1

English Phrasal Verbs

A phrasal verb is a verb followed by a preposition or an adverb; the combination
creates a meaning different from the original verb. Below you will find a list of
phrasal verbs in alphabetical order with their meaning and an example of use.

Alphabetical List - A
Phrasal
Verb

Meaning

Example

If you want to stay at this school,

you must abide by the rules.
I hope you can account for the
account for Explain; give a reason
money you spent!
Want something or someone very He was so lonely he ached for the
ache for
sound of a human voice.
much.
The police acted on the call they
Take action as a result of something
act on
received.
Dad's poor knee is acting up
Cause pain or annoyance by
act up
again.
functioning badly
Her story just doesn't add up.
Make sense; seem reasonable
add up
Support; follow; act in accordance All contestants must adhere to
adhere to
the rules.
with
The doctor advised him against
advise
Recommend not doing something
carrying heavy loads.
against
Have the same opinion as someone I agree with you. I think she
agree with
deserves the award too.
else
The policeman aimed his gun at
Direct towards a target
aim at
the hijacker.
You'd better leave early to allow
Take into consideration;
allow for
for heavy traffic.
Include in a calculation
1) The total cost amounts to
1200.
amount to Reach; be equivalent to
2) His statement amounted to a
confession.
The documentary was angled at
Show from a particular point of view.
angle at
young viewers.
I suspect Tom's angling for a free
angle for Try to obtain something by hinting.
ticket.
Don't answer back your mother!
answer back Reply rudely
abide by

Respect or obey
(the law, a decision, a rule)

2
1) Normally parents have to
answer for their children's
behaviour.
answer for
2) Speak on behalf of someone.
2) I agree, but I can't answer for
my associate.
Be responsible to/be controlled by Who do you answer to in your
answer to
job?
(someone)
1)Plead or make an earnest request. 1) The organizers appealed to
the crowd to stay calm.
appeal to
2) Be attractive or interesting.
2) Camping doesn't appeal to me.
Make a formal request for something
He applied for the job advertised.
apply for
(job, permit, loan, etc.)
It is hoped that they will arrive at
Reach
an agreement at the end of the
arrive at (an agreement, a decision, a
conclusion)
meeting..
My mother is always asking after
ask after Enquire about someone's well-being.
you.
I'll ask around and see if anyone
ask around Mention it to people you see or meet.
has seen your cat.
I couldn't leave her standing
outside in the cold so I asked her
Invite someone to come inside.
ask in
in.
Invite someone to lunch, dinner, the John has asked Mary out several
ask out
times.
cinema ...
When the company is privatized,
avail
Take advantage of something
you should avail yourself of the
(oneself) of (an opportunity)
opportunity and buy some shares.
The price of lunch averages out
average out
Result in an average (amount)
at 10 per person.
at
1) Be responsible for something.

Alphabetical List - B
Phrasal
Verb

Meaning

back away Move backwards, in fear or dislike

back down Withdraw; concede defeat.
back off

Retreat, abandon an intention.

back out

Withdraw from an agreement.

1) Give support or encouragement

back up

bail out

2) make a copy of (file, program...)

1) Pay money to secure someone's
release
2) Rescue from financial difficulties

band
together
bank on

Unite in a group.
Base your hopes on
something/someone.

bargain for Expect; be prepared for.

bear out

Confirm

bear with

Be patient.

beef up

Improve or make more substantial

black out

Faint; lose consciousness

block off

Separate using a barrier.

blow up

1) Explode.
2) Be destroyed by an explosion.

