DOWN.

156
1875. Move in Start living in a place.

Explanation: The house was empty for ages, but some new tenants MOVED IN
a few weeks ago.
1876. Move in on Approach, often stealthily.

Explanation: As he watched, the hyenas began to MOVE IN ON the hapless

wildebeest.

1877. Move into Start living in a place.

Explanation: They MOVED INTO the house as soon as it was ready.

1878. Move on Change the subject or your job.

Explanation: She MOVED ON to another company where the salary was
considerably better.

1879. Move on Make people move from a place.

Explanation: The police MOVED the crowd ON because they were holding up
the traffic.
1880. Move out Leave a place you live or work in.

Explanation: She's tired of living there and is MOVING OUT.

1881. Move out Remove.

Explanation: The president said they would MOVE the troops OUT next year.

1882. Move out Change lane or position to pass a vehicle.

Explanation: I MOVED OUT to overtake the bus.

1883. Move towards Make preparations for something.

Explanation: The government are MOVING TOWARDS free elections.

1884. Move up Move to make space.

Explanation: Could you MOVE UP and let me sit down?

1885. Move up Move to a higher level.

Explanation: They MOVED her UP to senior management.

1886. Muddle along Continue without a clear aim or plan.

Explanation: If you're ambitious, you cannot MUDDLE ALONG.

1887. Muddle through Do or achieve something without knowing what is required or

having a plan.

157
 Explanation: We didn't know what to expect and just UDDLED THROUGH.

1888. Muddle up Take things that are ordered or sequenced and mess them up.

Explanation: My cleaner MUDDLED UP my books and I can't find anything.

1889. Muddle up Mistake a person or thing for someone or something else because
they look similar.

Explanation: I MUDDLE her and her sister UP.

1890. Mug up Study quickly, revise.

Explanation: I have to MUG UP before the exam.

1891. Mug up on Study something quickly, revise.

Explanation: I need to MUG UP ON my history for the test.

1892. Mull over Think about an issue or problem.

Explanation: She said that she'd had to MULL IT OVER before deciding what
was
1893. Muscle in Become involved in something when your involvement is not
wanted.
Explanation: We tried to exclude him of the committee, but he MUSCLED IN.

1894. Muscle in on Become involved in something despite opposition to your

involvement.
Explanation: She MUSCLED IN ON the deal even though we wanted to do it
without her.
1895. Muscle into Become involved even though there is opposition to your
involvement.

Explanation: They are MUSCLING INTO our market and there is very little we
can do to stop them.

1896. Muscle out Use power, contacts, etc., to force someone out.
Explanation: They used their contacts in local government to MUSCLE the
competitors OUT.

1897. Neff off Get lost, go away (used as imperative).

Explanation: He was making a fuss, so I told him to NAFF OFF.

158
1898. Nag at Repeatedly criticize someone verbally.

Explanation: My boss is always NAGGING AT me about my arriving a few

minutes late for work.
1899. Nail down Succeed in getting, achieve.

Explanation: They are having trouble NAILING DOWN the contract.

1900. Nail down Understand fully.

Explanation: I can't NAIL DOWN what's wrong with their idea, but I'm sure it
won't work.

1901. Nail down Get full information from someone.

Explanation: I can't NAIL them DOWN about when they're going to finish the
project.

1902. Nail down Succeed or achieve something.

Explanation: I NAILED the job DOWN in the first interview.

1903. Name after Give someone a name to remember another person.

Explanation: I was NAMED AFTER my uncle who died in the war.

1904. Narrow down Remove less important options to make it easier to choose.
Explanation: I am not sure which university to apply to, but I have NARROWED
my list DOWN to three.

1905. Nerd out Play safe and avoid taking a risk.

Explanation: I'm going to NERD OUT and not go on the river trip.

1906. Nerd out Discuss something in great detail.

Explanation: I had to NERD OUT when they asked about conditionals and
deontic modality.
1907. Nip off Go somewhere quickly.

Explanation: I'm NIPPING OFF to get some milk.

1908. Nip out Go somewhere quickly.

Explanation: She'll be back in a minute- she's just NIPPED OUT to the shops.

1909. Nod off Fall asleep.

Explanation: I NODDED OFF during the speech.

159
1910. Nod through Pass a law, regulation, etc., without considering or debating it
seriously.
Explanation: Parliament NODDED the bill THROUGH.

1911. Nose about Look for something hidden or secret.

Explanation: The police are NOSING ABOUT to see if they can find anything
against the gang.
1912. Nose around Look around for evidence.

Explanation: The boss keeps NOSING AROUND our office when we are out at
lunch.

1912. Nose out Find out, discover- usually information, secrets, etc.

Explanation: He NOSED OUT their plans.

1913. Nose out Narrowly beat someone.

Explanation: The other candidate NOSED him OUT by a few votes.

1914. Note down Write something short like a phone number for future reference..

Explanation: She NOTED DOWN my fax number so that she could send me the
documents when she got to the office.
1915. Nut out Find an answer to a problem.

Explanation: The management and unions had a meeting to NUT things OUT.
1916. Occur to Enter one's mind.

Explanation: Didn't it OCCUR TO you to help me when you saw how much
trouble I was in?

1917. Open up Start to talk freely about something.

Explanation: She hates to OPEN UP and discuss her feelings.

1918. Open up Open a shop or business for the day.

Explanation: They OPEN UP at seven in the morning.

1919. Open up Allow goods into a market.

Explanation: Before they joined the WTO, they had to OPEN UP their markets.
1920. Operate on Perform surgery.

Explanation: She was OPERATED ON for eight hours.

160
1921. Opt for Choose.

Explanation: I OPTED FOR an endowment mortgage and lost a lot of money.

1922. Opt in Choose to be part or a member of something.

Explanation: If you want them to notify you of updates, you have to OPT IN.
1923. Opt into Choose to be a member or part of something.

Explanation: I OPTED INTO the scheme.

1924. Opt out Choose not to be part of something.
Explanation: The UK OPTED OUT of a lot of EU legislation on working hours and

conditions.

1925. Owe to Be the reason for something.

Explanation: She OWES her success TO hard work and determination.

1926. Own up Confess.

Explanation: Nobody OWNED UP to breaking the window.

1927. Pack away Put something where it belongs.

Explanation: I PACKED AWAY the suitcases in the loft after we had emptied
them.
1928. Pack in Stop doing something.

Explanation: I'm trying to PACK IN smoking.

1929. Pack in End a relationship.

Explanation: She PACKED her boyfriend IN.

1930. Pack in Fill a venue.

Explanation: They really PACK them IN at the club- it was so crowded it was
impossible to move.

1931. Pack in Break down, stop working.

Explanation: The photocopier has PACKED IN again.
1932. Pack it in Stop doing something (used as an imperative).

Explanation: The kids were making a fuss, so I told them to PACK IT IN.
1933. Pack off Send someone away.

Explanation: His boss PACKED him OFF to a regional office.

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1934. Pack out Fill a venue.

Explanation: The stadium was PACKED OUT.

1935. Pack up Stop doing something.

Explanation: You should PACK UP smoking.

1936. Pack up Finish work.

Explanation: We had nothing left to do, so we PACKED UP early.

1937. Pack up Break down, stop working.
Explanation: My printer PACKED UP last night- I'll have to get a new one.

1938. Pack up Collect things and put them where you keep them.

Explanation: At the end of the presentation, I PACKED UP my laptop.

1939. Pad down Sleep somewhere for the night.

Explanation: I'm too tired to come home; can I PAD DOWN here tonight?

1940. Pad out Make a text longer by including extra content, often content that
isn't particularly relevant.

Explanation: I couldn't think of much to write, so I PADDED the essay OUT with
a few lengthy quotes.

1941. Pair off Begin a romantic relationship.

Explanation: They PAIRED OFF shortly after starting university.

1942. Pair off Introduce people, hoping they will start a relationship.

Explanation: I tried to PAIR him OFF with my sister.

1943. Pair off Form pairs.

Explanation: The class PAIRED OFF to practice the exam interviews.

1944. Pair off with Form a pair with someone.

Explanation: I PAIRED OFF WITH Trish for the test.

1945. Pair up Form a pair.
Explanation: We PAIRED UP for the last activity

1946. Pal about Be friendly and spend time with someone.

Explanation: We used to PAL ABOUT when we were at school.

1947. Pal around Be friendly and spend time with someone.

162
 Explanation: We PALLED AROUND at university.

1948. Pal up Become friends.

Explanation: We PALLED UP when I started working with her.

1949. Palm off Get someone to accept something that isn't true.
Explanation: He tried to PALM me OFF with a pathetic excuse.

1950. Palm off Pretend something is better than it is in order to sell it.
Explanation: He tried to PALM his computer OFF as the latest model.
1951. Pan out The way a situation develops.

Explanation: I don't know how things will PAN OUT now the company's been
taken over.

1952. Paper over Try to conceal a problem without really fixing it.

Explanation: The government tried to PAPER OVER the problems in the

proposal, but the press were very critical.

1953. Pare back If you pare something back, you reduce the size or numbers..
Explanation: They have had to PARE BACK the services they offer as their
funding was reduced.
1954. Pare down Reduce, decrease.

Explanation: They have PARED DOWN the number of employees as they

haven't been doing well.
1955. Part with Give something away, especially when you don't want to.

Explanation: I found it very hard to PART WITH my old CDs when I digitized my
collection.

1956. Pass around Give out to everybody there.

Explanation: The teacher PASSED the handout AROUND.

1957. Pass as Be believed to be something.

Explanation: Although not qualified, he managed to PASS AS a doctor for years.

1958. Pass away Die.

Explanation: Sadly, Georgia's uncle PASSED AWAY yesterday after a short

illness.

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1959. Pass back Return.

Explanation: I felt awful when the teacher started to PASS BACK the exam
papers.
1960. Pass by Go past without stopping.

Explanation: I was just PASSING BY when I saw the accident.

1961. Pass by Visit briefly.

Explanation: I was PASSING BY her house the other day when I heard about it.
1962. Pass by Miss an opportunity.

Explanation: The chance for promotion PASSED me BY.

1963. Pass down Transmit information or give property to younger generations.

Explanation: The tales were PASSED DOWN for centuries without changing ay
of the words.

1964. Pass for Be accepted as something, usually when not.

Explanation: You'd be surprised at what PASSES FOR good cooking in many

restaurants.

1965. Pass off Convince something that something is real.

Explanation: I managed to PASS OFF the fake money in the market.

1966. Pass off Happen in a certain way.

Explanation: The demonstration PASSED OFF peacefully.

1967. Pass on Give a message to someone.

Explanation: I'll PASS the message ON when she gets here.
1968. Pass on Decline an invitation or opportunity.

Explanation: I think I'll PASS ON dinner tonight- I'm not hungry.

1969. Pass on Die.

Explanation: Her husband PASSED ON last year.

1970. Pass on to Change topic or subject.

Explanation: Let's PASS ON TO the next item on the agenda.

1971. Pass out Faint, lose consciousness.

Explanation: He got so drunk that he PASSED OUT.

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1972. Pass out Distribute.

Explanation: The protesters PASSED OUT leaflets to the growing crowd.

1973. Pass over Ignore someone and give a job, reward, etc., to someone more
junior.

Explanation: They PASSED him OVER and made his assistant the new director.

1974. Pass over Ignore, refuse to discuss.

Explanation: Let's PASS OVER what they said and get on.
1975. Pass round Distribute, give to people present.

Explanation: They PASSED ROUND copies of the handbook.

1976. Pass through Visit a place without stopping or only stopping briefly.

Explanation: I didn't see much as I was only PASSING THROUGH the town.

1977. Pass to Give ownership or responsibility to someone.

Explanation: The shares PASSED TO his daughter when he died.

1978. Pass to Become owner of or responsible for something.

Explanation: The property will PASS TO her when they die.

1979. Pass up Decline a chance.
Explanation: She PASSED UP the opportunity to go to university because she'd
been offered a job.

1980. Pat down Search or frisk someone.

Explanation: The police PATTED them DOWN for weapons but found nothing.

1981. Patch together Create or assemble something quickly without much planning.

Explanation: They PATCHED TOGETHER a coalition after the election.

1982. Patch up Fix or make things better.

Explanation: I tried to PATCH things UP after the argument, but they wouldn't
speak to me.
1983. Patch up Give an injured person basic medical treatment.

Explanation: After the accident, they PATCHED her UP and sent her to hospital.
1984. Pay back Repay money borrowed.

Explanation: I PAID BACK the twenty pounds I'd borrowed.

165
1985. Pay back Take revenge on.

Explanation: I'm going to PAY him BACK for that insult.

1986. Pay down Pay a debt over time.

Explanation: The British government can't PAY DOWN the national debt.
1987. Pay for Purchase.

Explanation: I PAID twenty pounds FOR the book.

1988. Pay into Deposit money.
Explanation: I PAID the cash INTO my account.

1989. Pay off Completely repay a debt.

Explanation: The mortgage will be PAID OFF in twenty-five years.

1990. Pay off Produce a profitable or successful result.

Explanation: Their patience PAID OFF when he finally showed up and signed
the contract.
1991. Peck at Eat very small amounts.

Explanation: The food wasn't very nice, so I PECKED AT it to look polite.

1992. Peel away Leave a group by moving in a different direction.
Explanation: Some of the crowd PEELED AWAY to get out of the crush.

1993. Peel away from Leave a group by moving in a different direction.

Explanation: They PEELED AWAY FROM the crowd and went down a side road.

1994. Peel off Leave a group by moving in a different direction.

Explanation: When the police blocked the road, a few protesters PEELED OFF
and left the march.
1995. Peel off from Leave a group by moving in a different direction.

Explanation: They PEELED OFF FROM the demonstration when the police
arrived.
1996. Peel out Accelerate rapidly from stationary.

Explanation: Fearing the police, he PEELED OUT in a cloud of tire smoke.

1997. Peg away Keep working at something.

Explanation: I PEGGED AWAY for weeks before my exams.

166
1998. Peg down Fasten something to the ground.

Explanation: We PEGGED the tent DOWN to stop the wind blowing it about.

1999. Peg it Die.

Explanation: After a long illness, she finally PEGGED IT yesterday.

2000. Peg out Put washing outside to dry.

Explanation: I PEGGED the washing OUT after it stopped raining.

2001. Peg out Die.
Explanation: He PEGGED OUT last night from a heart attack.

2002. Pencil in Make a provisional appointment.

Explanation: I'll PENCIL Thursday night IN, but if anything comes up, give me a
ring..

2003. Pep up Make something more interesting.

Explanation: You need to PEP your writing UP.

2004. Pep up Make someone more enthusiastic, Energetic or interested.

Explanation: Her talk PEPPED us UP.

2005. Perk up Feel better or happier, make someone feel better or happier.
Explanation: She was ill in bed with flu, but she PERKED UP a bit when some
friends dropped by.

2006. Peter out Lose impetus and stop.

Explanation: Everyone was keen at first, but the enthusiasm PETERED OUT
when they saw how long it would take.
2007. Phase in Introduce gradually.

Explanation: They are PHASING IN the reforms over the next two years.
2008. Phase out Remove gradually.

Explanation: They have introduced a compact edition of the newspaper and

are PHASING OUT the broadsheet edition over the next few
months.

2009. Pick at Eat unwillingly.

Explanation: I wasn't very hungry so I just PICKED AT my food.

167
2010. Pick at Criticize.

Explanation: There were a few problems that could be PICKED AT, but it was
generally good.
2011. Pick off Target individuals to change a group.

Explanation: There were many rebels against the policy, but the government
PICKED OFF the leaders.

2012. Pick on Bother, annoy, criticize or make fun of someone.

Explanation: My friends always PICK ON me because I don't sing well.

2013. Pick out Choose.

Explanation: She PICKED OUT the ones she wanted to take and left the rest.

2014. Pick out Identify from a picture.

Explanation: The victim couldn't PICK OUT her attacker from the photos the
police showed her.

2015. Pick through Search something that is disordered for something.

Explanation: The police have been PICKING THROUGH the wreckage for clues.

2016. Pick up Improve.

Explanation: Sales PICKED UP a bit during the Christmas period.

2017. Pick up Learn quickly.

Explanation: She PICKED UP Spanish in six months.

2018. Pick up Collect.

Explanation: While you're in town, can you PICK UP my trousers from the Dry
Cleaner?

2019. Pick up Receive (a broadcast).

Explanation: When we rent a holiday cottage in Cornwall, we can't PICK UP
Channel 5.

2020. Pick up Collect (a person). This differs from the 'collect a thing' meaning -
as that means 'collect and bring back' whereas this means either
(i) 'collect and drop off on your way' or (ii) 'collect and bring to the
same destination'..
Explanation: i) Can you PICK me UP and take me to The George when you go to
the party? ii) Can you PICK UP some friends of mine on your way
to the party? They're going too.
168
2021. Pick up after Tidy a mess someone else has made.

Explanation: I always have to PICK UP AFTER him because he leaves things all
over the office.
2022. Pick up on Correct someone when they say something wrong.

Explanation: My teacher PICKS UP ON any mistake I make and corrects me.

2023. Pick up on Notice something that most people don't.

Explanation: He's very quick to PICK UP ON new trends.

2024. Pick up on React to something.

Explanation: The government has PICKED UP ON the reports in the media.

2025. Pick up on Comment on something said earlier in a conversation.

Explanation: I'd like to PICK UP ON the point that Jill made.

2026. Pick yourself up Recover from a fall or problem.

Explanation: It took him a long time to PICK HIMSELF UP after his wife left him.
2027. Pig off Used to tell someone to get lost or leave you alone.

Explanation: He told them to PIG OFF and leave him in peace.

2028. Pig out Eat a lot.
Explanation: The food was great, so I really PIGGED OUT.

2029. Pile in Enter a place quickly, in a disorganized way.

Explanation: The coach stopped and we all PILED IN.

2030. Pile into Enter a place quickly, in a disorganized way.

Explanation: We PILED INTO the shop when it opened.

2031. Pile on Add or give more or something.

Explanation: Work's crazy- they keep PILING ON the pressure.

2032. Pile on Exaggerate or talk in a way to affect someone's feelings.

Explanation: It wasn't very serious, but they PILED ON the guilt.

2033. Pile out Leave a place quickly, in a disorganized way.

Explanation: The train eventually arrived and we all PILED OUT.

169
2034. Pile up Accumulate.

Explanation: Work just keeps on PILING UP and I really can't manage to get it
all done.
2035. Pile up Accumulate in a pile or heap.

Explanation: The ironing's PILING UP as I hate doing it.

2036. Pin down Get a fixed idea, opinion, etc., from someone..

Explanation: I've asked him to set a date, but he's a hard man to PIN DOWN
and won't give a definite answer.

2037. Pin down Discover exact details about something.

Explanation: The government can't PIN DOWN where the leak came from.

2038. Pin on Attach the blame to someone.

Explanation: The police tried to PIN the crime ON him.

2039. Pin up Fix something to a wall, or other vertical surface, with a pin.

Explanation: I PINNED the notice UP on the board .

2040. Pine away Suffer physically because of grief, stress, worry, etc.

Explanation: He's been PINING AWAY since his wife died and is a shadow of his
former self.

