ABOUT PHRASAL VERBS AND IDIOMS

WHAT ARE PHRASAL VERBS?

calm down (telling sb to relax) catch on

keep in with sb

laugh at sb laugh sth off

put sth on = organize an event

put sth on = pretend to have a way of speaking.

put sth on = spread sth on sth stay in

tear sth up wait up for sb wind sb up

wind sth up = bring sth to an end wind sth up = close a company

GRAMMAR OF PHRASAL VERBS

back out

bring sth/sb back come about

frighten sb/sth away get through (sth)

go along with sb/sth go away = disappear hear from sb

help (sb) out (with sth)

put sth down = write sth on paper settle on sth/sb

spell sth out (to sb)

MULIPLE MEANING

come out (of the sun) come out = be published come out = become known come up = be mentioned come up against sth/sb come up to sth

get in/into sth = enter university get into sth = arrive

get into sth = become interested in sth get into sth = become involved in sth get into sth = develop a habit

get into sth = put on clothes go out (and do sth)

go out (of a light or fire) go out = be broadcast

turn sth down = reduce sound, heat, etc. turn sth up = increase sound, heat, etc. turn up = arrive

STYLE AND REGISTER

cry off

do away with sth = abolish sth dream sth up

enlarge on/upon sth enter into sth

kick in

put sth forward

put sth out = stop sth burning put yourself out (for sb) spread out

turn sth down = reject sth

NOUNS FROM PHRASAL VERBS

breakthrough n bystander n hand sth out handout n input n

keep sth up = keep sth in good condition let sb down

letdown n

on standby

stand by = be available if needed

stand by = watch sth and not take action stand in (for sb)

stand-in n

stand-off (between A and B) n

upkeep n

write sth off (vehicle) write-off n (vehicle) write-up n

ADJECTIVES FROM PHRASAL VERBS

build sth in built-in adj

go ahead = proceed

go on (doing sth) = continue go-ahead adj

knock sb out = defeat sb knockout adj

off-putting = distracting adj off-putting = unpleasant adj ongoing adj

outspoken adj

put sb off (sb/sth) = make sb dislike sb/sth

put sb off = distract sb

speak out (about/against sth/sb) water sth down

watered-down adj

wear sb out wear sth out

worn out adj = no longer useful worn out adj = tired

WHAT ARE  IDIOMS?

(at) the last minute/moment any minute

be nothing like sb/sth

for the time being

go from bad to worse have a thing about sth/sb it/that depends

lovely and warm, cool, soft, etc. make yourself understood

not think much of sth/sb out of the blue

put your foot in it so far

the minute

BODY, HEALTH AND MIND

PHYSICAL ACTIONS

bend down/over

bump into sb/sth = hit accidentally fall over

get up = stand knock sb over/down lie down

trip over

turn round/around = physical movement

A HEALTHY EATING PLAN

as far as sth/sb is concerned cut down (on sth)

cut sth out

do sth up = fasten face up to (sth) fall off

fill sb up hard going

keep to sth = follow a rule/agreement put on (weight)

show off show sth off

sign up (for sth) turn over a new leaf

work out = do physical exercise workout n

COMMON AILMENTS

a day or two complain of sth flare up (of illness)

get over sth/sb = recover go round

it won’t/wouldn’t do (sb) any harm keep sth down

not agree with sb (food) on the mend

pick sth up (an illness) put your feet up

take it/a lot out of sb take it/things easy throw up

under the weather washed out adj wiped out adj

worn out adj = tired

GOING TO HOSPITAL

at the best of times black out

burst into tears calm sb down check sb/sth over come around/round come to

crowd around/round (sb/sth) ease off

go down (of swelling) = become less have sth out

knock sb over/down look after sth/sb pass by (sb/sth) pass out

passer-by stitch sb/sth up take care of sb

take sth out = remove from sb’s body

HEALTH HEADLINES

at risk (from/of sth) be on (your) guard breakdown n (illness) bring sth on

check into sth deprive sb of sth guard against sth lead to sth

on the increase on the rise

on the verge of (doing) sth pass away

pull through (sth) result in sth search sth/sb out

take sth up = start a job, hobby, etc. track sb/sth down

FEELINGS

a sit-down

be/get worked up bottle sth up

bring a smile to your face bring tears to your eyes choke sth back

cool down

down in the dumps jump out of your skin make sb’s day

on edge

on tenterhooks perk (sb) up shake like a leaf shake sb up

start on at sb (about sth) tense up

tire sb out

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

GROWING UP

bring sb up

get/be carried away give sb a hand

go away = go on holiday grow up = become an adult grown-up n

hear of sth

invite sb round/over keep an eye on sb/sth let sb/sth out

look forward to (doing) sth move away

on the road stay in

take sb out upbringing

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PARENT?

a shoulder to cry on be on sb’s side

bear in mind that bear sth in mind get to know sb in private

in public

lay down the law look on sb as sb/sth pick on sb

seek sb/sth out take sides

take sth out on sb talk sth through thrive on sth

turn a blind eye (to sth)