Example
When he saw the dog, he backed
away.
Local authorities backed down on
their plans to demolish the cinema.
The thugs backed off when they
saw the police.
We made a deal. You can't back
out now!
1) If I tell the boss we've got too
much work,
will you back me up?
2) It is recommended to back up
all files.
1) When he was arrested, his
family refused
to bail him out.
2) The government bailed out the
bank.
Consumers banded together to
protest against the measures.
Don't forget the date. I'm banking
on your help.
The interview was more difficult
than he had bargained for.
The other witnesses will bear out
my testimony.
Please bear with me please while I
finish my explanation.
He beefed up his presentation
with diagrams and statistics.
When he fell off the horse, he
blacked out.
The area was blocked off during
the demonstration.
1) The terrorists said the bomb
would blow
up at 9 o'clock.
2) The car blew up but luckily

boil down to
boot up
break away

break down

break into

break off

break out
break out of
break up

bring off

bring up

brush up on
bump into
burn out

there was
nobody in it.
The problem boils down to a lack
Be summarized as
of money.
Just give me a few minutes to boot
Start a computer by loading an
up the computer.
operating system or program.
A few horses broke away from the
Escape from captivity.
paddock.
1) John's car broke down on the
way to the
1) Go out of order, cease to
airport.
function.
2) The parents broke down when
2) Lose control of one's emotions. they
heard the bad news.
The burglars broke into the house
Enter by force.
around midnight.
1) It was decided to break off
diplomatic
1) Stop, discontinue
relations with that country.
2) Stop speaking
2) She broke off in the middle of a
sentence.
Rioting broke out as a result of
Start suddenly.
the strike.
Three prisoners broke out of jail.
Escape from a place by force.
After her marriage broke up,
Come to an end (marriage,
Emma went to live in London.
relationship...)
You pretended to be a journalist
and he believed you?
Succeed in doing something difficult
I never thought you'd bring that
off!
1) She stopped working in order to
bring up
her children.
1) Raise (a child).
2) His friends knew he had lost his
2) Mention something.
job but
they decided not to bring up
the subject.
Mary decided to brush up on her
Improve, refresh one's knowledge of
Spanish before going to Southsomething.
America.
Pedro bumped into his English
Meet by accident or unexpectedly.
teacher at the supermarket.
1) The fuse has burnt out.
1) Stop (something) working

2) Become exhausted from

overworking
butt in (on) Interrupt impolitely.

2) Tom will burn himself out if he

doesn't
slow down.
It's rude to butt in on a
conversation.

Alphabetical List - C
Phrasal
Verb
call back
call off

Meaning
Return a phone call
Cancel

call on/upon Formally invite or request.

calm down

Become more relaxed or less

angry/upset.

carry on

Continue.

carry out

1) Do something as specified
(plan, order, threat...)
2) Perform or conduct (test,
experiment ...)

carry over

Postpone until later.

catch up on
catch up with

check in

check out

Acquire information you have

missed.
Reach the same stage as
someone else.
Register at a hotel or airport.
1) Pay one's bill and leave (a
hotel)
2) Investigate or verify.

cheer up

Put someone in a better mood.

chip in

Contribute to, or participate in,

something done by a group.

clam up

Refuse to speak.

Example
I'll call you back as soon as
possible.
The meeting was called off because
of the strike.
I now call upon the President to
address the assembly.
He was angry at first, but he
eventually calmed down.
He carried on gardening in spite of
the rain.
1) The plan was carried out to
perfection.
2) Tests are carried out to
determine the efficiency of a new
drug.
As regards holidays, can we carry
over days from one year to the
next?
I must call by mother to catch up on
the latest family events.
I've missed some classes so I'll have
to work hard to catch up with the
others.
For security reasons, you have to
check in two hours before your
flight.
1) Is Mr. Bush still at the hotel? No,
he checked out this morning.
2) I don't know if the address is still
valid.
I'll check it out.
I told her a joke to try and cheer her
up.
Bob has decided to retire and we're
going to buy him a present. Do you
want to chip in?
When the teacher arrived, she
clammed up.

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clamp down
Act strictly to prevent something.
on
Stop operating (company,
close down
restaurant, cinema ...)
1) Find by chance.
come across

2) Appear, seem, make an

impression.

come down
Become ill with ...
with
come forward Present oneself.
come up
against

Be faced with or opposed by.

come up with Produce an idea or plan.

1) Stop working.
conk out

2) Stop or fall asleep (from

exhaustion).

count on

Rely or depend on.

cross out

Remove by drawing a line

through.

cut down on Reduce in number or size.

cut out

1) Remove using scissors.

2) Stop doing something.