2041. Pipe down Be quiet (often as an imperative).

Explanation: The lecturer asked the students to PIPE DOWN and pay attention.

2042. Pipe up To speak, raise your voice.

Explanation: At first, no one answered, then finally someone PIPED UP.
2043. Pit against Compete or force to compete.

Explanation: The war PITTED neighbor AGAINST neighbor.

2044. Pit out Go into the pits (car racing).

Explanation: He PITTED OUT in the twentieth lap.

2045. Pitch for Try to persuade someone to give your work, business, a job, etc.

Explanation: He PITCHED FOR the job, but they gave it to someone else.

170
2046. Pitch in Work together to help achieve an objective.

Explanation: We were behind schedule, but the others PITCHED IN and we got
it done in time.
2047. Pitch into Criticize severely or attack someone.

Explanation: The shareholders PITCHED INTO the management about their pay
rises at the meeting.

2048. Plant out Put a young plant that has been grown in a pot or greenhouse
into the ground.
Explanation: They need to be PLANTED OUT in the spring.

2049. Plate up Put food onto a plate to serve.

Explanation: PLATE UP and drizzle with salsa Verde.

2050. Play along Pretend to agree or accept something in order to keep someone
happy or to get more information.

Explanation: I disagreed with the idea but I had to PLAY ALONG because
everyone else liked it.
2051. Play around Be silly.

Explanation: The children were PLAYING AROUND and being annoying.

2052. Play around Be sexually promiscuous or unfaithful.

Explanation: I PLAYED AROUND a lot at college.

2053. Play at Pretend to be something.

Explanation: He just PLAYS AT being a lawyer- he never wins a case.

2054. Play away Be sexually unfaithful when away from home.

Explanation: He travels abroad a lot and his wife thinks he PLAYS AWAY.
2055. Play back Listen to or watch something you've recorded.

Explanation: We PLAYED the recording BACK to see if it was OK.

2056. Play down Try to make something seem less important.

Explanation: The Government has tried to PLAY DOWN the importance of the
minister's resignation.

171
2057. Play off Play a game to decide who the winner is.

Explanation: As both teams had the same points, they PLAYED OFF to decide
the winner.
2058. Play off Make people compete against each other so that you benefit.

Explanation: He PLAYED them OFF against each other to get the best deal.

2059. Play on Continue playing a sport though there might be a reason to stop.

Explanation: It looked like a foul, but the referee told them to PLAY ON.
2060. Play on Continue playing music.

Explanation: The band PLAYED ON for another hour.

2061. Play on Exploit a weakness.

Explanation: They are just PLAYING ON our fears to get us to do what they
want.

2062. Play on Pun.

Explanation: The advert PLAYS ON the slogan.

2063. Play out Progress, often till it finishes.

Explanation: Let's see how things PLAY OUT.

2064. Play out Pretend that something is real and reduce its effect.

Explanation: Computer games allow people to PLAY OUT their violent urges.

2065. Play out Play something to the end.

Explanation: Rain stopped them PLAYING the game OUT.

2066. Play out Unwind (e.g., fishing line).

Explanation: When he hooked the swordfish, his line rapidly PLAYED OUT.
2067. Play up Behave badly.

Explanation: The children PLAYED UP all evening and drove the babysitter mad.
2068. Play up to Flatter someone.
Explanation: I'm PLAYING UP TO my boss at the moment because I want the
promotion.
2069. Play up to Behave in a way expected.

Explanation: He's got a reputation for being trouble and PLAYS UP TO it.

172
2070. Play upon Exploit a weakness.

Explanation: They are PLAYING UPON people's concerns to get their way.

2071. Play with Touch and move something to occupy your hands.
Explanation: He can't stop PLAYING WITH his beard.

2072. Play with Not eat much of a meal.

Explanation: I wasn't hungry, so I just PLAYED WITH the food.
2073. Play with Consider something, but not seriously.

Explanation: We PLAYED WITH the idea, but decided against it.

2074. Plead out Plead guilty to get a reduced sentence or fine.

Explanation: The CEO PLEADED OUT and blamed the CFO for the fraud.
2075. Plough back Re-invest money you have made into a business.

Explanation: We PLOUGHED BACK all the profits to grow the company.

2076. Plough into Collide into at speed.

Explanation: The bus skidded and PLOUGHED INTO the bus stop.
2077. Plough on Continue doing something you don't want to.

Explanation: It was really boring, but we PLOUGHED ON.

2078. Plough through Eat a big meal.

Explanation: We PLOUGHED THROUGH all seven courses.

2079. Plough through Read something that is difficult or takes a lot of time.
Explanation: It took me ages to PLOUGH THROUGH 'Ulysses'.

2080. Plough through Move through somewhere where there is little space or there are
obstacles.

Explanation: The boat had to PLOUGH THROUGH the ice.

2081. Plough up Break the surface of soil.

Explanation: The tractor PLOUGHED UP the field so they could sow the seed.

2082. Plow back Re-invest money you have made into a business.

Explanation: We PLOWED BACK all the profits to grow the company.

173
2083. Plow into Collide into at speed.

Explanation: The bus skidded and PLOWED INTO the bus stop.

2084. Plow on Continue doing something you don't want to. It was really boring,
but we PLOWD ON.

2085. Plow through Eat a big meal.

Explanation: We PLOWED THROUGH all eight courses.

2086. Plow through Read something that is difficult or takes a lot of time.
Explanation: It takes me ages to PLOW THROUGH any of Henry James' novels.

2087. Plow through Move through somewhere where there is little space or there are
obstacles.

Explanation: The police car had to PLOW THROUGH the crowd.

2088. Plow up Break the surface of soil.

Explanation: The tractor PLOWED UP the field so they could sow the crop

2089. Pluck at Pull or fiddle with something nervously.

Explanation: He was PLUCKING AT his cuffs during the interview.

2090. Pluck up Muster, acquire, gather.

Explanation: They PLUCKED UP the courage to complain.

2091. Plug in Connect machines to the electricity supply.

Explanation: He PLUGGED the TV IN and turned it on full blast.

2092. Plump down Put something in a place without taking care.

Explanation: He PLUMPED his bag DOWN and kicked his shoes off.

2093. Plump for Choose.

Explanation: I PLUMPED FOR the steak frites.

2094. Plump up Make something like a cushion bigger and softer by shaking it.
Explanation: I PLUMPED UP the pillow and lay down.
2095. Plump yourself down Sit down heavily.

Explanation: She PLUMPED HERSELF DOWN next to me and started asking me

what had happened.

174
2096. Point out Make someone aware of something.

Explanation: He POINTED OUT that I only had two weeks to get the whole thing
finished.
2097. Poke about Move things around or search in a casual way to try to find
something.

Explanation: I POKED ABOUT in my CD collection to see if I could find it.

2098. Poke around Move things around or search in a casual way to try to find
something.
Explanation: I POKED AROUND in my desk to see if the letter was there.

2099. Polish off Finish, consume.

Explanation: She POLISHES OFF half a bottle of gin every night.

2100. Polish up Improve something quickly.

Explanation: I need to POLISH UP my French before I go to Paris.

2101. Pony up Pay for something.

Explanation: I had to PONY fifty dollars UP for the meal.

2102. Poop out Get too tired to do something.

Explanation: I was going to write my essay, but I POOPED OUT and went to bed
instead.

2103. Poop out on Fail to keep an appointment.

Explanation: We were supposed to meet yesterday, but she POOPED OUT ON
me at the last minute.
2104. Poodle along Travel in a leisurely way.

Explanation: We were POOTLING ALONG at thirty miles an hour.

2105. Pop in Visit for a short time.

Explanation: He POPPED IN for a coffee on his way home.

2106. Pop off Talk loudly, complain.

Explanation: He's always POPPING OFF when things don't suit him.

2107. Pop off Go out for a short time.

Explanation: He's just POPPED OFF for a break but should be back in a few
minutes.

175
2108. Pop out Go out for a short time.

Explanation: I'm just POPPING OUT to the shops. Do you need anything while
I'm out?
2109. Pop up Appear, like windows and boxes opening on a computer screen..

Explanation: The dialogue box POPPED UP up when I pressed Enter.

2110. Pop up Appear unexpectedly.

Explanation: I'm going to have to work late tonight because something has
POPPED UP.

2111. Pore over Read, look at or study carefully.

Explanation: She PORED OVER the report looking for mistakes.

2112. Potter about Spend time doing little things for pleasure.
Explanation: On Saturday mornings, I POTTER ABOUT the garden if the
weather's fine.

2113. Potter around Spend some time doing little things for pleasure.

Explanation: I POTTERED AROUND, sorting out my CDS and a few other things.

2114. Pour down Rain hard.

Explanation: It POURED DOWN all day so we had to remain indoors.

2115. Pour forth Emerge from a place in large numbers.

Explanation: Useless statistics POUR FORTH from him.

2116. Power down Cut the electricity supply to a computer or electronic device.
Explanation: I POWERED DOWN my computer and went for lunch.
2117. Power off Cut the electricity to a computer or device to turn it off.

Explanation: You mustn't POWER it OFF while it is updating.

2118. Power up Turn a computer or electronic device on so that it is ready to use.

Explanation: I POWERED UP my laptop and started work.

2119. Prattle on Talk too much.

Explanation: Geoff just PRATTLED ON instead of giving a straight answer.

2120. Press ahead Continue with something.

Explanation: They PRESSED AHEAD with the elections despite the violence.

176
2121. Press for Apply pressure to get permission or to obtain something.

Explanation: The workers are PRESSING FOR better pay and conditions.

2122. Press forward with Continue or go ahead with a project, process, plan, etc.
Explanation: The government are PRESSING FORWARD WITH the new law.

2123. Press into Bring or force into use.

Explanation: When the line was breached, reserve troops were PRESSED INTO
service.

2124. Press on Continue with something.

Explanation: We PRESSED ON to get to our destination before night fell.

2125. Press upon Pressure someone to accept something offered.

Explanation: The invitations were PRESSED UPON us and it was hard to say no.

2126. Prey on Catch and kill an animal for food.

Explanation: Spiders PREY ON insects.

2127. Prey on Exploit or harm.

Explanation: They PREY ON older people.
2128. Prey upon Catch and kill an animal for food.

Explanation: Cats PREY UPON birds and mice.

2129. Prey upon Exploit or harm.

Explanation: They PREY UPON people's fears about immigration.

2130. Price in Include the affects of possible future events when assessing the
value of something.
Explanation: Speculators have PRICED IN the risk of a war breaking out.

2131. Price up Charge more for something.

Explanation: In rural areas where they have a monopoly, some garages PRICE
UP fuel because there's nowhere else to buy it.

2132. Print out Make a hard copy of a computer document.

Explanation: He PRINTED OUT the letter and checked through it carefully.

2133. Prop up Support something, both physically and financially, politically,

etc..
177
 Explanation: The council have PROPPED UP the museum for years with grants.

2134. Psych out Work out or anticipate someone's intentions.

Explanation: We have to try to PSYCH OUT our rivals.

2135. Psych out Make someone less confident.

Explanation: Boxers try to PSYCH their opponents OUT before the fight to gain
an advantage.
2136. Psych up Prepare someone mentally.

Explanation: I PSYCHED myself UP for the exam.

2137. Pucker up Move your lips into position to receive a kiss.

Explanation: She PUCKERED UP when he leant forwards to kiss her.

2138. Pull ahead Overtake, move in front.

Explanation: The lorry was going slowly but we managed to PULL AHEAD.
2139. Pull apart Destroy an argument, theory, etc.

Explanation: My tutor PULLED my essay APART.

2140. Pull apart Stop people or animals fighting.
Explanation: A fight broke out in the pub and it was hard to PULL the people
involved APART.

2141. Pull apart Make someone unhappy or upset.

Explanation: It PULLED me APART to see them arguing so much.

2142. Pull away When a vehicle moves from a place.

Explanation: The car PULLED AWAY from the lights at high speed.
2143. Pull back Score a goal or point when losing.

Explanation: They were two-nil down until five minutes before the end, when
they PULLED BACK a goal.
2144. Pull back Move away from a place, especially when talking about soldiers.

Explanation: They have PULLED the troops BACK from the front line.
2145. Pull back Move away from someone.

Explanation: She PULLED BACK when he tried to kiss her.

178
2146. Pull back Decide not to do something or not to be involved with it any
longer.
Explanation: They PULLED BACK from the deal.

2147. Pull down Demolish.

Explanation: They PULLED the old cinema DOWN to build a new shopping mall.

2148. Pull down Make someone depressed.

Explanation: Losing her job PULLED her DOWN.

2149. Pull down Earn.

Explanation: He's PULLING DOWN a fortune.

2150. Pull for Support.

Explanation: Who will you be PULLING FOR in the final?

2151. Pull in when a train arrives at a station.

Explanation: The train PULLED IN and we rushed to meet her as she got off.

2152. Pull in Attract.

Explanation: Their last tour PULLED IN millions of fans.
2153. Pull in Stop a car by the side of the road.

Explanation: I PULLED IN to let the passengers out.

2154. Pull in Arrest or take someone to a police station for questioning.

Explanation: The police PULLED them IN after the trouble.

2155. Pull off Manage to do something difficult or tricky.

Explanation: No-one thought that she would be able to do it, but she PULLED it
OFF in the end.

2156. Pull off Start moving (vehicles).

Explanation: When the lights turned green, the car PULLED OFF.
2157. Pull on Put clothes on.

Explanation: I PULLED ON a jumper when the sun went in.

2158. Pull out Start moving (train).

Explanation: The train was PULLING OUT when I got there.

179
2159. Pull out Move into traffic.

Explanation: The traffic was so bad that it took me ages to PULL OUT.

2160. Pull out Withdraw.

Explanation: The project was going badly and they decided to PULL OUT

2161. Pull out Remove soldiers from an area.

Explanation: People want the government to PULL the troops OUT.
2162. Pull over Stop by the side of the road.

Explanation: The police PULLED the car OVER

2163. Pull over Make a vehicle stop.

Explanation: The police PULLED the car OVER and tested the driver for alcohol.
2164. Pull through Recover from and illness or problem.

Explanation: At one stage it looked as if she was going to die, but she PULLED
THROUGH in the end.

2165. Pull to Close a door or window that has been left open.
Explanation: Could you PULL the door TO, please?
2166. Pull together Work together as a team.

Explanation: If we all PULL TOGETHER, we'll have it finished in no time.

2167. Pull up Slow and stop a car.

Explanation: The cab PULLED UP outside my house and I got out.

2168. Pull up Inform someone that they are wrong.

Explanation: He PULLED me UP because I had got my facts wrong.

2169. Pull yourself together Become calm or regain control of your emotions.

Explanation: He was so angry that he couldn't PULL HIMSELF TOGETHER.

2170. Push in Get in a queue without waiting.

Explanation: She just PUSHED IN the queue in front of me at the supermarket

checkout.

180
2171. Put across Communicate, convey a message.

Explanation: He found it difficult to PUT ACROSS what he wanted to say at the

meeting.
2172. Put away Put something back in the correct place.

Explanation: He PUT the dictionary BACK on the shelf after he'd finished the
crossword.

2173. Put away Put someone in prison.

Explanation: The judge PUT him AWAY for ten years for robbery.

2174. Put back Rearrange something for a later time.

Explanation: The AGM has been PUT BACK until July the seventeenth.

2175. Put by Save for the future.

Explanation: I try to PUT some money BY every month towards our summer
holiday.

2176. Put down Kill an animal because it's old, ill, etc..

Explanation: He had his dog PUT DOWN because it was in a lot of pain from its
tumors.

2177. Put down Stop holding (but withdraw support gently).

Explanation: PUT the gun DOWN slowly and keep your hands where I can see
them.

2178. Put down for Commit to make a payment.

Explanation: PUT me DOWN FOR 50p per mile.

2179. Put down to Give as an explanation.

Explanation: He didn't score many, but we can PUT that DOWN TO

inexperience
2180. Put in Install.

Explanation: They had to PUT IN a whole new central heating system because
the house was so cold.

2181. Put in for Make a request.

Explanation: He PUT IN FOR a transfer to the new branch.

181
2182. Put off Postpone.

Explanation: The concert's been PUT OFF until next month because the singer's
got a throat infection.
2183. Put off Stop liking something or somebody.

Explanation: I was really PUT OFF by the way he eats with his mouth open.

2184. Put on Get fat.

Explanation: He's PUT ON a lot of weight since he gave up smoking.

2185. Put on Deceive, lie.

Explanation: I am not PUTTING you ON.

2187. Put on Start wearing.

Explanation: I PUT my coat ON before we went out.

2188. Put out Broadcast.

Explanation: Several charities PUT OUT an appeal on TV for money for the
victims of the flooding in Mozambique.
2189. Put out Disturb or trouble someone.

Explanation: Would it be PUTTING you OUT greatly if I asked to change to

another day.

2190. Put out Extinguish a cigarette, fire, etc..

Explanation: He PUT OUT his cigarette before entering the building.

2191. Put over Successfully execute (a scam, trick, etc.).

Explanation: They PUT OVER a clever practical joke on us.
2192. Put through Connect someone by phone.

Explanation: Could you PUT me THROUGH to extension 259 please.

2193. Put towards Make a financial contribution.

Explanation: She PUT $250 TOWARDS the cost of the repairs and we had to pay
the rest.

2194. Put up Allow someone to stay at your house for a night or a few days..
Explanation: She PUT me UP for the night because I'd missed the last bus and
there were no night buses running.

182
2195. Put up Increase prices, taxes, duties, etc..

Explanation: The government has PUT tuition fees for undergraduate students
UP again.
2196. Put up Show skill or determination in a contest, competition, fight, etc.

Explanation: They PUT UP a great fight but lost.

2197. Put up to Encourage someone to do something.

Explanation: His friends PUT him UP TO stealing it.

2198. Put up with Tolerate.

Explanation: I can't PUT UP WITH my neighbor’s noise any longer; it's driving
me mad.

2199. Quarrel out Argue with someone about a specific subject.

Explanation: The girl's mother was QUARRELING OUT with her daughter about
the party.

2200. Quarrel with Dispute or disagree with something.

Explanation: I am not QUARRELLING WITH their idea, but I think there are
other possibilities.

2201. Queer up Mess up, ruin.

Explanation: I QUEERED the exam UP.

2202. Quieten down Fall silent.

Explanation: The audience QUIETENED DOWN when the lights were switched
off in the auditorium and the play was ready to begin.
2203. Quit on Stop working, associating or being friends with someone,
especially when they need support.

Explanation: They QUIT ON me just when things got rough.

2204. Quit on Stop working or functioning.

Explanation: My phone has QUIT ON me- can I borrow yours?

2205. Race off Hurry away, leave somewhere quickly.

Explanation: They RACED OFF when the police arrived.

2206. Rack off Used to tell someone to go away because they're annoying you.

Explanation: He told her to RACK OFF.

183
2207. Rack out Sleep, take a nap.

Explanation: I'm tired- I'm going to RACK OUT.

2208. Rack up Acquire a lot of something.

Explanation: He's RACKED UP a number of convictions for speeding.

2209. Rack up Damage.

Explanation: They RACKED UP the car in an accident.