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER

at issue

be supposed to be/do sth drive sb mad/round the bend face up to sth

get on (with sb) hold sth/sb together

insist on doing sth = continue doing sth that others find annoying

insist on sth = say sth must happen keep sth up = maintain a standard know sb/sth inside out

know sth like the back of your hand stem from sth

tear sth apart

tear sth to pieces/shreds

turn out = develop in a particular way

WHAT MAKES A GOOD FRIEND?

a (good/great) laugh

bring out the best/worst in sb cheer sb up

consist of sth count on sb

depend on sb = rely on sb get behind sb

get by = manage let sb down

liven sth up

put up with sb/sth = tolerate sb relate to sb

rely on sb/sth stand by sb to my mind

when the going gets tough

FRIENDSHIPS AT WORK

come to nothing confide in sb

draw the line (at sth) find fault with sb get along (with sb) get sth out of sb

go for sth = choose sth go for sth = try to get sth

go for sth/sb = like a type of thing/person happen to do sth

keep sth to yourself keep yourself to yourself make friends (with sb) mess sth up

steer clear of sth/sb

ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS

STARTING A NEW RELATIONSHIP

at ease

cut your losses end up

fit in with sb/sth

get over sth/sb = recover give sth a try

go out (with sb) (romance)

gut feeling

insist on sth = say sth must happen meet up (with sb)

move on out there

there’s no harm in doing sth work out = be successful

ENDING A RELATIONSHIP

break up (with sb) break-up n

come to an end drag on

drag sth out focus on sth

get into sth = become involved in sth go wrong

in person in private in public

make up your mind sort sth out

split up (with sb)

stick to sth = continue despite difficulties talk sth over (with sb)

ups and downs

walk away (from sb/sth) walk out (on sb/sth)

HOW DID WE MEET?

ask sb out chat sb up

fall out (with sb) for my liking

give in (to sb/sth) = agree to do sth go out (with sb) (romance)

go out together in the end

keep (on) doing sth make up (with sb) on your own

put sb off (sb/sth) = make sb dislike sb/sth queue (up)

show up

take sb by surprise

STARTING AGAIN

come to a head drift apart

get together in retrospect

let your hair down look for sth

miss out (on sth) settle down

split up (with sb) stay put

turn up = happen unexpectedly with hindsight

work out = be successful

work out = do physical exercise workout n

EX-GIRLFRIENDS

cheat on sb cheer sb up confide in sb fall for sb finish with sb

get along (with sb) get on (with sb) get/have cold feet hit it off

in a big way move in with sb

not have the heart to do sth put up with sb/sth = tolerate sb remind sb of sb

EVERYDAY LIFE

WEATHER brighten up catch sb out cloud over

come out (of the sun) come up = rise

day after day ease off

from day to day

from one day to the next

go down (of the sun, moon, etc.) go on (and on) (about sth/sb) grind to a halt/standstill

make the most of sth pick up

pour (down) pour with rain start off

FOOD

(as) thin as a rake ask sb over

be starving burn sth off

cut down (on sth) cut sth out

eat in eat out

give sth up = stop doing sth go without sth

go/be on a diet having said that heat sth up

live for sth

pick sth up = buy sth

revolve around sth/sb = have sth as an important part

take sth away (a meal eaten at home) takeaway n

warm sth up

COOKING 

a bit at a time as you go along

at the same time

be left over (from sth) by the time

clear (sth) up = tidy sth finish sth off

hand sth round/around heat sth up

leave sth/sb out leftovers

polish sth off serve (sth) up stir sth in to/on one side use sth up warm sth up

OUR HOME do sth up = repair flat out

get to know sb

invite sb round/over like mad

move away

move in/move into sth move out/move out of sth my heart sank

put sth in

put sth up = build set about (doing) sth settle in

show sb around/round (sth) smarten sth/sb up

take sth out = remove sth turn out (to be sth)

CLOTHES SHOPPING

back to front

be on the lookout for sth do sth up = fasten

get into sth = put on clothes go with sth

have (got) sth on inside out

on sale

on the big, small, tight, etc. side put sth on = get dressed

sell out (of sth)

shop around (for sth)

take sth back = return sth to a shop take sth off = remove clothing

the other day try sth on

wrap sth up = cover sth in paper

SLEEP a lie-down a lie-in doze off

drop off (to sleep) fall asleep

get back to sth = return to a state get up = get out of bed

go off (of an alarm) = ring

go off (of electricity) = stop working go off (to sleep)

have an early/a late night nod off

sleep like a log sleep over

sleep through sth sleepover n

toss and turn

wake up/wake sb up

MONEY

SAVE OR SPEND?

go down = decrease

go on (doing sth) = continue go out (and do sth)

go up = increase

have had enough of sth in the short/long run

in the short/long term like mad

live off sb/sth live on sth pay sth off pay your way put sth aside put sth by

save up (for sth)

stand on your own (two) feet

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND IT? come into sth = be left money depend on sb = rely on sb

depend on sb/sth = need sb/sth

depend on sth = be decided by sth for a start

give sth away = donate sth help (sb) out (with sth)

in need of sth invest in sth

keep quiet about sth on the quiet

pay sth off put sth aside put sth by

rolling in money splash out on sth to begin with you never know

A WASTE OF MONEY be better off (doing sth) be worse off (doing sth)

carry on (doing sth) = continue doing sth

charge over the odds come in = finish a race come to sth

(go) down the drain get sth back

pay for itself

pay over the odds pick sth up = buy sth put sth in

put sth/money on sth rip sb off

rip-off n

LIVING IN POVERTY be out of the question cut back (on sth)

cut down (on sth)

cutback n

eat into sth

go away = go on holiday go down = decrease

go through the roof go up = increase

help (sb) out (with sth) live on sth

make ends meet on the breadline run sth up

scrape by (on sth) use sth up

MY BEST EVER BUY

be after sth close down club together come across sth get hold of sth

get rid of sth = sell, give away or throw away

go along knock sth off

look after sth/sb

not come cheap (in sth does not come cheap)

one day

over the moon sell out (of sth)

sell sth off = sell things cheaply shop around (for sth)

TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL

GETTING AROUND be supposed to be/do sth drop sb (off)

get a move on

get around/round/about (sth) = travel get in/into (a taxi/car/train)

get into sth = arrive get off (a train/bus) get on (a train/bus)

get out (of a car/taxi, etc.) hand sth in

hold sb/sth up = delay sb/sth hold-up n = delay

hurry up

in the nick of time look out for sth/sb

look sth up lookout n

make it = arrive at a place make your way (to somewhere)

ROAD RAGE calm down = relax cut in (on sb)

cut sb up

drive off/away drive on

get on sb’s nerves

get out (of a car/taxi, etc.)

give in (to sb/sth) = accept defeat kick in

on my/the way pull in (to sth)

pull out (of sth) (of a vehicle/driver) pull over (of a vehicle)

put on the brakes

put sth on = make sth start working slow down

speed up

take sb by surprise the other day/week think straight

work yourself up

A LONG CAR JOURNEY

be on the move break down (vehicle) breakdown n (vehicle) build up = increase build-up n = increase

carry on = continue moving come/grind to a standstill grind to a halt/standstill

hold sb/sth up = delay sb/sth hold-up n = delay

look around/round (sth) make up (time)

off the beaten track or so

set off set out stop off tail back tailback n

AIRPORTS

as usual

at the crack of dawn be booked up

be murder check in check sth in check-in n

get away = go on holiday get back

get through (sth) = complete sth of one sort or another

pick sth/sb up = collect sth/sb

see sb off stop over

take (time) off

take off (of a plane) take-off n

the last minute/moment

A HOLIDAY BREAK

date back (to …) end up

get around (of news)

get around/round sth = deal with sth get around/round/about (sth) = travel get away from it all

get sth out of sth go back

go on = happen make a change

off the beaten track rushed off your feet wind down

LAW AND ORDER

A POLICE INVESTIGATION

ask after sb ask around ask for sth at all times

be on (your) guard

better (to be) safe than sorry carry sth out

check sth out

go through sth = examine sth if in doubt

impress upon/on sb in search of sth

let sb in

put sth out = publish ring sb (up)

take sb in = deceive sb

walk off with sth = steal sth

CRIME HEADLINES be/get mixed up in sth crack down on sb/sth crackdown (on sb/sth) n in the clear

lead sb on lead to sth let sb off

make off with sth on the up

phase sth in phase sth out

press charges (against sb) put a stop to sth

stay away from sth tighten sth up

tip sb off tip-off n

A ROBBERY

be on the lookout for sb break into sth

break-in n

crack down on sb/sth

get away (from sb/sth) = escape

get away with sth = escape punishment get away with sth = steal sth and escape hang around/about

in broad daylight pass by (sb/sth) passer-by

run after sb

run off with sth

take up sth = continue a story the next thing I knew

INCOMPETENT CRIMINALS

belong to sb break in break into sth break-in n call sb out charge sth up

get away (from sb/sth) = escape get hold of sth

go after sb/sth

hold sb/sth up = steal from sb/sth hold-up n = robbery

lead to sth

leave sth behind make off with sth

pull over (of a vehicle) pull sb over

result in sth

rifle through sth

GANG CULTURE

act sth out again and again

be/get caught up in sth beat sb up

belong to sth

come up = be mentioned come up = happen

coming up = going to happen do well/badly (at sth)

fill a gap

get back (at sb) get sb back

hang around with sb lead sb astray

mean business turn to sb/sth work your way up

HOME TECHNOLOGY

USING PHONES AND MOBILES

charge sth up hang up

pick sth/sb up = lift sth/sb

plug sth in pop up punch sth in

put sth down = place sth on a surface scroll up/down

switch sth on/off tap sth in

turn sth around/round = change direction turn sth on/off

PHONE QUESTIONNAIRE

call sb back

cut sb off (phone)

get through (to sb) = make contact give sb a bell

give sb a call/a ring

go on (and on) (about sth/sb) hang up

hang up on sb out of the blue pay-as-you-go put sb on hold

put sb through to sb ring off

ring sb (up) ring sb back

run out (of a battery) top sth up

THE DOWNSIDE OF TEXTING

all day/week/year long

as a matter of course/routine be a question of sth

be about to do sth be on the phone break away (from sb) carry sth out

cut sth off = stop the supply of sth go on = happen

grow into sth/sb interfere with sth over and above sth pay sth back

pop into sth (your head/mind) run sth up

stay/be/keep in touch until all hours

DOMESTIC ROBOTS

be on the cusp of sth call sb in

care for sb carry sth out

first and foremost hand (sth) over (to sb)

have sth in common with sth hire sth out

keep track of sth make a difference make up for sth

play a role/part in sth take care of sb

take sth for granted

to come (days/years, etc.) turn out (to be sth)