2210. Rain down on Fall in large numbers.
Explanation: Bombs RAINED DOWN ON the city all night.

2211. Rain off Be postponed or stopped by rain (usually passive).

Explanation: The match was RAINED OFF.

2212. Rain out Be postponed or stopped by rain (usually passive).

Explanation: The game was RAINED OUT.

2213. Rake in Earn, make money easily.

Explanation: She's RAKING IN thousands a day.

2214. Rake it in Make a lot of money.

Explanation: It's the only shop in the area and they're RAKING IT IN.

2215. Rake off Cheat someone by charging them too much.

Explanation: They RAKE tourists OFF all the time.

2216. Rake over Talk, think, etc., about something negative in the past.

Explanation: They keep RAKING OVER the rows we had last year.
2217. Rake up Bring something back to people's attention.

Explanation: The press have RAKED UP some scandals from her past.
2218. Ramble on Talk at length without getting to the point.

Explanation: Quit RAMBLING ON- I’m tired of listening to you.

2219. Ramp up Increase price, speed or power of something.

Explanation: The company has RAMPED its prices UP because of higher oil
prices.

2220. Rap out Say something firmly and loudly.

Explanation: She RAPPED OUT the command.
184
2221. Rat on Inform authorities about someone's wrongdoings.

Explanation: She RATTED ON her neighbors to the police because they were
smuggling alcohol from France.

2222. Rat on Fail to keep a promise.

Explanation: He always RATS ON his promises.

2223. Rat out Inform the authorities about someone.

Explanation: He RATTED me OUT to the police.

2224. Rat through Look for something hurriedly.

Explanation: RATTED THROUGH the papers on my desk but couldn't find the
letter.
2225. Ratchet up Increase.

Explanation: The media are trying to RATCHET UP the pressure on the

president.

2226. Rattle off Quote figures rapidly.

Explanation: She RATTLED OFF loads of statistics which nobody could

understand.
2227. Reach out Stretch your arm to get something.

Explanation: I REACHED OUT and caught the ball.

2228. Reach out for Try to achieve something difficult.

Explanation: They are REACHING OUT FOR major economic reforms.

2229. Reach out to Ask for help.

Explanation: I REACHED OUT TO you when I was in trouble and you were a
great help.

2230. Reach out to Offer help.

Explanation: Charities are REACHING OUT TO those who lost their homes in the
floods.

2231. Reach out to Try to communicate and establish good relations with people.
Explanation: The candidates are REACHING OUT TO the poor to get their votes.

185
2232. Read off Read a list aloud for someone to write down.

Explanation: I READ OFF the figures and she wrote them down in her
notebook.

2233. Read out Read aloud rather than silently.

Explanation: The teacher READ OUT the names of the students who'd passed.
2234. Read up on Research.

Explanation: I've been READING UP ON Japan as I'm going to live there next
year.

2235. Reason out Come to a conclusion or solution after some thought.

Explanation: He REASONED OUT the answer to the math problem.

2236. Reckon on The minimum expected.

Explanation: Jeff says we can RECKON ON there being at least fifty people
there tonight.

2237. Reel in Catch a fish on a line and pull the line to land.
Explanation: He REELED IN a ten-pound salmon.

2238. Reel in Attract people, especially customers, to get them to do what you
want them to.
Explanation: They hope the discounts will REEL people IN.

2239. Reel off Quote statistics or facts rapidly.

Explanation: The minister REELED OFF a load of figures to support her position.

2240. Reel off Score a lot of points or win a lot of games one after the other.
Explanation: They REELED OFF five victories and became the champions.

2241. Reel out Unwind.

Explanation: I REELED OUT the hose and watered the lawn.

2242. Rein in Control someone or something to stop them causing more

trouble.
Explanation: They had to REIN the minister IN after her dreadful performance
on TV.

186
2243. Rent out Let, grant a service or allow usage for a fee.

Explanation: They RENTED their house OUT while the were abroad.

2244. Ride off Go away on a bike, horse, etc.

Explanation: She got on her motorbike and RODE OFF.

2245. Ride on Depend on.

Explanation: His reputation is RIDING ON this deal working out.
2246. Ride out Survive a difficult time.

Explanation: They managed to RIDE OUT the recession.

2247. Ride up Move higher on the body (of clothes).

Explanation: Her skirt RODE UP when she sat down.

2248. Ring back Return a phone call.

Explanation: I phoned and left a message this morning but she still hasn't
RUNG me BACK.

2249. Ring in Telephone to inform or confirm something.

Explanation: I RANG IN and told them I would be late.
2250. Ring off Finish a phone conversation.

Explanation: Dave RANG OFF guiltily when he saw his boss coming.
2251. Ring out Make a sudden loud sound.

Explanation: Two shots RANG OUT and then we heard a scream.

2252. Ring round Telephone a number of people, usually to try to get some
information.
Explanation: I RANG ROUND to see if anyone knew where she'd gone.

2253. Ring up Telephone.

Explanation: Helen RANG me UP earlier.
2254. Ring up Achieve an amount or number.

Explanation: They RANG UP several victories.

2255. Ring up Enter figures into a till or cash register.

Explanation: They RANG UP the bill for the groceries.

187
2256. Ring with When a place is full of a loud sound.

Explanation: The room RANG WITH their laughter.

2257. Rip off Charge excessively or obtain money unfairly.

Explanation: Tourists get RIPPED OFF a lot when they don't speak the language.

2258. Roll back Retreat.

Explanation: The army ROLLED BACK when they came under attack.
2259. Roll back Reduce or remove.

Explanation: The government want to ROLL BACK the freedom of the press.

2260. Roll by Pass (time).

Explanation: The years ROLLED BY.

2261. Roll in Arrive somewhere, especially if late.

Explanation: They ROLLED IN very drunk at three o'clock in the morning.

2262. Roll in Arrive in large numbers, for military vehicles.

Explanation: The tanks ROLLED IN and took control of the capital city.
2263. Roll on When something continues to happen.

Explanation: The competition ROLLED ON despite the administrative problems.

2264. Roll on! Said when you can't wait for something nice in the future.

Explanation: Roll on Friday! It's been a dreadful week.

2265. Roll out Launch or introduce a new product, initiative, etc..

Explanation: The company ROLLED OUT its takeover plans last week.

2266. Roll up To appear in large numbers for an event.

Explanation: Thousands ROLLED UP to see the stars at the film premiere.

2267. Roll up! An imperative used to attract people to a public event.

Explanation: Roll up! Come and see the circus tonight.

2268. Romp in Win easily.

Explanation: In the first race, the favorite ROMPED IN.

2269. Romp through Do something easily or quickly.

188
 Explanation: We ROMPED THROUGH the tasks because they were so simple.

2270. Room in To keep a mother and baby together after the birth.

Explanation: Nowadays, most hospitals have a policy of ROOMING IN mothers

and their babies.

2271. Root about Look in a place to try to find something.

Explanation: He ROOTED ABOUT in his briefcase, trying to find a pen.

2272. Root around Look in a place to try to find something.

Explanation: I ROOTED AROUND my flat trying to find the letter.

2273. Root for Support.

Explanation: Everyone was ROOTING FOR Arsenal to win the Champions

League.

2274. Root out Look for and find.

Explanation: The police ROOTED OUT the informer.

2275. Root out Find the source of a problem and remove it.

Explanation: They are trying to ROOT OUT the troublemakers.

2276. Root up Dig a plant out of the ground.

Explanation: He ROOTED UP the plants and replanted them.

2277. Rope in Get somebody to help.

Explanation: The teacher ROPED her students IN to carry her stuff when she
had to change classroom.
2278. Rope into Get someone to help or become involved, usually when they
don't want to.
Explanation: I got ROPED INTO helping them set the stall up.

2279. Rope off Extend ropes or barriers across or around an area.

Explanation: The celebrity entrance was ROPED OFF from the general public.

2280. Rough up Assault.

Explanation: The mugger ROUGHED him UP when he refused to hand his wallet
over.

189
2281. Round off Finish something in a satisfactory manner.

Explanation: Winning the FA Cup ROUNDED OFF a wonderful season for

Arsenal.
2282. Row back Retreat from a position.

Explanation: The prime minister refused to ROW BACK and lost the vote.

2283. Rub along Have a reasonably good relationship.

Explanation: They're not friends, but we RUB ALONG.

2284. Rub down Dry or clean something with a cloth.

Explanation: She RUBBED the horse DOWN with a towel after riding it.
2285. Rub down Massage or rub someone to help them relax.

Explanation: The trainer RUBBED her DOWN after the race.

2286. Rub in Apply a substance like cream or ointment and rub it until it is
absorbed.

Explanation: He applied the steroid cream and RUBBED it IN.

2287. Rub it in Emphasis how bad a situation is to make someone feel worse.

Explanation: Even though the minister had resigned, the press RUBBED IT IN by
publishing more details of the scandal.

2288. Rub off on Pass a quality or characteristic to people.

Explanation: His enthusiasm RUBS OFF ON everyone around him.

2289. Rub out Delete ink or pencil with an eraser.

Explanation: He RUBBED OUT the figure and wrote the correct one in.
2290. Rub out Kill.

Explanation: The gangsters RUBBED him OUT for stealing from them.
2291. Rub up against Touch someone in a sensual or sexual way.

Explanation: The cat RUBBED UP AGAINST my leg purring.

2292. Rub up on Revise.

Explanation: I need to RUB UP ON my Portuguese before I go to Brazil.

2293. Rule out Exclude a possibility.

Explanation: The police have RULED OUT suicide and are treating it as a case of
murder.
190
2294. Run across Meet or find accidentally.

Explanation: I RAN ACROSS an old friend in the library.

2295. Run after Chase, pursue.

Explanation: The police RAN AFTER the guy who'd stolen it, but he was too fast
for them.

2296. Run after Try to become romantically involved with someone.

Explanation: He was RUNNING AFTER her for ages never managed to get a
date.

2297. Run against Oppose, make difficulties.

Explanation: Opinion is RUNNING AGAINST his policies and he has very little
support.

2298. Run along Go away, leave (often as an imperative).

Explanation: They kept disturbing him, so he told them to RUN ALONG and
leave him in peace.
2299. Run around Be very busy doing many things.

Explanation: I'm exhausted- I've been RUNNING AROUND all day.

2300. Run away Escape from people chasing you.

Explanation: He RAN AWAY from his attackers.

2301. Run away Leave home because of problems with other family members or
to elope.

Explanation: She RAN AWAY to avoid a forced marriage.

2302. Run down Hit a pedestrian with a vehicle.

Explanation: The minicab RAN him DOWN on the zebra crossing.

2303. Run down Lose energy or power.

Explanation: You should only recharge the battery when it has fully RUN
DOWN.
2304. Run down Criticize, disparage.

Explanation: They're always RUNNING me DOWN and I am sick and tired of it.
2305. Run down Find the source or origin of something.

Explanation: The police RAN DOWN all the leads they had and caught them.

191
2306. Run for Campaign for a position.

Explanation: She's thinking about RUNNING FOR the presidency.

2307. Run in Arrest, take to police station for questioning.

Explanation: They RAN him IN last night.

2308. Run in Drive a new car carefully in order not to damage the engine.

Explanation: She RAN the car IN for a thousand miles.

2308. Run in Pay a casual visit.
Explanation: We RAN IN and chatted for an hour.

2309. Run in Insert.

Explanation: He RAN a graph IN next to the text.

2310. Run into Cost.

Explanation: The project has RUN INTO millions of dollars without any prospect
of a return on this investment.
2311. Run into Meet by accident.

Explanation: I RAN INTO James in a bar in the City on Friday.

2312. Run off Make photocopies.
Explanation: Could you RUN OFF two hundred copies of this report, please.

2313. Run on Be powered by.

Explanation: The van RUNS ON diesel.

2314. Run out of Have none left.

Explanation: We've RUN OUT OF sugar; I'm going to the shops for some.

2315. Run over Explain quickly.

Explanation: Could you RUN OVER that point again; I'm afraid I didn't quite
understand it.
2316. Run over Hit with a vehicle.
Explanation: The driver couldn't stop in time and RAN the fox OVER when it ran
in front of his car.
2317. Run over Exceed a time limit.

Explanation: The meeting RAN OVER by twenty minutes.

192
2318. Run through Practice a dramatic work like a play quickly.

Explanation: The cast RAN THROUGH the play the day before it opened to the
public.
2319. Run through Stab or wound deeply with a knife, sword, etc..

Explanation: The musketeer RAN his enemy THROUGH with a sword and killed
him.

2320. Run to Go to someone for help.

Explanation: Whenever he gets into debt, he RUNS TO his parents for help.

2321. Run to Include in things you like.

Explanation: His musical tastes RUN TO the Residents, who are hated by most
people.

2322. Run to Have enough money to buy something, often negative.

Explanation: Things are a bit tight and won't RUN TO going abroad for a
holiday.
2323. Run up Move quickly to where someone is.

Explanation: He RAN UP next to me and started shouting.

2324. Run up Hoist, raise a flag.

Explanation: They RAN UP the Union Jack.

2325. Run up Do or make something very quickly.

Explanation: He RAN UP a few examples for them to look at.

2326. Run up Spend a lot of money on credit.

Explanation: He RAN UP a lot of bills at the hotel.

2327. Run up against Encounter problems, often unexpected.

Explanation: They RAN UP AGAINST a lot of opposition to the construction.

2328. Run up on Approach someone without their knowing.

Explanation: Robert was sitting in his car and a guy RAN UP ON him and shot
through the car but missed.

2329. Run with Keep company, normally bad.

Explanation: She RUNS WITH some dodgy characters.

193
2330. Rush away Leave a place in a hurry.

Explanation: They RUSHED AWAY when the police arrived.

2331. Rush into Do something too quickly.

Explanation: They don't want to be RUSHED INTO giving an answer and have
asked for more time.

2332. Rush off Depart in a hurry.

Explanation: Zac RUSHED OFF to get to his medical appointment.

2333. Rush out Release or put something on sale quickly.

Explanation: They RUSHED the single OUT after it started getting airplay.
2334. Rustle up Make something quickly without much preparation.

Explanation: We RUSTLED UP dinner from what was in the fridge.

2335. Saddle up Put a saddle on and prepare an animal to ride.

Explanation: She SADDLED UP the horse and rode off.

2336. Saddle with Give someone a task or responsibility that is difficult or hard work.

Explanation: They SADDLED me WITH preparing the visit.

2337. Sag off Not go to school or work, or leave early when you shouldn't.
Explanation: I was bored so I SAGGED OFF work early and went home.

2338. Sail into Criticize angrily.

Explanation: He SAILED INTO me for turning up an hour late.

2339. Sail through Pass easily, succeed.

Explanation: He SAILED THROUGH the final test.

2340. Sally forth Leave somewhere safe or comfortable.

Explanation: The townspeople SALLIED FORTH to fight the invading army.

2341. Sally out Leave somewhere safe or comfortable.

Explanation: Though it was pouring with rain, we SALLIED OUT to meet her.

2342. Salt away Save money.

Explanation: She's making a lot of money, but SALTS it AWAY rather than
spending it.

194
2343. Save on Reduce or avoid consumption to cut costs.

Explanation: I use Skype to SAVE ON my phone bills.

2344. Save up For money for a particular purpose.

Explanation: He's SAVING UP to buy a car.

2345. Save up Collect or store something for future use.

Explanation: I'm SAVING UP the receipts to claim on them all at once.

2346. Saw off To remove something by cutting it with a saw.
Explanation: He SAWED OFF the legs of the chair.

2347. Saw up Cut into pieces with a saw.

Explanation: We SAWED the plank UP to make the shelves.

2348. Scale back Make something smaller than originally planned.

Explanation: They had to SCALE BACK the project because of the costs.

2349. Scale down Make something smaller than originally planned.

Explanation: They have had to SCALE DOWN the project because of the costs.

2350. Scale up Increase, make bigger.

Explanation: They are SCALING UP the programme because it has been so
successful.

2351. Scare away Frighten someone some much that they go away.
Explanation: The cat SCARED the birds AWAY.

2352. Scare off Make someone so frightened that he or she away.

Explanation: The vicious Doberman guard-dog SCARED the burglars AWAY.

2353. Scout about Look in different places for something.

Explanation: The company is SCOUTING ABOUT for new staff.

2354. Scout around Look in different places for something.

Explanation: We SCOUTED AROUND to find the best price.

2355. Scout out Search for something.

Explanation: The researcher spent months SCOUTING OUT the answer.

195
2356. Scout round Look in different places for something.

Explanation: I SCOUTED ROUND for a bargain.

2357. Scout up Try to find someone for a task or requirement.

Explanation: We'd better SCOUT UP a replacement for her.

2358. Scrape along Manage with little money.

Explanation: I've been SCRAPING ALONG on temporary work since I lost my

job.
2359. Scrape by Just manage to pass something.

Explanation: I thought I was going to fail, but SCRAPED BY with 51%.

2360. Scrape in Just get enough to succeed, pass or be accepted.

Explanation: The government SCRAPED IN with 51% of the votes cast.

2361. Scrape into Be accepted somewhere, but only just.

Explanation: She got mediocre grades and just SCRAPED INTO university.
2362. Scrape through Pass a test but only just.

Explanation: I did no revision and only just SCRAPED THROUGH the final exams.
2363. Scrape together Manage to collect enough of something you need, usually money.
Explanation: I had to search my flat for money to SCRAPE TOGETHER what I
needed.

2364. Scrape up Manage to collect enough of something you need, usually money.

Explanation: It took me ages to SCRAPE UP the money for the tickets.

2365. Screen off Separate a part of a room with something like a curtain, screen,
etc..

Explanation: We SCREENED OFF the area where we had the discussion from
the rest of the meeting.

2366. Screen out Exclude.

Explanation: Applicants without the right qualifications were SCREENED OUT.

2367. Screen out Block light.

Explanation: The sun cream SCREENS OUT UV light.

196
2368. Screen out Stop noticing something.

Explanation: There are so many notices and signs that I have started
SCREENING them OUT.
2369. Screw around Waste time.

Explanation: He spent the afternoon SCREWING AROUD and got nothing done.

2370. Screw around Be sexually promiscuous.

Explanation: He SCREWED AROUND a lot at university.

2371. Screw over Treat harshly or cheat.

Explanation: The IRS really SCREWED him OVER.

2372. Screw up Do badly or fail.

Explanation: David SCREWED UP his oral exam but still managed to scrape a
pass.

2373. See about Arrange, consider.

Explanation: I'll SEE ABOUT whether we can manage it.

2374. See into Accompany someone into an office.

Explanation: Her secretary SAW me INTO her office.

2375. See off Chase somebody or something away.

Explanation: A cat came into the back garden but the dog soon SAW it OFF.

2376. See off Go to the airport, station, etc., to say goodbye to someone.

Explanation: I went to the station to SEE them OFF.

2377. See out Accompany a guest to your front door when they are leaving your
house.

Explanation: Are you sure you're going? I'll get your coats and SEE you OUT.
2378. See through Continue with something to the end.

Explanation: They had a lot of difficulties in implementing the project, but the
team SAW it THROUGH successfully.