COMPUTERS

back sth up

backup n (computers) boot (sth) up

get rid of sth = take action to stop sth go down (of a computer)

greyed out key sth in log off/out log on/in pop up pop-up n

pop-up window print sth out/off printout n

pull down a menu pull-down menu

set sth up = arrange for sth to happen shut (sth) down

start (sth) up = start a computer warm up (of a machine)

zoom in/out

MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

TALKING ABOUT THE NEWS

behind the scenes

blow sth up out of (all) proportion cast doubt on sth

check sth out cover sth up cover-up n dig around

follow sth up = investigate get out (news)

leak out (news) off the record on the record open up (to sb) put sth across tip sb off

tip-off n

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

bring sth out flare up (of fire)

flare up (of illness) flare up (of trouble) get the go-ahead give birth to sb/sth give sb the go-ahead in favour (of sth) level off/out

look into sth pay tribute to sb put a stop to sth rule sth out

speak out (about/against sth/sb) stamp sth out

step aside/down stick by sb

wipe sth out

PRESS BEHAVIOUR

against the law

be in the firing line blow up

by no means close sth down

drag your heels/feet hack (into) sth

in a good/bad light in sb’s eyes

in the eyes of sb in the public eye

keep your eyes open (for sth) listen in on sth/sb

redeem yourself relate to sth tighten sth up

FILM REVIEWS be asking for trouble cater for sb/sth come alive

come to life come up to sth going by sth hard to swallow

hinge on/upon sth in brief

judging by/from sth

let sth down = make sth less successful live up to sth

make sth of sth/sb nothing like as … as peter out

remind sb of sth run out of steam

THE PROS AND CONS OF TV

be glued to sth broaden your horizons draw sb in

eat into sth

get in the way of sth get on with your life get used to doing sth

have (got) nothing against sth/sb layabout n

lie about/around night after night

open sth up = create new possibilities switch sth off

take the plunge used to do sth wind down

TV CRIME SERIES

base sth on sth

centre around/round sth/sb come up with sth

early on

get (sth) off the ground go out = be broadcast hand (sth) over (to sb) hit on/upon sth

make the headlines piece sth together point sth out (to sb) run out of steam toy with sth

LEISURE

HOBBIES

a change of direction at a price

be/have something to do with sth commit yourself to (doing) sth devote sth/yourself to sth

do your homework for a start

get sth out of sth

have time on your hands keep/have an open mind let yourself in for sth

pick sth up where you left off rule sth out

take sth into account

take up sth = fill time/space while (time) away

MY FREE TIME be mad keen on sth/sb come easily

get over sth/sb = recover

go in for sth in shape

out of shape

pick sth up = learn a skill sign up (for sth)

spur sb on (to do sth) start off

stick at sth

take it/a lot out of sb

take sth up = start a job, hobby, etc. talk sb into (doing) sth

talk sb out of (doing) sth to start with

try sth out

walk off with sth = steal sth walk off with sth = win sth easily

READING

can’t put sth down capture sb’s imagination come out = be published curl up

derive sth from sth

feel sorry for sb get hold of sb get hold of sth

get into sth = start enjoying sth go on at sb

immerse yourself/sb in sth make up for sth

miss out (on sth) pay off

relate to sb right away

turn out = develop in a particular way

ART GALLERIES WITH CHILDREN

engage with sb

follow sth up = add to sth you have done follow-up n

go down well/badly (with sb) keep your voice down

lay sth on look ahead on display pick sth out plan ahead

print sth out/off

read up about/on sth remind sb of sth

run riot (of sb’s imagination) run riot = be out of control shy away from sth

think ahead turn sb off (sth) turn-off n

BOARD GAMES add (sth) up = calculate base sth on sth

call for sth

count sth up jumble sth up

make sth up = form sth note sth down

put sth back = return sth to its place put sth down = place sth on a surface run out of sth = have none left

take it in turns (to do sth) take sth away (from sth) take turns to do sth

try your hand at sth turn (sth) into sth use sth up

SPORT

PHRASES IN TEAM SPORTS

against the run of play at full strength

be on top below strength

come close to doing sth go down (to sb) = lose kick off

kick-off n

knock sb out = defeat sb knockout competition lose the toss

on the bench

play at home/away send sb off

win the toss

WINTER SPORTS

bump into sb/sth = hit accidentally cover up

in/under the circumstances lie down

make sense

no matter what/how/where, etc. play (it) safe

sit up

stick to sth = continue and not change try sth out

under/in no circumstances watch out (for sth)

wrap up = keep warm

THE RISE OF A GREAT TENNIS PLAYER

build sb/sth up = make sb/sth stronger come back = become successful again come off = be successful

come off = leave a sports field comeback n

fight back fightback n

from/at the outset (of sth) gamble on sth

get off to a good/bad/slow, etc. start go on to (do) sth

in a row

keep sth up = maintain a standard on a par (with sth/sb)

on display

SPORTS INJURIES

abide by sth

be meant to do/be sth build sth into sth come back = return come first

cut sth down

first and foremost in shape

in the first place loosen up

out of shape

run a/the risk of sth/doing sth such as

take part (in sth) warm down

warm up = prepare for activity warm-down n

warm-up n = preparation for activity

THE MIND OF A CHAMPION

a force to be reckoned with bottle sth up

build-up (to sth) n = preparation for sth devote sth/yourself to sth

draw on/upon sth

give up = stop trying to do sth I’ll show you

keep going

keep sth to yourself let sb down

open up (to sb) switch off = relax

take over (from sth) = become more important

SOCIAL EVENTS

A PICNIC

(all) on your own

clear (sth) up = tidy sth

go down (of the sun, moon, etc.) go on sth (a picnic, a tour, etc.) invest in sth

make your way (to somewhere) off the beaten track

pick sth up = buy sth pitch in

set sth up = prepare sth for an activity stay away

stay behind stay over

take advantage of sth turn back

write in

A SURPRISE PARTY

burst into tears burst out laughing can’t help yourself

come up = be going to happen dawn on sb

draw up dress up

get dressed up get wind of sth keep sth from sb let on (to sb) occur to sb

see to sth

spill the beans

take (no) notice (of sth/sb) take charge of sth

throw a party yell (sth) out

A FAMILY MEAL

bad luck bargain on sth chat (away) first of all

get behind (with sth)

hard luck

hold sb/sth up = delay sb/sth pop over/round

pour with rain rush about/around squeeze into sth

squeeze sb/sth into sth stand around

think ahead tidy sth away to be honest wash up what a pity what a shame

A WEDDING

a/the big day do without sth

drink (a toast) to sb/sth flood back

get up = stand

go along with sb/sth

go off = happen in a particular way go off without a hitch

in the event

pin sb down = force sb to make a decision reduce sb to tears/silence, etc.

settle for sth settle on sth/sb stand up

swap places with sb = be in sb else’s situation

treat sb to sth

ROCK CONCERTS

back sb up be in for sth call out

come on = walk on stage enjoy yourself

fight for breath go crazy

go down a bomb go down a storm

go down well/badly (with sb) live in/for the moment packed in like sardines

pass out

scream your head off sing along (to sth) test sth (out)

warm-up adj

win sb over

DRAMATIC EVENTS

A NASTY ROW

back sb up clear off

give sb a telling-off go for sb = attack

go on (and on) (about sth/sb)

have a go at sb laugh sth off look on

mind your own business not lift a finger (to do sth) onlooker n

step in

take sb for granted

tell sb off (for sth/doing sth) turn on sb

walk away (from sb/sth)

RIOTS beat sb up break out

burn (sth) down

come under fire die away

die down die out

get away with sth = escape punishment in force

in the wake of sth lead up to sth

set sth on fire/set fire to sth spark sth (off)

spill over wreak havoc

STORMS AND FLOODING

at risk (from/of sth) catch sb unawares come in = arrive come in = be received come in = enter

come to terms with sth contend with sth/sb

cut sth/sb off (from sth) = prevent sb/sth leaving or entering

deal with sth = solve a problem downpour n

drive sb out (of sth) ease off

in living memory pour down sweep sth away

A FIGHT IN A FISH SHOP

be full of yourself break out

break up (fight)

catch up with sb = find and arrest sb come in = enter

like a flash look on

lose your balance onlooker n

pin sb down = hold sb on the ground push in

quick as a flash run away

show off stand back

take exception to sth the next thing I knew throw a punch

turn sth on sb/sth

MOUNTAIN RESCUE

attend to sb/sth back sb up

backup n = support call sb out

close in

come around/round

come down (of rain, snow, etc.) come to

complain of sth dawn on sb figure sth out

lose your bearings on the spot

set off start back

think twice about sth/doing sth work sth out

STUDY

MEMORIES OF SCHOOL

break up (school) catch up on sth

do well/badly (at sth) doze off

get down to sth give sb a telling-off keep sb in

keep up (with sb/sth) (progress) learn sth by heart

mark sb down play truant

pull your socks up

tell sb off (for sth/doing sth) think back (to sth)

throw sb out (of sth)

CLASSROOM ACTIONS

copy sth down cross sth out fill sth in

hand sth in hand sth out leave sth/sb out print sth out/off put sth away rub sth out

turn sth over

WHAT TEACHERS SAY

call it a day

catch up with sb = reach the standard of sb clear sth up = explain

come back to sth finish sth off

go through sth = examine sth

hand sth out handout n

in rough look sth up

move on to sth once and for all read sth out

swap places = exchange positions take it in turns (to do sth)

take turns at sth

EXAM REVISION TIPS

against the clock come up = happen copy sth out

draw sth up

flick through sth (books)

flick through sth (TV channels) get your hands on sth

jot sth down keep sb going look after sth/sb

make sth up = invent sink in

stay up

stick to sth = continue and not change wear sb out

work sth out

work your way through sth

EXAM RESULTS

be in a bad/terrible state come out = become known come up with sth

count towards sth

get in/into sth = enter university get through (sth) = pass an exam give sth up = stop doing sth

go blank mess sth up miss sth out not be for sb

sail through sth scrape through (sth)

stand a chance of doing sth with flying colours

WHY LEARN A LANGUAGE?