2379. See through Realize someone is lying or being deceitful.

Explanation: The police quickly SAW THROUGH her disguise and arrested her.

197
2380. See to Deal with something.

Explanation: He SAW TO the arrangements and everything ran smoothly and

efficiently.
2381. Sell off Sell a business or part of it.

Explanation: They SOLD OFF their research subsidiary.

2382. Sell off Sell something cheaply because you need the money or don't
need it.
Explanation: She SOLD OFF her furniture before she emigrated.

2383. Sell on Convince someone.

Explanation: We managed to SELL him ON the expansion plans.

2384. Sell on Buy something then sell it to someone else.

Explanation: We buy them wholesale and SELL them ON to the public.

2385. Sell out Have no more of something left because it has been bought.

Explanation: The tickets for the Primal Scream concert at the Brixton Academy
SOLD OUT in a couple of hours.

2386. Sell out Lose all artistic integrity in return for commercial success.
Explanation: Most bands SELL OUT when they sign to a major record label, and
forget all their principles when pursuing chart success.

2387. Sell up Sell a house or business to move somewhere or do something

different.

Explanation: We want to SELL UP and move to the country.

2388. Send back Return something.

Explanation: I SENT my food BACK because it was overcooked.

2389. Send for Ask someone to come and help.

Explanation: I had to SEND FOR a plumber because the radiator was leaking.

2390. Send in Order people into a place to handle a problem.

Explanation: The police were SENT IN to quell the riot as the protesters had
started burning cars and wrecking shops.

198
2391. Send in Write to get information.

Explanation: If you want to enter the competition, you have to SEND IN for an
entry form.
2391. Send off Expel a sports player from a match.

Explanation: The football striker was SENT OFF for arguing with the referee's
decision.

2392. Send off Post a letter.

Explanation: I must SEND this letter OFF today otherwise it won't get there in
time.

2393. Send off for Order something by post.

Explanation: I SENT OFF FOR some jeans that I liked in the catalogue.

2394. Send out Send something to a lot of people.

Explanation: They SENT OUT a mailshot to all their existing customers.

2395. Send out for Order takeaway food by phone.

Explanation: We couldn't be bothered to cook, so we SENT OUT FOR a pizza.

2396. Send up Imitate/impersonate for comic effect.

Explanation: The mischievous schoolboy was standing at the front of the class,
SENDING the teacher UP, when the teacher opened the door
behind him.

2397. Set about Start doing something.

Explanation: We SET ABOUT the cleaning and got it done before lunchtime.
2398. Set about Attack.

Explanation: The gang SET ABOUT her as she left the bank.
2399. Set apart Distinguish, be better than or different from others.

Explanation: The quality of their work SETS them APART from their rivals.

2400. Set aside Overturn a court verdict or decision.

Explanation: The Appeal Court SET ASIDE the guilty verdict because the
evidence was unsatisfactory and declared her not guilty.
2401. Set back Cost.

Explanation: The car repairs SET me BACK eight hundred pounds.

199
2402. Set back Delay.

Explanation: The accident SET the project BACK several months.

2403. Set forth State or outline an opinion.

Explanation: He SET FORTH his ideas in his autobiography.

2404. Set forth Start a journey.

Explanation: We SET FORTH at daybreak for the summit of the mountain.

2405. Set in Change season noticeably.
Explanation: Winter has SET IN; it's started snowing.

2406. Set off Explode a bomb.

Explanation: Terrorists SET OFF a car bomb in the city Centre last night.
Fortunately, no-one was hurt or killed.

2407. Set off Ring an alarm.

Explanation: The smoke SET the fire alarm OFF.

2408. Set off Start a journey.

Explanation: We SET OFF for work at seven-thirty.

2409. Set off Counterbalance a debt.
Explanation: The company SET OFF its overseas debts against it profits at
home.

2410. Set off Provide a visual contrast that looks good.

Explanation: The dark frame SETS the pale drawing OFF well.

2411. Set off Cause, trigger events.

Explanation: The pay freeze SET OFF a wave of strikes.

2412. Set on Attack.

Explanation: He was SET ON when he left the bar.

2413. Set out Display, show.
Explanation: The figures are SET OUT in the council's annual report.

2414. Set out Start a journey.

Explanation: The explorers SET OUT for the South Pole yesterday morning.

200
2415. Set out Arrange, organize.

Explanation: The contract SETS OUT all the details of the agreement.

2416. Set to Work hard or enthusiastically.

Explanation: If we all SET TO, we should be able to finish this in a few hours.
2417. Set up Prepare equipment, software, etc., for use.

Explanation: The technician SET UP the computer network perfectly.

2418. Set up Start a company.
Explanation: They SET UP a dot com company, floated it a couple of years later
on the Stock Exchange and made an absolute fortune.
2419. Set up Provide someone with the money needed to live.

Explanation: Winning the lottery SET them UP for life.

2420. Set up Trick, deceive.

Explanation: The police SET them UP.

2421. Set upon Attack.

Explanation: They SET UPON her when she was in the car park.
2422. Settle down Start living a fixed and routine life.
Explanation: After years of partying and drinking, she finally got married and
SETTLED DOWN.

2423. Settle for Accept whatever is available.

Explanation: We were upset not to win and had to SETTLE FOR the second
prize.
2424. Settle in Get used to.

Explanation: It took him a while to SETTLE IN when he moved to Japan.

2425. Settle on Agree.

Explanation: They couldn't agree at first on a name for their daughter, but
finally SETTLED ON Alice.

2426. Settle up Pay a debt.

Explanation: Let's SETTLE UP for the dinner the other night.

201
2427. Sex up Change information to make it more attractive to the reader or
listener.
Explanation: The government denied that they had SEXED UP the report to
make the front page.

2428. Shack up Live with someone when you are in a relationship..

Explanation: They SHACKED UP a few months after they started going out.
2429. Shack up Live somewhere temporarily.

Explanation: We had to SHACK UP with friends while our house was being
decorated.

2430. Shade in Make a part of a picture darker.

Explanation: She SHADED IN the area under the tree.

2431. Shake down Search.

Explanation: The police SHOOK the house DOWN looking for drugs.

2432. Shake down Extort or cheat money from someone.

Explanation: He SHOOK the guy DOWN with some story about needing the
money for an operation.
2433. Shake off Get rid of an illness.

Explanation: It took me ages to SHAKE OFF the cough.

2434. Shake out Shake clothes, cloths, etc. to remove dirt or creases.

Explanation: He took the tablecloth outside and SHOOK it OUT after dinner.

2435. Shake up Upset or shock.

Explanation: The news of her death really SHOOK me UP.

2436. Shake up Make major changes to improve or save a company, organization,
etc.

Explanation: The management are SHAKING things UP and getting rid of a lot
of workers.

2437. Shake up Mix things in a container by shaking hard.

Explanation: Pour the ingredients into a container and SHAKE them UP.

202
2438. Shape up Develop in a positive way.

Explanation: Things are SHAPING UP at work everything’s going well again.

2439. Shape up Improve to reach an acceptable standard.

Explanation: If they don't start SHAPING UP, they're going to lose their jobs.
2440. Shave off Shave completely.

Explanation: He has SHAVED OFF his moustache and looks much younger.
2441. Shave off Reduce by a small amount.
Explanation: He SHAVED a few thousand OFF the budget for the year.

2442. Shell out Spend money on something, especially when you think it's too
expensive.

Explanation: I had to SHELL OUT a hundred pounds on the dinner.

2443. Ship off Send someone away, often because of a problem.

Explanation: He was causing a lot of trouble, so they SHIPPED him OFF to

another branch
2444. Ship out Send goods to a place.

Explanation: We SHIPPED the order OUT two days ago.

2445. Ship out Leave a place.

Explanation: If you've finished your work, I'm ready to SHIP OUT.

2446. Shoot away Leave somewhere quickly.

Explanation: He SHOT AWAY as soon as the bell rang for the end of the lesson.

2447. Shoot back Return quickly.

Explanation: I'm SHOOTING BACK home to pick up some things I forgot to bring
with me.
2448. Shoot for Have as a goal.

Explanation: I’m SHOOTING FOR nothing less than the presidency.

2449. Shoot off Leave promptly and quickly.

Explanation: I'll have to SHOOT OFF as soon as the lesson finishes, otherwise I'll
miss my train.

2450. Shoot out Go out for a short time.

Explanation: I'm SHOOTING OUT to the shops for a paper.
203
2451. Shoot up Increase quickly.

Explanation: The share prices of internet companies have been SHOOTING UP

lately.

2452. Shoot up Take illicit drugs intravenously..

Explanation: The heroin-user would SHOOT UP in shop doorways.

2453. Shoot up Damage with gun-shots.

Explanation: The gangsters SHOT UP the pub.

2454. Shoot up Increase quickly, grow.

Explanation: Johnny has SHOT UP since I last saw him

2455. Shop around Look around for the best price, quality, etc..

Explanation: If you SHOP AROUND, you can find some real bargains for air
tickets.

2456. Short out Short circuit.

Explanation: The battery SHORTED OUT when it got wet.

2457. Shout down Make so much noise to stop someone being heard.

Explanation: His efforts to raise the issue were SHOUTED DOWN.

2458. Shout out Say something loudly, often to attract someone's attention.

Explanation: She SHOUTED OUT my name.

2459. Show around Take someone to a place to show them certain parts.

Explanation: The estate agent SHOWED us AROUND the house but we didn't
like it much.

2460. Show in Take someone into an office or other room.

Explanation: The secretary SHOWED me IN to speak to the manager.

2461. Show off Behave in a way so as to attract attention.

Explanation: The children were SHOWING OFF and irritated me.

2462. Show off Display something you are proud of.

Explanation: He wanted to SHOW OFF his new sound system.

204
2463. Show off Make the qualities of another thing more apparent.

Explanation: The shirt really SHOWED OFF his new tie.

2464. Show out Take someone to out of a room or building.

Explanation: Her secretary SHOWED me OUT after the interview.

2465. Show over Take someone around a site.

Explanation: He SHOWED us OVER the scene of the accident
2466. Show round Take someone to a place to show them certain parts.

Explanation: The guide SHOWED them ROUND the historic part of the city.

2467. Show through When a feeling can be seen despite attempts to conceal it.

Explanation: His anger SHOWED THROUGH despite his smile.

2468. Show up Attend something or arrive somewhere.

Explanation: Very few SHOWED UP at the meeting.

2469. Show up Become clear or apparent.

Explanation: The downturn in sales SHOWED UP in the company's accounts.

2470. Show up Make someone feel embarrassed or ashamed.

Explanation: He SHOWED us UP when he arrived drunk and started arguing.

2471. Shrug off Disregard something, not consider it important or harmful.

Explanation: He SHRUGGED OFF the criticism and carried on the same way.

2472. Shut away Imprison or remove someone's freedom.

Explanation: Many people have been SHUT AWAY in psychiatric hospitals for
disagreeing with the government.
2473. Shut down Close a business, shop, etc..

Explanation: The shop SHUT DOWN when the out-oftown supermarket

opened.
2474. Shut down Turn a computer off.

Explanation: You should close all programs before you SHUT a computer
DOWN.

205
2475. Shut in Prevent someone from leaving.

Explanation: I SHUT the cat IN until it was time to go to the vet.

2476. Shut off Close, prevent access.

Explanation: They SHUT the water OFF while they did the repairs.
2477. Shut out Exclude.

Explanation: You have to SHUT your feelings OUT to deal with it.
2478. Shut out Not allow a player or team to score.
Explanation: The Dodgers SHUT OUT the Giants 3-0.

2479. Shut out of Exclude someone from an activity, etc.

Explanation: He's been SHUT OUT OF the discussions.

2480. Shut up Stop talking or making noise.

Explanation: He told us to SHUT UP and start working.

2481. Shut up Close for a period of time.

Explanation: They SHUT the shop UP for a fortnight while they were on holiday.

2482. Shut yourself away Withdraw from company.

Explanation: She's SHUT herself AWAY to revise for her exams.

2483. Shy away from Avoid doing something because you lack confidence.

Explanation: Many learners SHY AWAY FROM using phrasal verbs.

2484. Side with Support someone.

Explanation: The lecturer SIDED WITH her students and got sacked for her
pains.

2485. Sidle up to Approach someone discreetly.

Explanation: He SIDLED UP TO me and whispered his name.

2486. Sift through Examine a lot of things carefully.

Explanation: We had to SIFT THROUGH thousands of files before we found
what we were looking for.

2487. Sign away Give away legal or property rights.

Explanation: He SIGNED AWAY his rights to compensation when he signed the
contract.

206
2488. Sign for Write a signature on behalf on someone.

Explanation: My boss was out for the day, so I SIGNED her letters FOR her.

2489. Sign in Register in a hotel.

Explanation: We SIGNED IN and went straight to bed.

2490. Sign in Open a computer program that requires a name and password.

Explanation: I SIGNED IN and started chatting online.

2491. Sign in Write your name when entering a place.
Explanation: You have to SIGN IN before you can enter the club.

2492. Sign into Open a particular computer program that requires a name and
password.

Explanation: I SIGN INTO MSN Messenger automatically when I boot up.

2493. Sign off End a message.

Explanation: I'll SIGN OFF now, but will write again next week.
2494. Sign off Close a claim for unemployment benefit.

Explanation: I SIGNED OFF when I got my new job.

2495. Sign off Stop doing something to leave.
Explanation: I'm SIGNING OFF now and going homeI'm shattered.

2496. Sign off Give someone a letter to be away from work.

Explanation: My doctor SIGNED me OFF for a month with back problems.

2497. Sign off on Give official approval.

Explanation: The director SIGNED OFF ON the plans to increase sales.

2498. Sign on Open a claim for unemployment benefit.

Explanation: I had to SIGN ON when I lost my job.

2499. Sign on Agree to participate.

Explanation: I've SIGNED ON to help at the village fete.

2500. Sign on Start broadcasting.

Explanation: He SIGNS ON the same way every show.

2501. Sign on Employ.

Explanation: We've SIGNED ON two new teachers.
207
2502. Sign on with Sign a document joining or agreeing to something.

Explanation: He's SIGNED ON WITH Manchester United for the next three
years.

2503. Sign out Close a computer program that requires a name and password.

Explanation: I SIGNED OUT and then shut the computer down.

2504. Sign out Sign something to show you have borrowed something.
Explanation: Could you SIGN those books OUT, please?

2505. Sign out of Close a particular computer program that requires a name and
password.

Explanation: I SIGNED OUT OF MSN Messenger and shut the computer down.
2506. Sign up Give your name to do something.

Explanation: I've SIGNED UP as a volunteer.

2507. Sign up Subscribe.

Explanation: I SIGNED UP for their newsletter.

2508. Sign with Make a contract with.

Explanation: She's SIGNED WITH EMI for the next few years.

2509. Simmer down Become calmer, make less noise.

Explanation: He told them to SIMMER DOWN because they were disturbing the
class next door.
2510. Sing along To sing when a piece of music is being played or performed by
someone else..

Explanation: I SANG ALONG when they played it on the radio.

2511. Sing out Reply loudly.

Explanation: When you hear your name, SING OUT!

2512. Sing out Sing loudly.

Explanation: Everyone SANG OUT during the chorus.

2513. Sing up Sing louder.

Explanation: We can't hear you- SING UP.

208
2514. Single out Select or choose one from a group.

Explanation: Many people applied for the job but we will SINGLE OUT the best
one.
2515. Sink in Slowly come to be understood.

Explanation: The truth finally SANK IN about her death when it was broadcast
on TV.

2516. Sit about Sit and do nothing, especially when you should be working.
Explanation: We spent the afternoon SITTING ABOUT chatting instead of doing
any work.

2517. Sit around Sit idly, doing nothing.

Explanation: They just SAT AROUND while the others did all the work.

2518. Sit back Wait for something to happen without making any effort.
Explanation: We SAT BACK and waited for them to make the first mistake.

2519. Sit back Relax in a chair.

Explanation: I SAT BACK and enjoyed the show.

2520. Sit by Not try to stop something.

Explanation: I can't SIT BY while they are punished wrongly.

2521. Sit down Help someone to sit.

Explanation: The nurse SAT me DOWN in a chair.

2522. Sit for Pose for an artist or photographer.

Explanation: The Queen SAT FOR another official portrait.
2523. Sit for Look after children while their parents are out.

Explanation: She SITS FOR her neighbors when they go out.

2524. Sit in Occupy a building to protest about something.

Explanation: The students SAT IN the Library as a protest against the increase
in tuition fees.

2525. Sit in for Take on someone's responsibilities while they are absent.
Explanation: Her deputy's SITTING IN FOR her while she's away.

209
2526. Sit in on Attend as an observer.

Explanation: She SAT IN ON the meeting and took notes but said nothing.

2527. Sit on Be on a committee.

Explanation: She's SAT ON the finance committee from the beginning.

2528. Sit on To handle somebody firmly who behaves impertinently,
conceitedly.

Explanation: If his girlfriend finds out, she'll get mad and SIT ON him.
2529. Sit on Hold information back or keep it secret.

Explanation: The government have been SITTING ON the report because it was
so critical.

2530. Sit out Not take part.

Explanation: I had to SIT the game OUT because I was ill.

2531. Sit over Eat or drink slowly.

Explanation: WE SAT OVER dinner discussing the plans.

2532. Sit through Stay till the end of something dull.

Explanation: I was bored and wanted to leave halfway through, but we SAT
THROUGH the film.

2533. Sit with Reconcile different positions.

Explanation: It's hard to see how their new plan SITS WITH the promises they
made.

2534. Size up Assess a situation or person carefully..

Explanation: The door staff SIZED UP everyone entering the club.

2535. Size up Make something bigger or produce bigger products.

Explanation: Soft drinks manufacturers have SIZED UP their products in recent
years.

2536. Skin up Make a cannabis joint.

Explanation: She SKINNED UP a fat spiff.

2537. Skin up Make a cannabis joint.

Explanation: Who's going to SKIN UP?

210
2538. Skive off Avoid doing work or other duty.

Explanation: I pretended I was ill and SKIVED OFF on Monday.

2539. Slack off Reduce one's effort, perform with less enthusiasm and energy.

Explanation: Students usually begin the term well, then SLACK OFF near the
end of the semester.

2540. Slacken off Become less busy or intense.

Explanation: Work SLACKENS OFF during the holiday period.

2541. Slag off Criticize heavily.

Explanation: The concert was terrible and all the papers SLAGGED the band
OFF.

2542. Slant toward Favor one viewpoint, bias.

Explanation: That travel magazine is totally SLANTED TOWARD the ultra-rich.

2543. Sleep in Sleep longer than usual.

Explanation: Let’s SLEEP IN tomorrow morning- we won’t have another chance

for weeks.

2544. Sleep off Sleep in order to recover from excess alcohol, drugs, etc..
Explanation: She went to bed TO SLEEP OFF the effects of the tequila.

2545. Sleep on Think about something.

Explanation: My boss said she'd have to SLEEP ON it when I asked her for a
raise.

2546. Sleep over Spend the night at someone else's house.

Explanation: The au pair made tea for the friends who were SLEEPING OVER.

2547. Sleep through Not wake up.

Explanation: I SLEPT THROUGH the storm even though the wind blew some
slates off the roof.

2548. Slice off Cut, remove an amount or part of something.

Explanation: They CUT 10% OFF the original price.

2549. Slice up Cut completely into pieces or slices.

Explanation: I SLICED the cake UP and handed it round to the people there.

211
2550. Slip away Lose an opportunity or the chance of winning, succeeding, etc.

Explanation: Their hopes of getting back into the game SLIPPED AWAY after the
second goal.

2551. Slip away Pass quickly (time).

Explanation: The year has SLIPPED AWAY and it is hard to believe it's over.

2552. Slip by Pass quickly (time).

Explanation: The years SLIP BY as you get older.

2553. Slip by Lose an opportunity or the chance of winning, succeeding, etc.

Explanation: He didn't follow the offer up and let it SLIP BY.

2554. Slip down Be enjoyable to drink or eat.

Explanation: The cold beer SLIPPED DOWN a treat after the walk.

2555. Slip in Try to include something discreetly when speaking.

Explanation: He SLIPPED IN a mention of his exam results to remind us how
well he did.

2556. Slip into Put clothes on quickly.

Explanation: I got out of my suit and SLIPPED INTO my pajamas.

2557. Slip into Acquire bad habits or fall into a bad or negative state or condition.

Explanation: The economy SLIPPED INTO recession and shows no signs of

recovery.
2558. Slip off Leave a place discreetly.
Explanation: It was very boring so we SLIPPED OFF before it finished.

2559. Slip off Remove clothes.

Explanation: I SLIPPED my shoes OFF when I entered.

2560. Slip off to Go somewhere discreetly.

Explanation: We SLIPPED OFF TO the pub.

2561. Slip on Put clothes on quickly.

Explanation: I SLIPPED my coat ON and rushed outside.

212
2562. Slip out Leave discreetly.

Explanation: The party was really dull so we SLIPPED OUT and went to the pub
instead.

2563. Slip up Make an error.

Explanation: The waitress SLIPPED UP and didn't bring us what we had

ordered.
2565. Slob about Be lazy, do nothing.

Explanation: I SLOBBED ABOUT all day as I couldn't be bothered to do any

work.

2566. Slob around Be lazy, do nothing.

Explanation: I spent the day SLOBBING AROUND at home.

2567. Slope off Leave somewhere without letting others know.

Explanation: The lecture sounded really boring, so I SLOPED OFF and went to
the pub.

2568. Slough off Get rid of, dispose.

Explanation: The government is increasing its powers but is SLOUGHING OFF

responsibility for its failures.

2569. Slough off Lose or shed outer layers of skin.

Explanation: Snakes SLOUGH OFF their old skin.

2570. Slough off Ignore or trivialize an injury or insult.

Explanation: He SLOUGHED OFF the pain and continued running.

2571. Slow down Reduce speed.

Explanation: The car SLOWED DOWN when they saw the police.

2572. Slow down Become less active.

Explanation: It is important to slow down, rest, and eat sensibly.

2573. Slow up Slow the progress of something.

Explanation: The negotiations were SLOWED UP by the arguments.

2574. Slug it out Fight or argue.

Explanation: They SLUGGED IT OUT for hours but never came to an agreement.

213
2575. Smack of Appear to have a negative quality.

Explanation: The government's decision SMACKS OF hypocrisy.

2576. Smash down Demolish or break something down.

Explanation: The police SMASHED the door DOWN to get into the house.
2577. Smash in Break something by hitting it repeatedly.

Explanation: He SMASHED the windscreen IN.

2578. Smash up Destroy, break into many pieces.
Explanation: The burglars SMASHED UP the office as there was no money to
steal.
2579. Smoke out Force someone out of a place they're hiding in.

Explanation: The police SMOKED the gang OUT and arrested them.

2580. Snaffle up Consume, take, buy something other people may want.

Explanation: They SNAFFLED UP all the food before we got there.

2581. Snap off Break a piece off something.

Explanation: He SNAPPED OFF a bit of chocolate from the bar and gave it to
me..

2582. Snap out of Control negative emotions.

Explanation: I was feeling depressed and knew I had to SNAP OUT OF it.

2583. Snap to it! Do something quickly.

Explanation: He had taken ages so I told him to SNAP TO IT and get it finished.

2584. Snap up Get, acquire or buy something quickly.

Explanation: Collectors SNAPPED UP every copy the day it was released.

2585. Snarl up Entangle. .

Explanation: My line was all SNARLED UP after I caught that last fish.
2586. Sneak out Depart furtively.
Explanation: Although the thieves tried to SNEAK OUT after dark, we were
ready for them.
2587. Sneak up on Approach someone furtively.

Explanation: Dave tried to SNEAK UP ON the guard, but was seen anyway.

214
2588. Sniff around Look around to see how good something is or to try to find
something better.
Explanation: I SNIFFED AROUND to see if I could find a better deal.

2589. Sniff at Disapprove or be scornful.

Explanation: A job opportunity like that is not to be SNIFFED AT.

2590. Sniff out Find something by smell (usually for dogs).

Explanation: Customs use dogs to SNIFF OUT illegal drugs being smuggled in.

2591. Sniff out Find out information, especially when people don't want anyone
to know.

Explanation: Our rivals are trying to SNIFF OUT our plans for expansion.
2592. Snitch on Divulge secrets, inform authorities about someone.

Explanation: Reggie was caught after someone SNITCHED ON him to the

teacher.

2593. Snuff out Extinguish a small flame by covering it.

Explanation: I SNUFFED OUT the candles before I went to bed.

2594. Snuff out Kill.

Explanation: He got SNUFFED OUT in a gang war.

2595. Snuff out End something suddenly.

Explanation: I messed up the first question, which SNUFFED OUT my chances of

getting a good grade.

2596. Sober up Stop showing the effects of alcohol or drugs.

Explanation: Keith SOBERED UP a bit when we left the pub and walked home.
2597. Soften up Weaken.

Explanation: The bombardment SOFTENED UP their defenses; I think we can

move in tomorrow.
2598. Soften up Do things to please someone in the hope that they will do what
you want.
Explanation: I paid for everything to SOFTEN them UP before they made the
decision.

215
2599. Soldier on Continue even when things get difficult.

Explanation: Life got hard for my dog when he went blind, but he just
SOLDIERED ON and never complained.
2600. Sort out Resolve a problem.

Explanation: Has the firm SORTED OUT its tax problems yet?

2601. Sound off To express your opinions forcefully.

Explanation: He SOUNDED OFF about the quality of the food.

2602. Sound out Check what someone thinks about an issue, idea, etc..

Explanation: You should SOUND her OUT to get her opinion before you go
ahead with the plan.

2603. Spaff away Waste (money, time, resources, etc.).

Explanation: The council is SPAFFING AWAY our taxes on bonuses and
consultants.

2604. Spark off Cause something, usually unpleasant, to happen.

Explanation: The riot was SPARKED OFF by the police raid on the club.

2605. Spark up Light a cigarette or joint.

Explanation: They SPARKED UP in a no smoking area.

2606. Speak out Talk openly and freely.

Explanation: People are afraid to SPEAK OUT in oppressive political regimes.

2607. Speak up Talk more loudly.

Explanation: They couldn't hear the speaker and asked him to SPEAK UP a bit.
2608. Spell out Explain something in great detail.

Explanation: He won't understand you unless you SPELL everything OUT for
him.

2609. Spell out Write or say the individual letters that make up a word.
Explanation: I had to SPELL my surname OUT to him as he didn't know how to
spell it.

2610. Spew out Expel, throw out.

Explanation: The volcano is SPEWING OUT lava and hot gases.

216
2611. Spew up Vomit.

Explanation: He SPEWED UP when he was drunk.

2612. Spill out When large numbers of people leave a place at the same time.

Explanation: The crowd SPILLED OUT onto the streets after the match had
ended.

2613. Spill out Come or flow out of a box, container, etc.

Explanation: The container was cracked and the chemicals SPILLED OUT.
2614. Spill out Express or display emotions openly.

Explanation: I let my frustration SPILL OUT.

2615. Spill over When something bad has a wider impact on other people or
situations.
Explanation: The protests and demonstrations have SPILLED OVER into
neighboring states.

2616. Spill over Flow over the edge or top of a container.

Explanation: I forgot to turn the tap off and the water SPILLED OVER.

2617. Spin off Produce an unexpected additional benefit.

Explanation: The research SPUN OFF a number of new products as well as
solving the problem.

2618. Spin off Form a separate company from part of an existing one.
Explanation: They SPUN OFF the retail division last year.

2619. Spin off Create a TV show using characters from a popular show.

Explanation: They SPUN it OFF from the main show, but it didn't really attract
many viewers.
2620. Spin out Lose control (vehicle).

Explanation: The car hit the water and SPUN OUT.

2621. Spin out Make something last as long as possible.

Explanation: I SPUN the work OUT to make as much money from the job as I
could.
2622. Spirit away Remove someone secretly from a place.

Explanation: They SPIRITED her AWAY before the police arrived.

217
2623. Spirit off Remove someone secretly from a place.

Explanation: They SPIRITED him OFF before any trouble started.

2624. Spit it out An informal way of telling someone to say something they are
unwilling to say.

Explanation: Hurry up, SPIT IT OUT! I can't wait all day for the truth.

2625. Spit out Say something angrily.

Explanation: He SPAT her name OUT when he saw her arrive.

2626. Splash down Land in the sea (space capsules).

Explanation: Apollo 13 SPLASHED DOWN after a harrowing flight.

2627. Splash out Spend a lot of money on something that is not essential.

Explanation: We went to an expensive restaurant and SPLASHED OUT to

celebrate

2628. Splash out on Spend a lot of money on something.

Explanation: I SPLASHED OUT ON a new camera.

2629. Split up Divide into groups.

Explanation: The teacher SPLIT the class UP into groups of four.

2630. Split up Finish a relationship.

Explanation: They are always SPLITTING UP and then getting back together
again.
2631. Spoil for Really want something.
Explanation: He's been SPOILING FOR an argument all day.

2632. Sponge down Clean something with a sponge.

Explanation: I'll SPONGE it DOWN before putting it away.

2633. Sponge off Accept free food and support without any shame or qualms.
Explanation: Let’s go to New York, we can always SPONGE OFF my brother
there.
2634. Sponge on Accept or get money without doing any work.

Explanation: A lot of people are SPONGING ON the state by claiming benefits

they're not entitled to.

218
2635. Spring back Return to original position after being bent, forced or when
pressure is removed.

Explanation: The lock SPRINGS BACK when the key is turned.

2636. Spring for Pay for, often generously.

Explanation: She is going to SPRING FOR all their medical bills.

2637. Spring from Appear suddenly and unexpectedly.

Explanation: He SPRANG FROM the bushes when I walked past.

2638. Spring from Be the cause of something.

Explanation: His anger SPRINGS FROM his feelings of insecurity.

2639. Spring on Surprise someone.

Explanation: They SPRUNG a birthday party ON me at work.

2640. Spring up Appear suddenly.

Explanation: Charity shops are SPRINGING UP in the recession.

2641. Spruce up To smarten, make something neat and tidy.
Explanation: We SPRUCED the flat UP before we put it on the market.

2642. Spur on Encourage someone to continue.

Explanation: The thought of the bonus SPURRED her ON to complete the work
on time.

2643. Square away Finish or sort something out.

Explanation: There are few things I have to SQUARE AWAY before I can leave.
2644. Square off Confront someone or prepare to fight them.

Explanation: The two drunks SQUARED OFF and the barman had to intervene
before a fight broke out.
2645. Square off against Confront someone or prepare to fight them.

Explanation: They SQUARED OFF AGAINST the police when they arrived.
2646. Square up Pay back a debt.

Explanation: Can I SQUARE UP with you for last night?

219
2647. Square up Confront someone or prepare to fight them.

Explanation: The companies are SQUARING UP for a fight.

2648. Square up to Accept responsibility or guilt.

Explanation: They need to SQUARE UP TO what they did wrong if we are to

make any progress.

2649. Square with Match, conform to.

Explanation: What he said doesn't SQUARE WITH what the others said.
2650. Square with Check with someone that something is OK.

Explanation: I'll have to CHECK that WITH my boss before I can confirm it.
2651. Squeeze up Get more people into a space than normal or comfortable.

Explanation: Four of us had to SQUEEZE UP in the back of the car.

2652. Stack up Put things in a pile.

Explanation: I STACKED UP the boxes.

2653. Stack up Accumulate.

Explanation: Work STACKED UP while I was away on holiday.

2654. Stack up Increase, accumulate something.
Explanation: I've been STACKING UP a lot of air miles.

2655. Stack up Be logical, make sense.

Explanation: The budget figures don't STACK UP.

2656. Stack up Build up the number of planes waiting to land at an airport.

Explanation: Planes were STACKING UP while the airport was closed after the
bomb threat.
2657. Stack up against Be as good as something.

Explanation: The new model doesn't STACK UP AGAINST the old one.
2658. Staff up Employ someone for something specific.
Explanation: They haven't STAFFED the project UP yet.

2659. Stamp out Get rid of something.

Explanation: The government has started a campaign to STAMP OUT drugs in
schools.

220
2660. Stand about Spend time in a place waiting or doing nothing or very little.

Explanation: We STOOD ABOUT drinking coffee before the lecture.

2661. Stand around Spend time in a place waiting or doing nothing or very little.
Explanation: We STOOD AROUND for an hour waiting for them to turn up.

2662. Stand aside Leave a position so that someone else can take it.
Explanation: The prime minister should STAND ASIDE and let a new leader
head the party.

2663. Stand back Keep a distance from something.

Explanation: We STOOD BACK while he lit the firework.

2664. Stand back Try to understand something by taking a different perspective.

Explanation: We need to STAND BACK and look at the problem differently.

2665. Stand by Support someone.

Explanation: He STOOD BY her throughout the trial as he believed her to be
innocent.

2666. Stand by Be ready and waiting for something to The emergency services
were happen.

Explanation: STANDING BY waiting for the plane to land.

2667. Stand down Leave a job or position so that someone else can take it.

Explanation: The minister announced her intention to STAND DOWN at the

next election.

2668. Stand down Finish being asked questions in a court.

Explanation: The judge told the witness to STAND DOWN after the questioning.
2669. Stand for Accept or tolerate behavior.

Explanation: I'm not going to STAND FOR their rudeness any longer.
2670. Stand for The words represented by certain initials.

Explanation: 'WHAT do the letters BBC STAND FOR? ' 'British Broadcasting
Corporation.'
2672. Stand in for Substitute someone temporarily.

Explanation: She had to STAND IN FOR the editor while he was on holiday.

221
2673. Stand out Be extraordinary and different.

Explanation: She STOOD OUT from the crowd in selection and was offered the
job.
2674. Stand up Move from a sitting or lying down to a vertical position.

Explanation: Everybody STOOD UP when the judge entered the court.

2675. Stand up Fail to keep an appointment.

Explanation: He agreed to meet me last night, but he STOOD me UP.

2676. Stand up for Defend, support.

Explanation: He's the kind of manager who will always STAND UP FOR his staff.
2677. Stand up to Keep your principles when challenged by an authority.

Explanation: She STOOD UP TO the police when they tried to corrupt her.

2678. Stand up to Resist damage.

Explanation: This coat will STAND UP TO the roughest weather conditions.

2679. Stare down Look at someone until they cannot look at you.

Explanation: He was angry but I STARED him DOWN and he left without saying
much.

2680. Start off Make something start.

Explanation: They STARTED OFF the meeting with an attack on our

performance.

2681. Start off Begin life, a career or existence.

Explanation: She STARTED OFF as a receptionist and ended up as the CEO.
2682. Start off Begin a journey.

Explanation: We STARTED OFF early because we knew the journey would take
all day.

2683. Start off Make someone laugh.

Explanation: I was trying to be serious, but their comment STARTED me OFF.

2684. Start off on Help someone to start a piece or work or activity.

Explanation: I STARTED her OFF ON the project then left her to finish it.

2685. Start on Begin to use or consume.

Explanation: It's time to START ON that bottle of wine.
222
2686. Start on Criticize angrily.

Explanation: The manager was furious and STARTED ON her staff for not trying
hard enough.
2687. Start on at Criticize or nag.

Explanation: He STARTED ON AT me for being late.

2688. Start out Begin a journey.

Explanation: We STARTED OUT early in the morning.

2689. Start out as Begin life, existence or a career.

Explanation: What had STARTED OUT AS a protest quickly turned into a full-
blown rebellion.

2690. Start out to Intend, plan.

Explanation: I didn't START OUT TO become the boss- it just happened.

2691. Start over Begin something again.

Explanation: It's a mess- I think we should just START OVER.

2692. Start up Open a business.

Explanation: The firm STARTED UP on a shoestring budget.

2693. Start up Begin, especially sounds.

Explanation: There was a pause, then the noise STARTED UP again.

2694. Start up When an engine starts working.

Explanation: The car STARTED UP first time.

2695. Start up Make an engine work.

Explanation: I STARTED the car UP.

2696. Start up Sit or stand upright because someone has surprised you.

Explanation: He STARTED UP when I entered the room and tried to hide what
he was doing.
2697. Stash away Store or hide something in a safe place.

Explanation: I STASHED some money AWAY behind some books.

2698. Stave in Push or break something inwards.

Explanation: The police STOVE the front door IN and arrested them.

223
2699. Stave off Delay, prevent something from happening.

Explanation: The medicine STAVED OFF the worst of the disease.

2700. Stay away Not come.

Explanation: He said he didn't like them coming and wanted them to STAY
AWAY.

2701. Stay away from Avoid, not come.

Explanation: He told them to STAY AWAY FROM him.

2702. Stay in Not go out.

Explanation: I'm going to STAY IN and chill tonight; I can't be bothered to go

out.

2703. Stay on Remain longer than anticipated.

Explanation: She STAYED ON after she graduated to do a Master's degree.

2704. Stay out Not go home.

Explanation: We STAYED OUT all night.

2705. Stay over Stay overnight.

Explanation: I STAYED OVER at a friend's house last night because of the train
strike.

2706. Stay up Not go to bed.

Explanation: The children STAYED UP until way past their bedtime.

2707. Steal away Leave a place quietly or secretly.

Explanation: We didn't want to wake them, so we STOLE AWAY in the middle
of the night.

2708. Steal out Leave in a stealthy or quiet manner.

Explanation: Not wanting to attract attention, she STOLE OUT early.

2709. Steal over Be gradually overcome by an emotion or feeling.

Explanation: A feeling of pride STOLE OVER me as I watched.

2710. Steal up Approach quietly or secretly.

Explanation: The lights were off and everything was quiet so we STOLE UP as
quietly as we could.

224
2711. Steal up on Approach a place or someone quietly or secretly.

Explanation: We STOLE UP ON them so that they couldn't sound the alarm.

2712. Steer clear of Avoid.

Explanation: He's trying to STEER CLEAR OF his lecturer because he hasn't
finished his assignment yet.

2713. Stem from Originate, be caused by.

Explanation: The trouble STEMS FROM their refusal to discuss the matter.