act as sth/sb

bridge the gap between A and B brush up on sth/brush sth up build sth up = develop sth

get by (in a language) go about doing sth

in terms of sth

open sth up = create new possibilities pick sth up = learn a skill

pick sth/sb up = collect sth/sb pick sth/sb up = lift sth/sb play a part in sth

smooth the path/way (for sth)

stand out (from sb/sth) = be easy to notice

WORK

GETTING A JOB

be after sth be up to sth

depend on sth = be decided by sth find out about sb/sth

find sth out flag sth up look sth over

make an impression (on sb) make sure

point sth out (to sb) relate to sth

rely on sb/sth show up speak up

stand out (from sb/sth) = be easy to notice turn up = arrive

JOB LIKES AND DISLIKES

again and again

be supposed to be/do sth believe in sth

bored stiff bored to death bored to tears

deal with sb = do business figure sth out

fill sth in fill sth out

get sth across

get/be bogged down (in sth) go over sth

make the most of sth pull sb to pieces

sort itself out sort sth out thrive on sth work sth out

BETTER JOB PERFORMANCE

all over the place

be snowed under (with sth) break sth down

filter sth out

get sth out of the way

get through (sth) = complete sth go on to (do) sth

one at a time one by one

put sb off = distract sb

put sth off/put off doing sth = delay sth set sth aside

tidy sth up work on sth

COLLEAGUES

back sb up

be cut out for sth/to be sth bring out the best/worst in sb come up with sth

get along (with sb) get on (with sb)

have (got) a lot of time for sb/sth look down on sb

look on sb as sb/sth look up to sb

pull out (all) the stops show off

show-off n

talk down to sb

talk sth over (with sb) turn to sb/sth

LOSING YOUR JOB

bring sb in

drop off = become fewer feel sorry for yourself get the sack

give sb the sack

hand in your notice/resignation it’s early days

lay sb off live on sth

make life/things difficult for sb make sb redundant

run sth up

set sth up = start a business sink in

sit around/about

start sth up (a business) take sb on

take sth over (in business) takeover n

BUSINESS

BUYING AN EXISTING BUSINESS

a gap in the market a going concern build on sth capitalize on sth draw on/upon sth

get your hands on sth in place

on top of sth put in (money)

put money in/into sth sell up

set sth up = start a business start sth up (a business) take sth on

take sth over (in business) turn (sth) into sth

up and running

A GROWING BUSINESS

a stroke of luck at a stroke believe in sth belong to sb break even

build sth up = develop sth

close down

go into sth = be spent on sth go into sth = start a career go into sth = talk in detail

have a knock-on effect (on sth) it’s touch and go

make a go of sth pass sth on (to sb) take sb on

A STRUGGLING BUSINESS

be/get out of control dry up

fall behind go wrong

hold sb/sth back

keep up with sb/sth (knowledge) keep your eye on the ball keep/be one step ahead of sb

let sth down = make sth less successful one/a step at a time

pros and cons (of sth) start sth up (a business) start-up adj, n

step by step weigh sth up

GOING BANKRUPT

a fresh start

deal with sb = do business

deal with sth = solve a problem go bust

go out of business out of your hands pay sb back

pay sth off

sell sth off = sell a company, etc. set sth up = start a business take sth over (in general)

turn sth around/round = make sth successful again

wind sth down

wind sth up = close a company write sth off (debt)

MANAGEMENT BUYOUT

back out

break down (relationship) breakdown n (relationship) buy sb out

buyout n

call on sth

contend with sth/sb fall through

go ahead = proceed

on the verge of (doing) sth press ahead (with sth)

pull out = withdraw put sb’s mind at ease set sb/sth back setback n

take sth over (in business) takeover n

COMPANY RESCUE

as a consequence at once

be/get out of control be/get sth under control bring sb in

free sth up

get down to sth

get to grips with sth go downhill improve on sth

in consequence lay sb off

lose out (to sb/sth) make sb redundant take sth on

turn sth around/round = make sth successful again

POLITICS

A FUTURE PRIME MINISTER?

be heading for sth be to the fore

come up = become available hit/grab/make the headlines

not stand for sth = not accept sth set out to be/do sth

stand down

stand for sth = abbreviation stand for sth = try to be chosen

stand out (as sth) = be better than others sweep to victory

take after sb

turn your back on sth under sb’s wing

POLITICAL SOUND BITES

(not) add up = (not) seem true or correct at stake

fall for sth focus on sth

give in (to sb/sth) = accept defeat have a long way to go

hidden agenda

it’s no good doing sth leave sth behind

look at sth look to sth

make a difference make it = be successful

stand for sth = believe in a principle stand up to sb/sth

the run-up to sth

ELECTION NIGHT be about to do sth build on sth

capitalize on sth

come out in favour of sth/against sth count (up) sth

crowd around/round (sb/sth)

here we go

hinge on/upon sth in sb’s favour judging by/from sth

neck and neck (with sb) on the verge of (doing) sth run neck and neck with sb tip the balance