2714. Step aside Leave a job or position so that someone else can take over.
Explanation: Everyone thinks that the prime minister should STEP ASIDE so that
someone new can lead the party into the election.
2715. Step back Look at something from a different perspective.

Explanation: We should STEP BACK and try to see how our customers will view
the scheme.

2716. Step down Leave a job or position so that someone can take over.

Explanation: The CEO STEPPED DOWN after the share price dropped.
2717. Step down Reduce.

Explanation: Production is being STEPPED DOWN because demand has

dropped.
2718. Step forward Offer help.

Explanation: When I had the accident, a lot of people STEPPED FORWARD to

help me.

2719. Step in Get involved by interrupting something.

Explanation: I had to STEP IN when they started fighting.

2730. Step on it An imperative used to tell someone to go faster, especially when

driving.
Explanation: I told the taxi driver to STEP ON IT as I was late for the meeting.

2731. Step out Leave a place for a very short time.

Explanation: They've STEPPED OUT for a cigarette.

225
2732. Step to Confront.

Explanation: Don't STEP TO those guys; they'll kill you.

2733. Step to Chat, talk to.

Explanation: He tried to STEP TO her in the bar.

2734. Step up Increase.

Explanation: The police have STEPPED UP the pressure on beggars working the
Underground.
2735. Stick around Stay in a place for some time.

Explanation: He's late, but I'll STICK AROUND for another few minutes before I
leave.

2736. Stick at Continue doing something despite difficulties.

Explanation: She found the course very tough but she STUCK AT it and did well
in the end.

2737. Stick by Support someone when they are having difficulties.

Explanation: No one STUCK BY him when the scandal became public.

2738. Stick by Support a plan, opinion or decision.

Explanation: They are STICKING BY their claims.

2739. Stick down Write something quickly or without thinking about it.

Explanation: I couldn't answer the test so I just STUCK anything DOWN that I
could remember.
2740. Stick down Join surfaces with glue.
Explanation: I STUCK the label DOWN.

2741. Stick it to Criticize someone.

Explanation: She STUCK IT TO me for turning up half an hour late.

2742. Stick it to Treat someone badly or unfairly.

Explanation: My boss always STICKS IT TO me when she's in a bad mood.

2743. Stick out Be easily noticed.

Explanation: He's so much better than the others that he STICKS OUT.

226
2744. Stick out Extend part of your body.

Explanation: He STUCK his tongue OUT at me.

2745. Stick out Continue doing something difficult or unpleasant.

Explanation: I STUCK it OUT even though I hated every minute of it.

2746. Stick out for Demand a salary raise.

Explanation: We're STICKING OUT FOR a 5% increase.

2747. Stick to Not change.
Explanation: The Prime Minister decided to STICK TO the original plan despite
the criticism in the media.
2748. Stick to Restrict or limit and not change.

Explanation: I STUCK TO the path and didn't take the shortcut.

2749. Stick together Support each other.

Explanation: If we don't STICK TOGETHER, things will be much worse for all of
us- we need some unity.
2750. Stick up Stand on end.

Explanation: The static electricity made my hair STICK UP.

2751. Stick up Rob using weapons.

Explanation: They STUCK the bank UP and stole tens of thousands.

2752. Stick up for Support or defend.

Explanation: You have to STICK UP FOR yourself here, because no one will back
you.
2753. Stick with Not change something.

Explanation: We'd better STICK WITH our original idea.

2754. Stick with Stay near someone.

Explanation: He told the children to STICK WITH him in the station.

2755. Stick with Not be forgotten.

Explanation: The details have STUCK WITH me ever since.

2756. Stick with Continue with something difficult or unpleasant.

Explanation: I STUCK WITH the job though I found it very stressful.

227
2757. Stiffen up Become rigid.

Explanation: My back STIFFENS UP in cold weather.

2758. Stiffen up Make something rigid.

Explanation: They used starch to STIFFEN the collars UP.

2759. Stir up Make trouble for someone else.

Explanation: He STIRRED things UP by complaining to senior management

about his line manager.
2760. Stitch up Sew something so that it is closed.

Explanation: I STITCHED UP the hole in my sleeve.

2761. Stitch up Finalize a deal.

Explanation: We get the contract STITCHED UP this week.

2762. Stitch up Cheat someone or make them look guilty when they aren't.

Explanation: The police STITCHED them UP because they couldn't find any
evidence against them.
2763. Stomp off Leave somewhere angrily.

Explanation: He lost his temper and STOMPED OFF home.

2764. Stomp on Treat badly or defeat.

Explanation: They STOMP ON their competitors.

2765. Stop around Visit someone for a short time..

Explanation: Why don't you STOP AROUND my place on your way back?

2766. Stop back Return somewhere.

Explanation: I'll STOP BACK this afternoon when you're free.

2767. Stop behind Stay somewhere when other people leave.

Explanation: I STOPPED BEHIND at the end of the lecture to ask a couple of

questions.
2768. Stop by Visit somewhere briefly or quickly.

Explanation: I must STOP BY the supermarket and pick up some things for
dinner.

2769. Stop in Stay at home.

Explanation: I was feeling tired so I STOPPED IN last night.
228
2770. Stop in Visit briefly.

Explanation: I STOPPED IN at my aunt's after work.

2771. Stop off Break a journey.

Explanation: We STOPPED OFF for lunch about halfway there, then carried on
driving.

2772. Stop out Be out late, especially when you are expected home.

Explanation: Her parents were annoyed because she STOPPED OUT all night.
2773. Stop over Stay somewhere when on a journey.

Explanation: I STOPPED OVER in Bangkok for a couple of days on my way back

from Tokyo.

2774. Stop up Stay up late.

Explanation: I STOPPED UP last night watching the film.

2775. Stop up Fill or block something.

Explanation: I STOPPED UP the bottle with a cork.

2776. Storm off Leave a place angrily.

Explanation: They had a row and he STORMED OFF.

2777. Storm out Leave a place angrily.

Explanation: He lost his temper and STORMED OUT OF the bar. (If you don't
mention the place, you can just say 'He stormed out')

2778. Stow away Hide in a vehicle to travel without people knowing.

Explanation: She STOWED AWAY on the plane but was caught when it landed.
2779. Stow away Store something in a safe place.

Explanation: We STOWED it AWAY in the garage to keep it dry.

2780. Straighten out Make something straight.

Explanation: I'm always having to STRAIGHTEN OUT the wires connected to my

computer.

2781. Straighten out Deal with a problem.

Explanation: I had to STRAIGHTEN OUT things after the mess they had made.

229
2782. Straighten out Make clear and resolve.

Explanation: There are a few issues I'd like to STRAIGHTEN OUT first.

2783. Straighten out Improve someone's behavior.

Explanation: Starting work has STRAIGHTENED him OUT and calmed him down.
2784. Straighten up Stand straight.

Explanation: She STRAIGHTENED UP when her boss walked in.

2785. Straighten up Tidy.
Explanation: I STRAIGHTENED UP the room before they arrived.

2786. Strike back Attack, take action against someone who has hurt you.

Explanation: At first, he ignored them, but when things got very serious, he
STRUCK BACK.

2787. Strike down Kill.

Explanation: A hit man STRUCK him DOWN as he entered the building.(This

verb is often used in the passive- He was struck down as he
entered the building.)

2788. Strike down Make someone ill.

Explanation: I was STRUCK DOWN with food poisoning.(This verb is mostly
used in thepassive.)

2789. Strike down Disallow a law, decision, etc.

Explanation: The Appeal Court STRUCK DOWN the lower court's ruling.

2790. Strike off Remove someone's professional license to practice.

Explanation: The Medical Council STRUCK him OFF for malpractice.

2791. Strike on Have a good idea.

Explanation: I STRUCK ON the solution when I was out with my dog.

2792. Strike out Start doing something new and different.

Explanation: After doing the same job for five years, I decided to STRIKE OUT
and change careers.

2793. Strike out Try to hit someone.

Explanation: When he pushed me, I STRUCK OUT.

230
2794. Strike out Start going towards a place.

Explanation: We got up early and STRUCK OUT for our final destination.

2795. Strike out Cross writing out.

Explanation: As they arrived, I STRUCK their names OUT on the list I had.
2796. Strike out Fail.

Explanation: I tried to get the government to support us but I STRUCK OUT.

2797. Strike up Start (conversation, relationship).
Explanation: He STRUCK UP a conversation with me in the bar.

2798. Strike up Start performing music.

Explanation: The band STRUCK UP and everyone turned to listen.

2799. Strike upon Have a good idea.

Explanation: It took us a long time to STRIKE UPON a solution.

2800. String along Deceive someone for a long time.

Explanation: They kept saying they were interested, but they were just
STRINGING me ALONG
2801. String along Accompany someone because you haven't got anything better to
do.

Explanation: Is it alright if I STRING ALONG with you tonight?

2802. String out Make something last as long as possible.

Explanation: There was half an hour to go, so I STRUNG the questions OUT as
long as I could.
2803. String together Put words together into a coherent text.

Explanation: I was so nervous in the interview that I could hardly STRING a

sentence TOGETHER.

2804. String up Hang somebody.

Explanation: The rebels STRUNG the soldiers UP after they captured them.

2805. Stub out Extinguish a cigarette.

Explanation: He STUBBED his cigarette OUT in a saucer because he couldn't
find an ashtray.

231
2806. Stuff up Make a mistake, do badly, spoil.

Explanation: I STUFFED the exam UP.

2807. Stumble across Find something accidentally.

Explanation: You'll never guess what I STUMBLED ACROSS when I was packing
my stuff.

2808. Stumble upon Find something accidentally.

Explanation: I STUMBLED UPON these photos when I was clearing my room up.
2809. Stump up Pay for something.

Explanation: He didn't want to pay me back, but I got him to STUMP UP in the
end.

2810. Suck in Become involved in something unpleasant.

Explanation: Everyone around her was taking drugs and she got SUCKED IN.

2811. Suck into Become involved in something unpleasant.

Explanation: The country got SUCKED INTO the war.

2812. Suck up Try to ingratiate yourself.

Explanation: He is always SUCKING UP to try to get the boss's approval.

2813. Suck up to Ingratiate yourself with someone.

Explanation: He's always SUCKING UP TO our boss.

2814. Suit up Get dressed or put on a uniform for an activity or task.

Explanation: They SUITED UP and went to the interview

2815. Sum up Summaries.

Explanation: At the end of the lecture, she SUMMED UP the main points again.
2816. Summon up Get the energy or courage to do something.

Explanation: Andrea couldn't SUMMON UP the enthusiasm to apply for the

position.
2817. Sass out Come to understand.

Explanation: It took her ages to SUSS OUT what was going on.
2818. Swan about Move in a dramatic or affected manner.

Explanation: He SWANNED ABOUT at the party.

232
2819. Swan around Move in a dramatic or affected manner.

Explanation: She SWANNED AROUND trying to impress people.

2820. Swan in Enter in a dramatic or attention-seeking manner.

Explanation: He SWANNED IN surrounded by photographers.

2821. Swan off Leave somewhere in a defiant or pompous manner.

Explanation: He didn't like the way the spoke to him so he SWANNED OFF
angrily.
2822. Swear by Have great confidence in.

Explanation: I SWEAR BY their products- they're the best on the market.

2823. Swear down Promise that something is true.

Explanation: He SWORE DOWN that he hadn't done it.

2824. Sweep through Pass easily, succeed.

Explanation: She SWEPT THROUGH the exams.

2825. Sweep through Move quickly through.

Explanation: The disease SWEPT THROUGH the population.

2826. Swing around Change your opinion quickly.
Explanation: They SWUNG AROUND to our idea after reading the press reports.

2827. Swing around Turn around quickly.

Explanation: He SWUNG ROUND to see what had made the noise.

2828. Swing at Try to hit.

Explanation: He SWUNG AT me but missed.

2829. Swing by Visit a person or place on your way somewhere.

Explanation: I will SWING BY this afternoon and pick you up.

2830. Swing round Change your opinion quickly.

Explanation: They were against it at first then SWUNG ROUND and supported
it.

2831. Swing round Turn around quickly.

Explanation: She SWUNG ROUND and greeted them.

233
2832. Syphon off Take business, support or votes from someone.

Explanation: The candidate SYPHONED OFF a lot of votes because of his anti-
war stance.
2833. Syphon off Divert money illegally.

Explanation: The minister had been SYPHONING OFF funds from his
department for years.

2834. Tack on Add something that wasn't planned.

Explanation: They TACKED ON a new ending to the film when they found that
test audiences didn't like the original.

2835. Tack onto Add or attach something that wasn't planned to something.

Explanation: I TACKED a quick message ONTO the end of the letter after I'd
printed it.
2836. Tag along Accompany someone, especially if they haven't specifically invited
you.

Explanation: You're off to the cinema; can we TAG ALONG?

2837. Tag on Add an additional point to something written or spoken.

Explanation: He TAGGED ON a few comments after reading my report.

2838. Tag onto Add an additional point to something written or spoken.

Explanation: He TAGGED his ideas ONTO the end of my report.

2839. Tag with Add a keyword link or bookmark to a blog entry or webpage.

Explanation: The post was TAGGED WITH keywords.

2840. Tail away Become silent or inaudible.

Explanation: His voice TAILED AWAY when he was speaking about what he'd
done wrong.
2841. Tail back Form a traffic jam.

Explanation: The traffic TAILED BACK for several miles after the accident.
2842. Tail off Become silent or inaudible.

Explanation: The voices TAILED OFF when she entered.

234
2843. Tail off Decrease.

Explanation: Profits TAILED OFF sharply in the last quarter of the year as a
result of the increase in the price of oil.
2844. Take after Look like, resemble.

Explanation: He TAKES AFTER his mother.

2845. Take apart Take something to pieces.

Explanation: She TOOK the photocopier APART to see what had got stuck in it.
2846. Take aside Get someone alone to talk to them.

Explanation: The teacher TOOK her ASIDE and said that she'd failed the exam.
2847. Take away Remove.

Explanation: The police TOOK the protestors AWAY.

2848. Take back Make someone nostalgic.

Explanation: That song always TAKES me BACK to when I was at university.

2849. Take back Retract a statement, admit that something was wrong.

Explanation: I had to TAKE BACK everything bad I'd said about them when I
learned how they'd helped out.

2850. Take down Make notes or write down in full.

Explanation: The police TOOK DOWN his answers to their questions.

2851. Take down Remove.

Explanation: People TAKE DOWN their Christmas decorations twelve days after
Christmas.
2852. Take in Absorb information.

Explanation: The lecture was rather boring and I didn't TAKE IN much of what
the lecturer said.

2853. Take in Deceive.

Explanation: She TOOK me IN with her story until someone told me the truth.

2854. Take in Make clothes smaller.

Explanation: The jacket was far too big around the shoulders, so I had it TAKEN
IN so that I could wear it.

235
2855. Take in Assume care or support.

Explanation: The family TOOK IN the three homeless kittens.

2856. Take it Accept criticism.

Explanation: He's good at criticizing others, but can't TAKE IT himself.

2857. Take it out on Abuse someone because you're angry.

Explanation: Whenever things go wrong, he always shouts and TAKES IT OUT

ON me, even if I had nothing to do with the problem.
2858. Take it upon yourself Take responsibility, often without consulting other people.

Explanation: I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF to make sure he got up on time.

2859. Take off Make great progress.

Explanation: The software house really TOOK OFF when they produced the
latest version of their DTP package.

2860. Take off Reduce the price of an item.

Explanation: They've TAKEN ten percent OFF designer frames for glasses.
2861. Take off When a plane departs or leaves the ground.

Explanation: The flight for Dublin TOOK OFF on time.

2862. Take off Remove.

Explanation: It was hot, so I TOOK my jacket OFF.

2863. Take on Allow passengers on a ship or plane.

Explanation: The plane stopped at Zurich to TAKE ON some passengers.

2864. Take on Assume a responsibility.

Explanation: She TOOK ON the task of indexing the book.

2865. Take on Employ.

Explanation: The council has had to TAKE ON twenty extra employees to

handle their increased workload.
2866. Take out Borrow a library book.

Explanation: I TOOK OUT all the books I needed for my essay from the library.
2867. Take out Borrow money from a bank or other official lender.

Explanation: Jackie and Anil TOOK OUT a mortgage to buy a bigger flat.

236
2868. Take out Extract or remove.

Explanation: The dentist TOOK OUT all of my wisdom teeth before they started
causing any problems.
2869. Take out Go out socially with someone, especially a date.

Explanation: He TOOK her OUT to a restaurant last Friday night.

2870. Take out Obtain insurance.

Explanation: I TOOK OUT some health insurance before I went backpacking

around Latin America.

2871. Take out Kill, murder.

Explanation: The gang TOOK him OUT after he spoke to the police.

2872. Take over Assume control of a company or organization.

Explanation: The bank was TAKEN OVER by a Hong Kong bank that needed to
buy a bank to get into the British market.

2873. Take over Start a job or position that someone had occupied before you.

Explanation: She TOOK OVER responsibility for the project last month.

2874. Take through Explain something to someone.

Explanation: He TOOK me THROUGH the procedures before we started.

2875. Take to Make a habit of something.

Explanation: He's TAKEN TO wearing a baseball cap since his hair started
thinning more noticeably.

2876. Take up Fill or occupy time or space.

Explanation: An awful lot of my time at work is TAKEN UP with pointless

bureaucracy nowadays.
2877. Take up Make clothes shorter.

Explanation: The trousers were too long so I TOOK them UP to make them fit.

2878. Take up Start a new hobby, pastime, etc..

Explanation: He TOOK UP squash as he felt he had to lose some weight.

2879. Talk around Persuade.

Explanation: He TALKED them AROUND to accepting his point of view.

237
2880. Talk around Talk about a problem or issue without really dealing with it.

Explanation: They TALKED AROUND the issue without reaching a conclusion.

2881. Talk at Talk to someone and not give them a chance to reply or listen to
them.

Explanation: There's no point trying to convince them they'll just TALK AT you
until you give up.
2882. Talk back Respond rudely to a person in authority.

Explanation: The teacher was cross because the pupil TALKED BACK to her.
2883. Talk down Try to make something sound less important.

Explanation: The company CEO TALKED DOWN the recent fall in shares.
2884. Talk down Persuade someone not to jump off a high place to kill themselves.

Explanation: A man was threatening to jump off the building but the police
TALKED him DOWN.

2885. Talk down to Talk in a way to show your superiority not communicate.

Explanation: She's a dreadful teacher and TALKS DOWN TO her students

instead of teaching them.
2886. Talk into Persuade someone to do something.

Explanation: She didn't want to let me go, but I finally managed to TALK her
INTO it.

2887. Talk out Discuss a problem or issue to find a solution.

Explanation: They had a meeting to TALK OUT how people felt.

2888. Talk out of Persuade someone not to do something.

Explanation: He was going to drive home after drinking half a bottle of wine,
but his friends TALKED him OUT OF it.

2889. Talk over Discuss.

Explanation: We TALKED OVER the problems in our relationship, but couldn't
sort things out.
2890. Talk round Persuade.

Explanation: She TALKED them AROUND to accepting her point of view.

238
2891. Talk round Talk about a problem or issue without really dealing with it.