too close to call turnout n

OPINIONS ABOUT POLITICIANS

believe in sth do your best for my money

get a good/bad press get on sb’s nerves

have (got) no time for sb/sth in opposition

in power resort to sth

take sb in = deceive sb talk down to sb

talk sense/nonsense/rubbish, etc. toe the (party) line

try your utmost

we get what we deserve

PASSING LAWS

as a rule

back and forth

be made up of sth call sb in

consist of sth draw sth out

get through (sth) = be officially accepted go through (of a bill) = become law

go through = perform a series of actions go through sth = examine sth

in favour (of sth) in the light of sth long drawn-out

make sth up = form sth on my/its/the way

put sth forward report back (to sb) take place

CONCEPTS

CRITICISM find fault with sb get sb down

give sb a hard time

have it out (with sb) hold sth against sb jump down sb’s throat lash out at sb

live with sth put sb down shrug sth off

step back (from sth)

take a long, hard look at sth/sb take sth out on sb

take sth personally

DISHONESTY be/get caught out be/get found out come clean

cover sth up cover-up n

get away with sth = escape punishment give the game away

keep sth from sb let on (to sb)

look the other way make sth up = invent

own up (to sth/to doing sth) pull the wool over sb’s eyes see through sb/sth

to sb’s face

turn a blind eye (to sth)

TIME

at the last minute/moment catch up

dash sth off drag on

in no hurry (to do sth) in time

look back on sth on time

one of these days reflect on sth

run over (of a meeting, lesson, etc.) rush into (doing) sth

take forever (to do sth) take your time (to do sth) tick away

time flies under pressure

MAKING DECISIONS

arrive at sth change your mind come what may decide against sth decide on sth

fall into sth figure sth out

give sth some thought go along with sb/sth gut feeling

gut instinct gut reaction leave it at that

make up your mind regardless of sth snap sth up

stick by sth weigh sth up

SUCCESS

crop up

dwell on/upon sth get ahead

give in (to sb/sth) = accept defeat give sth away = donate sth

give sth away = let sb win give sth away = reveal a secret improve yourself

look on the bright side make a fast/quick buck make it = be successful move on

move with the times slip up

sometime or other spur sb on (to do sth)

SOCIAL ENGLISH

MAKING ARRANGEMENTS

all my love all the best ask around best wishes

bring sth forward call in on sb

call sth off cheers

fall through firm sth up

fix sth up (with sb)

get back to sb = speak or write later get sth mixed up

let sb know (sth) (lots of) love (from) mix sth up

mix-up n

no problem

put sth back = move sth to a later time take a risk

take care (greeting)

LIKES AND DISLIKES

be into sth

be mad keen on sth/sb blow sb away

can take it or leave it can’t bear sth/sb can’t stand sth/sb

go for sth/sb = like a type of thing/person go off sth/sb

grow on sb hit it off leave sb cold revel in sth

take against sb

take sth away (a meal eaten at home) takeaway n

warm to sb

would rather do sth would sooner do sth

WANTS AND NEEDS

be coming up

be crying out for sth

be dying for sth/to do sth be starving

could do with sth

depend on sb/sth = need sb/sth deprive sb of sth

do without sth

feel like (doing) sth

have (got) your eye on sth

have your heart set on (doing) sth if need be

in need of sth make do (with sth)

there’s no need (for sb) to do sth

EXCUSES, EXCUSES

block sb in crop up

deal with sth = control your feelings do sth in

go into sth = talk in detail go off (of an alarm) = ring

go off (of electricity) = stop working go/get all the way

leave sth behind lock yourself out

make it = be able to be present make sth up = invent

mess around with sth = touch or use sth carelessly

out of action phone in

run out of sth = have none left take (time, etc.) off

walk into sth

INVITATIONS AND OFFERS

and stuff be tied up come over

drop in on sb eat in

eat out

get out of sth = avoid doing sth go fifty-fifty

go halves

have (got) sth on

help (sb) out (with sth) invite sb back

invite sb round/over join in

on your mind put sb out take sb out

take sb up on sth

ASKING FOR INFORMATION

be descended from sb bring sth down

check sth out

fight sth/sb off find sth out

go about (doing) sth

go into sth = start a career go off = go bad

go without sth

name sth/sb after sb/sth opt out (of sth)

revolve around sth = move in a circle stand for sth = abbreviation

tell sth/sb apart

throw sth away = get rid of sth wear off

wire sth up

SPEAKING ENGLISH

WAYS OF TALKING

blurt sth out break the news bring sth up butt in

chat sb up

come out with sth confide in sb

engage sb in conversation keep quiet about sth keep sth to yourself

make sth out

not breathe a word about sth slip sth in

strike up a conversation (with sb) talk at sb

trail off

CONVERSATION RULES

come across as sth

cut sb off = interrupt sb draw sb out

draw sth out drawn-out adj get sth across

get through to sb = make sb understand jump in

keep it simple make conversation

oddly/funnily/strangely/curiously enough pay attention

ramble on

take sth over (in general) talk over sb

there’s nothing worse than (doing) sth

EXCLAMATIONS

cheer up clear off come off it

come on (for encouragement) come on = I don’t believe you don’t give me that

get a move on get off (me)

get on with it

go away = leave a person or place grow up = don’t be silly

hang on (to show you have just realized sth)

hang on = wait hold on

hurry up

leave me alone look out

mind out push off shut up

take your hands off me watch out

DISCUSSION GROUPS

at cross purposes

come up = be mentioned draw sb out

draw sth up get to the point go about sth

have the last word meet up (with sb) miss the point

play devil’s advocate point sth out (to sb) sit back

take issue with sth/sb

talk sense/nonsense/rubbish, etc. touch on/upon sth

wrap sth up = finish sth

SPEECHES

a shoulder to cry on bring sth off

come first come your way

go from strength to strength live up to sth

look forward to (doing) sth make way for sb

move on

on behalf of sb = representing others on behalf of sb = to help sb

pull sth off pull together rely on sb/sth stand by sb stand down

step aside/down

ASPECTS OF PHRASAL VERBS

SAY IT ANOTHER WAY 1

come out = be published drop sth off = deliver sth get over sth = overcome sth get sb down

go off = explode hit back at sb

look up to sb put sb down put sth forward

put up with sb/sth = tolerate sb relate to sb

speed up take sb off

talk sb into (doing) sth think sth up = invent sth turn sth down = reject sth

SAY IT ANOTHER WAY 2 confess (to sth/to doing sth) consider doing sth

do away with sth = abolish sth

do sth up = repair kick sb out (of sth) look into sth mount up

own up (to sth/to doing sth) pull sth down

run out = expire

run out of sth = have none left stand down

stand in for sb

take sb in = deceive sb tear sth down

think of doing sth

SYNONOMOUS PHRASAL VERBS

boil down to sth build up = increase chuck sth away come down to sth come up = happen crop up

hold sth up = support sth iron sth out

kick sb out (of sth) mess sth up mount up

muck sth up mull sth over pipe down prop sth up shut up

sort sth out

tell sb off (for sth/doing sth) think sth over

throw sb out (of sth)

throw sth away = get rid of sth tick sb off

OPPOSITES

close down close sth down

come on (of electrical appliances) eat in

eat out

fall out (with sb)

give sth up = stop doing sth

go off (of electricity) = stop working

go out (and do sth) log off/out

log on/in

make it up (with sb) make up (with sb) move in/move into sth

move out/move out of sth open sth up = start a business pay sth back

slow down speed up stay in

take sth out (a loan)

take sth up = start a job, hobby, etc.

BASIC MEANING AND METAPHOR (not) add up = (not) seem true or correct add (sth) up = calculate

break sth off = end a relationship

break sth off = remove sth fall apart = break

fall apart = have problems

line sb/sth up = arrange for sth to happen line sb/sth up = arrange sb/sth in a straight line

paper over sth

paper over the cracks

stand out (from sb/sth) = be easy to notice stick in sb’s mind

stick out (of sth) = come out beyond a surface

stick out = be noticeable stick out a mile

throw sth away = get rid of sth

throw sth away = waste an opportunity

METAPHORICAL MEANING

brush sb/sth off drift off

flood back

nose around/about sth pass away

plug away (at sth) scrape through (sth) seize up

slip up

string along (with sb) string sb along

stumble across/on sth/sb swear by sth

INFORMAL PHRASAL VERBS

beaver away (at sth)

bump into sb = meet unexpectedly get together

look sb up

look up = become better muck sb about

pack sth in pack up pull sb up rip sb off rip-off n

roll up

run into sb show sb up stick around

take off = leave in a hurry

MORE FORMAL PHRASAL VERBS

abide by sth adhere to sth allude to sth

contend with sth/sb dispense with sb’s services dispense with sth

dispose of sth/sb dwell on/upon sth embark on/upon sth engage in sth preside over sth/sb resign yourself to sth subscribe to sth vouch for sb/sth

PARTICLES WITH SPECIFIC MEANINGS

BACK answer (sb) back call sb back

cut back (on sth)

get back to sb = speak or write later get back to sth = return to a place get back to sth = return to a state get sth back

hold sb/sth back look back on sth pay sth back phone sb back

put sth back = return sth to its place ring sb back

send sth back turn back

THROUGH

break through sth

flick through sth (books)

get through (sth) = complete sth get through (sth) = pass an exam get through (to sb) = make contact live through sth

look through sth read through sth see sth through see through sb/sth sleep through sth take sb through sth

AROUND, ABOUT

get around/round/about (sth) = travel go around with sb

hang around/about laze around/about

lie around = do nothing

lie around = left in an untidy state look around/round (sth)

mess around/about = behave in a stupid way

mess around/about = spend time doing sth for pleasure

rush about/around shop around (for sth)

show sb around/round (sth)

ON

carry on (doing sth) = continue doing sth come on = improve

drag on drive on

get on with sth

go on (of time) = pass

go on = continue speaking go on = happen

hand sth out handout n

keep (on) doing sth pass sth on (to sb) pick on sb

stay on take sb on

UP

build sth up = develop sth build up = increase

build-up n = increase chop sth up

drink (sth) up finish sth up hurry up load (sth) up mount up pile up

put sth up = increase the price queue up

serve (sth) up stand up

tidy sth up

wake up/wake sb up

wind sth up = bring sth to an end

OFF

branch off

break sth off = end a relationship break sth off = remove sth

clear off cordon sth off

cut sth off = remove sth

cut sth/sb off (from sth) = prevent sb/sth leaving or entering

get off sth = leave your workplace go off (to do sth)

see sb off send sb off set off

take off (of a plane)

take sth off = remove clothing