Explanation: WE TALKED ROUND the issue but didn't reach a conclusion.

2892. Talk through Guide someone through an issue.

Explanation: The teacher TALKED me THROUGH the test so I knew what to
expect.

2893. Talk up Make something appear more important or significant than it

really is.

Explanation: The government are trying to TALK UP the effect of their policies.
2894. Talk yourself out Talk until you have nothing left to say.

Explanation: He TALKED himself OUT after a couple of hours and calmed down.
2895. Tap for Get money off someone.

Explanation: I TAPPED him FOR a loan.

2896. Tap into Use or exploit a plentiful resource for your benefit.
Explanation: The company is hoping to TAP INTO the Chinese market.

2897. Tap off with Have sex with.

Explanation: He TAPPED OFF WITH someone at the party on Saturday.

2898. Tap out Play a rhythm quietly.

Explanation: He TAPPED OUT the tune with his pencil while he was thinking.

2899. Tap out Use all the money available.

Explanation: How can we buy a new house without TAPPING OUT our savings
account.

2900. Tap up Approach a footballer illegally to get them to change teams.

Explanation: Chelsea were accused of TAPPING him UP even though he was
under contract.
2901. Team up Work with someone or a group to achieve something.

Explanation: They TEAMED UP to publicize the issue.

2902. Tear apart Disturb or upset greatly.

Explanation: People were TORN APART when news of the train crash came
through.

239
2903. Tear at Pull or try to pull something to pieces.

Explanation: The fighters TORE AT each other.

2904. Tear away Stop someone doing something unwillingly.

Explanation: I had to TEAR him AWAY from the office for dinner.
2905. Tear away Remove a surface violently.

Explanation: The roof was TORN AWAY in the hurricane.

2906. Tear down Demolish.
Explanation: The estate was TORN DOWN so that they could develop the land
into luxury flats.
2907. Tear into Criticize strongly or angrily.

Explanation: She TORE INTO me for losing it.

2908. Tear off Remove part of a form or letter using your hands, not scissors.

Explanation: She TORE the slip OFF the bottom of the form and sent it with her
cheque.
2910. Tear off Leave at high speed.

Explanation: The police TORE OFF in their car after arresting her.

2911. Tear off Remove with force.

Explanation: The storm TORE the roof OFF.

2912. Tear out Depart rapidly.

Explanation: The sheriff TORE OUT after the escaping criminals.

2913. Tear up Rip into pieces.

Explanation: He TORE the fax UP and threw the bits of paper in the bin.
2914. Tear up Destroy.

Explanation: They are TEARING UP the old part of town to build a new
shopping Centre.
2915. Tear up Have eyes fill with tears.

Explanation: After hearing the tragic news he TEARED UP and could hardly
speak.

240
2916. Tee off Start or launch an event.

Explanation: The new project will TEE OFF next month.

2917. Tee off Place a golf ball on a short plastic or wooden stick before hitting it
at the start of a hole..

Explanation: He TEED OFF at the first hole.

2918. Tee off Annoy someone.

Explanation: It TEES me OFF when they turn up late.

2919. Tee off on Criticize.

Explanation: She TEED OFF ON me about the work I gave her.

2920. Tee up Place a golf ball on a short plastic or wooden stick before hitting it
at the start of a hole..
Explanation: She TEED UP two strokes ahead at the last hole.

2921. Tee up Make preparations before starting or launching something.

Explanation: They are TEEING UP for the conference tomorrow.

2922. Tell apart See a difference between two things.

Explanation: They're identical twins so I cannot TELL them APART.

2923. Tell off Chide; talk angrily to someone about something they've done
wrong..
Explanation: His fiancée TOLD him OFF for arriving nearly an hour late.

2924. Tell on Report someone to an authority.

Explanation: The pupil TOLD ON the others for cheating and the teacher failed
them.

2925. Text out Cancel an appointment by sending a text message.

Explanation: I was feeling too tired to go and TEXTED OUT.

2926. Think over Consider something carefully.

Explanation: I've THOUGHT it OVER and have made up my mind; I'm going to
take the job in Leeds.

2927. Think through Consider all the possibilities and outcomes of a situation.
Explanation: The plan fell through because they hadn't THOUGHT it THROUGH
properly.

241
2928. Think up Create or invent something, especially when lying.

Explanation: I'd better THINK UP a good reason for handing the work in late.

2929. Throw away Discard something when no longer needed.

Explanation: I THREW the alarm clock AWAY because it had stopped working.

2930. Throw in Join, accompany.

Explanation: May I THROW IN with you? My companions left me behind.
2931. Throw in Add something to a deal.

Explanation: They THREW IN a printer so I bought it from them.

2932. Throw off Remove item of clothing quickly.

Explanation: I THREW OFF my shoes and flopped on the settee.

2933. Throw off Get rid of.

Explanation: It took me ages to THROW OFF the cold.

2934. Throw off Produce light or heat.

Explanation: The lamp THROWS OFF a lot of heat.

2935. Throw on Put clothes on quickly.

Explanation: I THREW ON a jacket and rushed outside.

2936. Throw out Get rid of.

Explanation: I THREW OUT all my old clothes to make some space in my

wardrobe.

2937. Throw out Dislocate.

Explanation: Edward slipped on the ice and THREW OUT his shoulder.
2938. Throw out Reject.

Explanation: The committee THREW the proposal OUT.

2939. Throw out Produce heat, fumes.

Explanation: The car THROWS OUT a lot of smoke.

2940. Throw out Expel.

Explanation: The school THREW him OUT for smoking.

242
2941. Throw over End a relationship with someone.

Explanation: She THREW me OVER last year.

2942. Throw over Reject, refuse to accept.

Explanation: They THREW OVER the agreement.

2943. Throw together Make or arrange quickly.

Explanation: I THREW a quick dinner TOGETHER before we left.

2944. Throw up Vomit.
Explanation: The prawns she ate at lunch made her THROW UP and she had to
go home early.
2945. Throw up Produce problems, results, ideas, etc.

Explanation: The talks THREW UP some interesting possibilities.

2946. Throw up Leave a job or position suddenly.

Explanation: She THREW UP her job to go travelling.

2947. Throw up Create clouds of dust or splash water into the air.

Explanation: The road was bumpy and the car in front was THROWING UP so
much dust that we could hardly see where we were going.

2948. Throw yourself at Make it clear you are sexually attracted to someone.

Explanation: He THREW HIMSELF AT her but she wasn't interested.

2949. Throw yourself into Do something enthusiastically or energetically.

Explanation: She THREW herself INTO the project.

2950. Tick along Make reasonable progress without any serious problems.

Explanation: Things are TICKING ALONG at work while the director's away.
2951. Tick away Pass (of time).

Explanation: The last few seconds TICKED AWAY and the team couldn't come
back.
2952. Tick by Pass (of time).

Explanation: The seconds TICKED BY and the team failed to score.

2953. Tick off Annoy.

Explanation: She really TICKS me OFF when she doesn't reply to my emails.

243
2954. Tick off Scold.

Explanation: He TICKED me OFF for arriving late.

2955. Tick off Put a mark on an item in a list when it has been dealt with.

Explanation: She TICKED OFF our names when we arrived.

2956. Tick over Continue working, but without improving.

Explanation: The company TICKED OVER while she was away on holiday.
2957. Tick over Operate but without moving (engines).
Explanation: The mechanic left the engine TICKING OVER for a while to see if
he could see what was causing the problem.
2958. Tide over Use something carefully so as not to finish it.

Explanation: This £50 will have to TIDE me OVER until I get paid.

2959. Tidy up Put things in the correct place in a room.

Explanation: I TIDIED UP my bedroom because it was a complete mess.

2960. Tie back Fasten or secure so that it doesn't obstruct.

Explanation: She TIED her hair BACK before playing tennis.

2961. Tie down Secure something to prevent it moving.
Explanation: They TIED him DOWN to stop him escaping.

2962. Tie down Remove or restrict freedom.

Explanation: Marriage TIES you DOWN.

2963. Tie down Stop people (often police or military) going where they are
needed.

Explanation: The army were TIED DOWN with the rebellion and couldn't help.
2964. Tie in Agree, be connected or support.

Explanation: The theory TIES IN with what the police have been saying.
2965. Tie in Associate with.
Explanation: He is TIED IN somehow with the crime syndicate.

2966. Tie in with Occur at the same time.

Explanation: The publication TIES IN WITH the twentieth anniversary of the
incident.

244
2967. Tie up Tie or fasten something securely.

Explanation: They TIED UP the hostages so that they couldn't escape.

2968. Tie up Stop someone doing something.

Explanation: Work has TIED me UP all week.

2969. Tie up Fasten.

Explanation: I TIED UP my shoelaces.
2970. Tie up Block a road, etc.

Explanation: The convoy TIED UP the road for an hour.

2971. Tighten up Make something more secure or function better.

Explanation: They're TIGHTENING UP security for the president's visit.

2972. Time out End or close because of a time limit.

Explanation: The program TIMED OUT before I could reply.

2973. Time out End or close something because of a time limit.

Explanation: The program TIMED me OUT after twenty minutes.

2974. Tip off Secretly inform the police or authorities.

Explanation: The police arrested the drug dealer after someone TIPPED them
OFF.
2975. Tip over Spill, make something fall on its side.

Explanation: I TIPPED my coffee OVER and ruined my keyboard.

2976. Tire of Get bored of something.

Explanation: She soon TIRED OF the course and dropped out.

2977. Tire out Make someone exhausted.

Explanation: Working so much TIRES me OUT.

2978. Toddle off Leave, go home.

Explanation: It's getting late, so I'm going to TODDLE OFF home.

2979. Tone down Make something sound more moderate.

Explanation: The Minister tried to TONE DOWN what she had said when the
press started attacking her.

245
2980. Tool up Provide equipment.

Explanation: The company spent a lot on TOOLING the factory UP.

2681. Tool up Arm yourself or somebody.

Explanation: The gangsters got TOOLED UP before they went into the club.
2982. Tootle off Leave, depart. It's getting late, so we're going to TOOTLE OFF
home.

2983. Top off Finish something in a special way.

Explanation: He complained for an hour and to TOP it OFF started shouting his
head off.
2984. Top out Stop increasing, reach the highest point.

Explanation: The temperature TOPPED OUT at forty degrees yesterday.

2985. Top up Refill something that isn't empty yet.

Explanation: Shall I TOP UP your drink while I'm pouring myself one?

2986. Toss about Discuss something freely and openly, but not very seriously.
Explanation: WE TOSSED ideas ABOUT before the negotiations.

2987. Toss around Discuss something freely and openly, but not very seriously.

Explanation: We TOSSED their plan AROUND a bit and then rejected it.

2988. Toss back Drink quickly.

Explanation: I TOSSED BACK my beer and left.

2989. Toss down Drink quickly.

Explanation: I TOSSED a couple of drinks DOWN before they arrived.

2990. Toss for Make a decision by throwing a coin and seeing which side lands
face up.
Explanation: We TOSSED FOR who would start.

2991. Toss off Write something quickly and carelessly.

Explanation: I TOSSED OFF the essay the night before I had to hand it in.

2992. Toss up Decide something by throwing a coin and seeing which side lands
face up..

Explanation: We TOSSED UP to see who would kick off.

246
2993. Touch down Land (planes).

Explanation: The plane TOUCHED DOWN at Narita airport an hour late.

2994. Touch for Borrow money.

Explanation: I TOUCHED him FOR some cash as I'd forgotten my cards.

2995. Touch off Cause a problem to occur.

Explanation: The government's decision TOUCHED OFF riots in the capital.

2996. Touch on Mention.
Explanation: The talk TOUCHED ON the issue, but didn't give any new
information.
2997. Touch up Improve the appearance of something.

Explanation: I couldn't be bothered to redecorate, so I just TOUCHED UP the

bits that needed painting the most.

2998. Touch up Touch someone in a sexual way.

Explanation: She got angry when he tried to TOUCH her UP in the elevator.
2999. Touch upon Mention.

Explanation: They didn't TOUCH UPON the subject because of the controversy.

3000. Tow away Remove a vehicle, especially if parked illegally.

Explanation: I parked in a no-parking zone and they TOWED my car AWAY.

3001. Toy at Pretend to think about or think about in a casual way.

Explanation: She TOYED AT getting them to help her but then did it alone.

3002. Toy over Think about something.

Explanation: I TOYED OVER the idea for a while, but decided not to go ahead
with it.
3003. Toy with Not eat much of a meal.

Explanation: It was horrible, so I just TOYED WITH the food.

3004. Toy with Consider something, but not very seriously.

Explanation: We TOYED WITH the idea of moving to the country, but it isn't
really practical.

247
3005. Toy with Move or play with something to occupy your hands.

Explanation: He TOYED WITH his cup.

3006. Toy with Treat insincerely.

Explanation: He thought she loved him but she was just TOYING WITH him.

3007. Track down Find after a long search.

Explanation: It took me ages to TRACK them DOWN in the crowd at the football
game.

3008. Trade down Sell something and replace it with something cheaper.
Explanation: Their house it too large now that their children have left home, so
they're going to TRADE DOWN to something smaller.
3009. Trade in Exchange something old as part of the price of something new.

Explanation: She TRADED IN her old car for the new model.

3010. Trade in Leave your wife or husband to marry someone younger.

Explanation: He TRADED IN his wife when he became the chairman.

3011. Trade off Bargain, make a deal or compromise.

Explanation: A longer working week was TRADED OFF for a pay rise.

3012. Trade off Accept something you don't really want to get something you do
want.

Explanation: We had to TRADE OFF space for the location when buying the
apartment.

3013. Trade on Exploit, use something to your advantage.

Explanation: He TRADES ON their insecurity to get his way.

3014. Trade up Buy larger or more expensive items.

Explanation: British wine drinkers have TRADED UP over the last few years
from cheap plonk to expensive wines.
3015. Trade up Leave your wife or husband and marry someone better looking,
richer, etc.
Explanation: She supported him for years while he was struggling, but when he
hit the big time he left her and TRADED UP.

248
3016. Trade upon Exploit, use to your advantage.

Explanation: They TRADE UPON their reputation to scare rivals.

3017. Train up Teach someone the specific skills they will need to carry out a job
or task.

Explanation: I have been TRAINING my new assistant UP.

3018. Trickle down Pass benefits from economic expansion through the economy to
the less fortunate.
Explanation: Despite the economic boom, few benefits have TRICKLED DOWN
to the poor.

3019. Trip out Be under the influence of psychoactive drugs.

Explanation: After taking the LSD he TRIPPED OUT for hours.

3020. Trip over Fall.

Explanation: I TRIPPED OVER and hurt my knee.

3021. Trip over Fall because you hit an obstacle.

Explanation: I TRIPPED OVER the kerb and broke my nose.

3022. Trip up Make a mistake.

Explanation: I TRIPPED UP in the interview when they asked me about what I
could offer the company.

3023. Trot off Leave.

Explanation: The meeting was over so I TROTTED OFF.

3024. Trot off to Go somewhere.

Explanation: I TROTTED OFF TO see the dentist.

3025. Trot out Make a statement (meant negatively).

Explanation: The spokeswoman TROTTED OUT the same old unconvincing
excuses.

3026. Trump up Charge or accuse someone falsely.

Explanation: The police TRUMPED UP the charges against him and he ended up
in prison though he hadn't done it.
3027. Try back Phone back.

Explanation: I called but they weren't in, so I'll TRY BACK later.

249
3028. Try for Make an attempt to get something.

Explanation: I'm going to TRY FOR the job.

3029. Try it on Provoke someone by being annoying or behaving badly.

Explanation: The children were TRYING IT ON all night until I lost my temper.

3030. Try it on Attempt to get something, usually by deceit, without great hopes
of success.
Explanation: He knew I wasn't got to let him do it- he was just TRYING IT ON.

3031. Try on Put clothes on to see if they fit.

Explanation: I TRIED the jacket ON before I bought it.

3032. Try out Test.

Explanation: Scientists are TRYING OUT a new drug in the fight against the
disease.

3033. Try out Test something to see if you like it or want to buy it.
Explanation: I TRIED OUT the program before I bought it.

3034. Try out for Be tested for a sports team.

Explanation: He TRIED OUT FOR the baseball team.

3035. Tuck away Put something in a safe place.

Explanation: I TUCKED the money AWAY in my drawer.

3036. Tuck away Eat a lot.

Explanation: We TUCKED AWAY a huge dinner before we went out.

3037. Tuck in Tidy the ends of items of clothing by placing them inside
something.
Explanation: I forgot to TUCK my shirt IN.

3038. Tuck in Start eating enthusiastically.

Explanation: The dinner smelled so good I couldn't wait to TUCK IN.

3039. Tuck in Arrange the sheets, duvet or blankets to make someone, usually a
child, comfortable in bed.

Explanation: He TUCKED her IN and read her a story.

250
3040. Tuck into Start eating something.

Explanation: I was starving and TUCKED INTO the food.

3041. Tuck up Arrange the sheets, duvet or blankets to make someone, usually a
child, comfortable in bed.

Explanation: She TUCKED her children UP in bed and switched the lights off.

3042. Tune in Watch or listen to a TV or radio show.

Explanation: Be sure to TUNE IN next week for the next episode.

3043. Tune in to Watch or listen to a TV or radio programme.

Explanation: Make sure you TUNE IN TO next week's show.

3044. Tune out Ignore, not pay attention.

Explanation: I TUNED him OUT because he was talking such rubbish.

3045. Tune up Improve the performance of a machine or engine.

Explanation: He's TUNED his car UP for the race.

3046. Tune up Tune a musical instrument before playing.

Explanation: The orchestra TUNED UP their instruments before the concert.

3047. Turn against Stop liking and start disliking.
Explanation: The public TURNED AGAINST the government when they became
arrogant and ceased to listen.

3048. Turn away Not allow someone to enter a place.

Explanation: The doorman TURNED him AWAY from the nightclub because he
was wearing trainers.
3049. Turn down Reduce volume, temperature, etc..

Explanation: The room was too hot, so she TURNED the heating DOWN.
3050. Turn down Reject an offer, invitation, etc..

Explanation: They offered her the job, but she TURNED it DOWN.
3051. Turn down Fold the top covers of a bed down to make it ready for someone
to go to sleep.
Explanation: The hotel staff TURNED DOWN the bed and scattered flower
petals on it while we was having dinner.

251
3052. Turn in Go to bed.

Explanation: I TURNED IN at half past eleven because I had an early start the
next morning.
3053. Turn in Hand in, submit.

Explanation: She TURNED IN her paper.

3054. Turn into Become.

Explanation: Tadpoles TURN INTO frogs.

3055. Turn off Stop a machine.

Explanation: I TURNED the TV OFF and went to bed.

3056. Turn on Cause someone to feel attraction or pleasure.

Explanation: He really TURNS me ON.

3057. Turn on Start a machine.

Explanation: I TURNED the radio ON to get the weather forecast.

3058. Turn on Attack.

Explanation: The neighbor’s dog TURNED ON me when I tried to stroke it.

3059. Turn out Produce.
Explanation: The factory TURNS OUT three thousand units a day.

3060. Turn out Produce an unexpected result.

Explanation: It looked as if we were going to fail, but it TURNED OUT well in the
end.

3061. Turn out Stop a light.

Explanation: She TURNED OUT the lights and went to bed.

3062. Turn out Attend.

Explanation: Thousand TURNED OUT for the demonstration.

3063. Turn over Give to the authorities.
Explanation: The court ordered the company to TURN OVER their financial
records.
3064. Turn to Try to get help.

Explanation: She had nobody to TURN TO when her husband died.

252
3065. Turn to Take up a habit.

Explanation: He TURNED TO drink after he lost his job.

3066. Turn up Appear.

Explanation: She didn't TURN UP for class today.

3067. Turn up Increase volume, temperature, etc..

Explanation: I TURNED the music UP full blast.
3068. Type in Enter computer data or text.

Explanation: He TYPED the text IN and printed it off.

3069. Type out Write a full or finished version of a text on a computer.

Explanation: She TYPED her essay OUT and handed it in a the last minute.
3070. Type up Type a finished version.

Explanation: She TYPED UP her lecture notes and printed them out.

3071. Urge on Encourage.

Explanation: The crowd URGED the players ON.

3072. Urge on Persuade or pressure to accept something.

Explanation: They URGED the deal ON the company.

3073. Urge upon Persuade or pressure to accept something.

Explanation: They URGED the contract UPON us.

3074. Use up Finish or consume all of something.

Explanation: We USED UP all the olive oil.

3075. Usher in Be at, mark or celebrate an important point in time.

Explanation: We always give a party USHER IN the NEW YEAR.

3076. Usher in Make important changes happen.

Explanation: Her appointment as CEO USHERED IN a whole new phase in the

company's growth.

3077. Vacuum up Consume.

Explanation: He VACUUMED UP all of the food.

253
3078. Vamp up Make something more exciting, attractive, etc.

Explanation: The place is dull and you need to VAMP it UP.

3079. Vamp up Invent, maker up, improvise.

Explanation: I had to VAMP UP a reason for being so late.

3080. Veg out Relax, do nothing.

Explanation: I'm going to VEG OUT in front of the TV tonight.

3081. Venture forth Leave somewhere safe or comfortable.
Explanation: If the storm has finished, we could VENTURE FORTH.

3082. Wade in Start something or get involved, often without thinking or to

forcefully.

Explanation: He just WADED IN without listening to what anyone had to say.

3083. Wade in Attack.

Explanation: The hooligans WADED IN when they saw fans from the other
team.
3084. Wade into Become embroiled or involved in a situation, without thinking or
planning usually.
Explanation: They WADED INTO the negotiations and the deal collapsed.

3085. Wade through Get to the end of something with difficulty.

Explanation: It took me ages to WADE THROUGH the book.

3086. Wait about Wait somewhere doing nothing.

Explanation: I WAITED ABOUT for an hour, but they didn't come.
3087. Wait around Wait somewhere doing nothing.

Explanation: They were just WAITING AROUND to see if anything was going to
happen.

3088. Wait behind Stay somewhere after other people have left.
Explanation: I WAITED BEHIND to ask the lecturer a question.

3089. Wait in Stay at home because someone is going to visit.

Explanation: I WAITED IN for the guy to fix the TV.

254
3090. Wait on Serve people in a restaurant.

Explanation: They have two people WAITING ON each table.

32091. Wait on Sell goods in a shop.

Explanation: He WAITS ON customers in an electronics store.

3092. Wait on Provide someone with everything they need or want.

Explanation: He has a butler who WAITS ON him.

3094. Wait on Wait for a result before being able to make a decision.
Explanation: They're WAITING ON the results of the vote before taking a final
decision.
3095. Wait out Wait till something has finished, usually something unpleasant.

Explanation: We'll have to WAIT OUT this uncertainty.

3096. Wait up Not go to bed because you are waiting.

Explanation: I was worried and WAITED UP until they got home safe and
sound.
3097. Wait up! Stop (imperative).

Explanation: Wait up! I need to talk to you.

3098. Wait upon Provide someone with what they require.

Explanation: They used to have servants WAITING UPON them.

3099. Wait upon Wait for a result before being able to make a decision.

Explanation: They must WAIT UPON the outcome of the match before they
know who they'll be playing.
3100. Wake up Stop sleeping.

Explanation: I WOKE UP at half past six this morning.

3101. Walk away from Leave something you don't like.

Explanation: You can't just WALK AWAY FROM your problems.

3102. Walk away Win easily.

Explanation: She WALKED AWAY WITH the first with prize.

255
3103. Walk back from Retract a statement.

Explanation: They declined to WALK BACK FROM their comments despite the
controversy.
3104. Walk in on Enter somewhere unexpectedly and see something.

Explanation: He WALKED IN ON them planning to sack him.

3105. Walk into Get work without effort.

Explanation: He WALKED INTO a great job straight after university.

3106. Walk into Be unaware of the presence of something and either enter it (a
trap) or bump into it (an obstruction).
Explanation: You WALKED INTO that one [You became victim to a trap I set]or

WALKED INTO a door and broke my nose.

3107. Walk off Go for a walk to reduce the effects of an illness or bad feeling.

Explanation: I tried to WALK OFF my hangover.

3108. Walk off with Win easily.

Explanation: He WALKED OFF WITH the award.

3109. Walk off with Take something without permission or steal.

Explanation: Someone WALKED OFF WITH my umbrella so I got soaked.

3110. Walk on Continue walking.

Explanation: I saw the accident but just WALKED ON as I didn't want to have to
give a statement.
3111. Walk out Leave work because of a dispute with the management.
Explanation: The workers WALKED OUT because the felt that safety wasn't
being handled correctly.
3112. Walk out Leave a place angrily or because you are not satisfied.

Explanation: The film was a bore so I WALKED OUT halfway through.

3113. Walk out on Leave somebody angrily.

Explanation: He WALKED OUT ON his wife last year.

3114. Walk through Explain or demonstrate something carefully to someone.

Explanation: He WALKED me THROUGH the procedures.

256
3115. Walk up Go to someone.

Explanation: A man WALKED UP and asked me the time.

3116. Waltz through Pass or succeed easily.

Explanation: She WALTZED THROUGH the tests and got the highest score.
3117. Wander off Leave a place, usually without telling other people.

Explanation: She WANDERED OFF and got lost in the crowd.

3118. Wander off Stop paying attention.
Explanation: The lecture was boring and my mind WANDERED OFF after ten
minutes.
3119. Want out Want to leave a relationship or arrangement.

Explanation: Jackie wasn't happy with her marriage and WANTED OUT.

3120. Warm up Do exercises before a sport.

Explanation: The team WARMED UP half an hour before the volleyball match.
3121. Wash away When floods or waves completely remove a structure, building,
etc..

Explanation: The ice cream stall on the beach was WASHED AWAY in the storm
last night.

3122. Wash down Drink in order to swallow something solid.

Explanation: I WASHED the antibiotics DOWN with a glass of water.

3123. Wash out Rain so heavily that an event has to be cancelled.

Explanation: The rain WASHED OUT the championship final.
3124. Wash over Suddenly experience a strong emotion.

Explanation: He felt numb as grief WASHED OVER him.

3125. Wash up Clean everything used to prepare food and eat it.

Explanation: The children WASHED UP after lunch.

3126. Wash up When something in the sea or river is left on the shore or bank.

Explanation: After the crash, several bodies WASHED UP on the beach.

3127. Wash up Wash face and hands.

Explanation: Be sure you and the kids WASH UP before dinner.

257
3128. Waste away Become very thin and weak, usually due to illness.

Explanation: He WASTED AWAY as the cancer got worse.

3129. Watch out Be careful (imperative).

Explanation: Watch out- there's ice on the road.

3130. Watch out for Be careful of something.

Explanation: WATCH OUT FOR bats in the caves; many have rabies.
3131. Watch over Keep an eye on something or someone to check that there's no
trouble.
Explanation: The lecturer WATCHED OVER the students as they did the
experiment.
3132. Water down Make something weaker and less effective.

Explanation: The Freedom of Information Act was WATERED DOWN by the

Government and didn't give ordinary people much access to
official data files

3133. Wave aside Ignore or refuse to consider what someone says.

Explanation: They WAVED ASIDE our objections and carried on with the plan.
3134. Wave down Make a hand signal to stop a vehicle.

Explanation: They WAVED the van DOWN and got a lift after the accident.
3135. Wave off Go to a place where someone is leaving to wave goodbye.

Explanation: We WAVED her OFF at the station.

3136. Wave on Make a hand signal to tell someone to keep moving.

Explanation: The accident was bad, but the police WAVED us ON.
3137. Wean off Slowly stop a dependency on something.

Explanation: We will have to WEAN him OFF his obsession.

3138. Wear away Erode, remove gradually.

Explanation: The lawn has been WORN AWAY by people walking across it and
it's just bare soil now with hardly a blade of grass.
3139. Wear down Make something weaker.

Explanation: The stress of my job is WEARING me DOWN.

258
3140. Wear off Stop having an effect.

Explanation: The anesthetic WORE OFF and my tooth started hurting.

3141. Wear out Use something until it stops working.

Explanation: She played the video so many times that she WORE the tape OUT.

3142. Weed out Remove, get rid of.

Explanation: The company WEEDED OUT the unsuccessful sales reps.
3143. Weigh down on Burden with responsibilities, duties, etc.

Explanation: The requirements of her new job WEIGHED DOWN ON her.

3144. Weigh in Have a certain weight (in sports like boxing).

Explanation: The champion WEIGHED IN at 120 kilos.

3145. Weigh in Enter an argument forcefully.

Explanation: He disliked the plan and WEIGHED IN with some heavy criticism.

3146. Weigh in on Enter an argument or discussion to express a strongly felt idea.

Explanation: She WEIGHED IN ON their immigration policies.

3147. Weigh on Make someone consider carefully.

Explanation: The issues raised WEIGHED ON her mind.

3148. Weigh out Measure a certain amount of something by weight.

Explanation: Could you WEIGH OUT 200 grams of that for me?

3149. Weigh up Assess.

Explanation: They WEIGHED the pros and cons UP carefully before deciding.

3150. Weird out Disturb, cause concern or worry.

Explanation: The way he spoke was WEIRDING me OUT.

3151. Well up Feel tears starting.

Explanation: I felt tears WELLING UP when I heard the news.

3152. Well up Feel an emotion strongly.

Explanation: Anger WELLED UP inside us when we saw what they had done.

259
3153. Well up Experience an emotion or feeling, start to cry.

Explanation: Tears WELLED UP when I heard they had died.

3154. Wheel around Turn quickly and face in the opposite direction.

Explanation: When he heard the whistle, he WHEELED AROUND to see what

was happening.

3155. Wheel out Use something like an explanation that has been used many times
before and has lost its impact.
Explanation: They WHEELED OUT the same old excuses last time this
happened.

3156. Wheel round Turn quickly and face in the opposite direction.

Explanation: She WHEELED ROUND when he told her to stop.

3157. While away Spend time doing something because you have nothing better to
do.

Explanation: We WHILED a couple of hours AWAY playing computer games.

3158. Whip into Enter rapidly (as for a brief errand).

Explanation: Ben WHIPPED INTO the convenience store for a bag of crisps.

3159. Whip out Remove quickly.

Explanation: The police officer WHIPPED OUT her radio and called for back-up.

3160. Whip out of Exit rapidly.

Explanation: Lola WHIPPED OUT OF a side street without looking and
broadsided a police car.
3161. Whip through Do something quickly.

Explanation: She WHIPPED THROUGH the task.

3162. Whip up Make food quickly.

Explanation: We got back late and WHIPPED UP dinner.

3163. Whip up Mix liquid food quickly to make it thick and creamy.
Explanation: I WHIPPED UP the egg whites.

3164. Whip up Make people feel more strongly about something.

Explanation: The boss tried to WHIP UP some support for her new policies.

260
3165. Whisk away Take to another place quickly.

Explanation: The police WHISKED the minister AWAY when the trouble started.

3166. White out Use correction fluid to cover a mistake in a written text.

Explanation: Could you pass the Tipped? I need to WHITE this mistake OUT.
3167. Wig out Become excited and lose control.

Explanation: He WIGGED OUT when he heard that he had failed.

3168. Wiggle out Avoid doing.
Explanation: He was supposed to be in charge but tried to WIGGLE OUT.

3169. Wiggle out of Avoid doing something.

Explanation: I WIGGLED OUT OF having to work late.

3170. Wimp out Not be brave enough to do something.

Explanation: I was going to have the hottest curry on the menu, but I WIMPED
OUT and had a mild lamb Korma instead.
3171. Wind down Relax.

Explanation: I'm going to WIND DOWN in the country this weekend and do
nothing.

3172. Wind down Slowly close a business or organization.

Explanation: They WOUND the committee DOWN after the inquiry.

3173. Wind on Forward a film or tape to a certain point.

Explanation: He WOUND the video ON to show us the scene.

3174. Wind up Close a company because it's unprofitable.

Explanation: The company was WOUND UP when the creditors demanded

payment.
3175. Wind up Tighten the spring in a watch or clock to make it work.

Explanation: I forgot to WIND UP my alarm clock and overslept.

3176. Wind up Irritate someone or increase their stress level, especially if done
deliberately.
Explanation: The children are really WINDING me UP

3177. Winkle out Find or get something that takes a great deal of effort.
Explanation: It took me a while to WINKLE the truth OUT of him.
261
3178. Wipe out Make someone very tired.

Explanation: Revising for the exam last night WIPED me OUT.

3179. Wipe out Kill all of a population, make extinct.

Explanation: A meteor crashing into the planet WIPED the dinosaurs OUT.
3180. Wire up Make electrical connections.

Explanation: She WIRED her new stereo system UP as soon as she got home.
3181. Wise up Stop being stupid.
Explanation: His supervisor told him to WISE UP and start following the rules or
else he'd lose his job.
3182. Word up Give someone information, advice.

Explanation: The solicitor WORDED her UP client before the police interview,
so they go very little out of him.

3183. Word up! A phrase that was used a greeting.

Explanation: 'Word up! You OK?'

3184. Work off Exercise to remove stress or weight.

Explanation: She goes to the gym to WORK OFF her anger.

3185. Work on Improve or develop.

Explanation: Scientists are WORKING ON genetically modified crops and foods.

3186. Work out End nicely.

Explanation: Things were going wrong for them but fortunately it all WORKED
OUT in the end.
3187. Work out Find the answer or solution.

Explanation: I couldn't WORK OUT all the answers to the crossword puzzle.
3188. Work over Assault, beat up.

Explanation: They WORKED him OVER and robbed him.

3189. Work over Repeat, do again.

Explanation: They WORKED it OVER until they had got it right.

3190. Work over Examine carefully.

Explanation: They WORKED OVER the market looking for bargains.

262
3191. Work through Deal with, resolve a problem, often emotional.

Explanation: It took him a long time to WORK THROUGH his anger after he lost
his job.

3192. Wrap around Cover with clothing, usually to keep warm.

Explanation: She WRAPPED a scarf AROUND her head because it was so cold.

3193. Wrap around Cover or encircle with part of your body.

Explanation: He WRAPPED his arms AROUND her.

3194. Wrap round Cover with clothing, usually to keep warm.

Explanation: He WRAPPED the cloth ROUND his fingers to keep warm.

3195. Wrap round Cover or encircle with part of your body.

Explanation: She WRAPPED her arms ROUND him.

3196. Wrap up Cover in paper.

Explanation: They WRAPPED UP the presents then put a ribbon around them.

3197. Wrap up Dress warmly.

Explanation: WRAP UP carefully or you'll catch your death of cold outside in
that rain.

3198. Wrap up Finish.

Explanation: That WRAPS things UP, so we'll end this meeting.

3199. Wriggle out of Avoid doing something in a way other people don't like.

Explanation: He always manages to WRIGGLE OUT OF any extra work we get.

3200. Write down Make notes.

Explanation: I WROTE her mobile number DOWN on a scrap of paper and I've
lost it.

3201. Write in Send a letter to a TV station, etc..

Explanation: They asked viewers to WRITE IN with their opinions and
suggestions.
3202. Write off Destroy a car in an accident.

Explanation: He WROTE the car OFF in an accident on the motorway.

263
3203. Write out Write something completely.

Explanation: I WROTE OUT my notes in full to help me remember them.

3204. Write up Make complete written version.

Explanation: I WROTE UP the report and submitted it.

3205. Yack on Talk continuously, especially if it is an annoying way.

Explanation: He YACKED ON for an hour.
3206. Yammer on Talk continuously, especially if it is an annoying way.

Explanation: She YAMMERED ON for ages.

3207. Yield to Surrender.

Explanation: I tried hard to resist, but in the end I YIELDED TO temptation and
ate it all.

3208. Zero in on Direct or focus attention on.

Explanation: The police have ZEROED IN ON the man they believe to be
responsible for the murder.

3209. Zero in on Head for, move towards.

Explanation: The hurricane is ZEROING IN ON Florida.

3210. Zero out Cut off funding for a project.

Explanation: The debt was ZEROED OUT by the department.

3211. Zero out Reduce to zero, cancel, remove.

Explanation: The entry was ZEROED OUT of the database.

3212. Zip around Move quickly.

Explanation: We ZIPPED AROUND the supermarket to get the shopping done.

3213. Zip by Pass quickly.

Explanation: The motorbike ZIPPED BY the cars stuck in the traffic jam.
3214. Zip it Keep quiet, say nothing.

Explanation: He told me to ZIP IT, so I said nothing.

3215. Zip up Keep quiet.

Explanation: He was being stupid in the meeting, so we told him to ZIP UP.

264
3216. Zone in Pay attention after not doing so.

Explanation: I was bored at first but then ZONED IN when things started getting
more interesting.
3217. Zone in on Pay attention after not doing so.

Explanation: I ZONED IN ON what they were saying when they started

gossiping.

3218. Zone out Not pay attention.

Explanation: She ZONED OUT during the lecture because it was so boring.

3219. Zone out Dissociate yourself from a situation.

Explanation: I put some ambient music on and ZONED OUT.

3220. Zonk out Fall asleep.

Explanation: I ZONKED OUT during the film and missed most of it.

3221. Zoom in Focus more closely.

Explanation: The camera ZOOMED IN to show people's faces.

3222. Zoom in on Focus more closely.

Explanation: The camera ZOOMED IN ON his face.

3223. Zoom off Go somewhere quickly.

Explanation: He rushed out of the building and ZOOMED OFF in his car.

3224. Zoom out Focus less closely.

Explanation: The camera ZOOMED OUT to show all the crowd.

“ अखण्डमण्डलाकारं व्याप्तं ये न चराचरम् ।

तत्पादं दर्शि तं ये न तस्मै श्रीगु रवे नमः ॥2॥"

र् ंदी अर्ि

भगवान का रूप संपूर्ण है

जो हर स्थान पर अववभाज्य है , गविमान (जीववि) और
अचल (वनजीव) दोनों ही अर्ु ओं में व्याप्त हैं ।
गु रु, वजन्ोंने ऐसे भगवान के चरर् दे खे हैं ,
इय्यक परम के साथ एकिा का अनु भव वकया है , ऐसे गु रु को प्रर्ाम है ।

265
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