The government decided to clamp

down on smoking in public areas.
When the factory closed down, the
employees lost their jobs.
1) Julie came across some
photographs of her grandparents in
the attic.
2) The candidate came across as a
dynamic person during the interview.
The architect planned to attend the
inauguration but unfortunately he
came down with the flu over the
weekend.
The police have asked any witnesses
to come forward.
The project came up against a lot
of criticism.
Sacha came up with a great idea for
the party.
1) The car conked out on the
motorway.
2) He was so exhausted, he conked
out in front of the TV.
I'm counting on the taxi driver to
find the theatre.
In some exercises you are asked to
cross out the incorrect word.
The doctor told him to cut down on
cigarettes.
1) She cut out a picture in a
magazine.
2) I'm going to cut out eating sweet
food.

Alphabetical List D
Phrasal
Verb
deal with

Meaning

Example

Handle, take care of (problem, The manager is good at dealing with

difficult customers.
situation)

deck out
(in/with)

Dress; decorate

die down

Calm down, become less

strong.

1) Try to find deep inside

something.
dig into

2) Start to do something.

1) The women were all decked out in

beautiful
dresses.
2) The exhibition hall will be decked
out in the
colours of Europe.
When the applause died down, she
started to sing.
1) He dug into his pocket and found
a coin.
2) It was time to dig into the work
that had
accumulated on her desk.

3) Take from something.

3) Dad had to dig into his savings to

repair the
roof.
1) He tried to dig up the tree by its
1) Break up the soil/remove by
roots.
digging.
dig up

2) Some newspapers often try to dig

up
scandalous information.
He spent the day dishing out
dish out Distribute or give away a lot.
invitations to tourists.
I'm afraid you'll have to download it.
dispense
Decide to do without something. They've dispensed with the paper
with
version.
Some people think it's time to do
do away with Get rid of; abolish.
away with the monarchy.
My parents will need to do over their
living-room soon. The paintwork
Clean or redecorate.
do over
needs refreshing.
Good boy Alex! You know how to do
Fasten (a garment)
do up
up your coat now!
The shops are closed so we'll have to
do without Manage without.
do without sugar.
We expected a short speech but it
Last longer than expected.
drag on
dragged on and on!
drag out 1) Make something longer than 1) Let's decide now and not drag out
necessary.
this
discussion.
2) Make someone reveal or give
2) Discover or reveal
information.

information unwillingly.
draw up

Write (contract, agreement,

document).
1) Wear elegant clothes.

dress up

drift apart
drift off

2) Disguise oneself.
Become less and less close.
Gradually fall asleep.

Insinuate; be trying to say.

Fall into a position behind
drop behind
others.
drive at

drop in

drop off

Visit, usually on the way

somewhere.
1) Deliver someone or
something.

2) The police finally dragged out a

confession
from the suspect.
An agreement as drawn up and
signed by the two parties.
1) Do people dress up to go to the
opera in your
country?
2) Children love to dress up at
Halloween.
We were childhood friends but we
drifted apart over the years.
He sat back, closed his eyes and
drifted off.
What exactly are you driving at?
Our sales have dropped behind
those of our competitors.
I sometimes drop in to see my
grandparents on my way home from
school.
1) I'll drop you off at the bus stop if
you like.

2) Granddad often drops off in front

of the TV.
She decided to go to art school, then
Leave school without finishing.
dropped out after the first term.
She turned up the music to drown
Be louder in order to cover
out the noise of the children outside.
another sound.
2) Fall asleep.

drop out
drown out

Alphabetical List - E-F

Phrasal
Verb

Meaning

Reduce, become less severe or

ease off/up slow down
(pain, traffic, work ...)
egg on

Encourage

embark

Start or engage in

Example
After Christmas, the workload
generally eases off.
Egged on by his friends, the boy
climbed over the wall.
She embarked on a career that

10
lead her to fame.
Finish in a certain way / result in Their marriage ended in divorce.
If he continues his misconduct, he'll
Finally reach a state, place or
end up
end up in prison.
action
1) After a long discussion they
1) Eliminate differences of opinion. managed to even out their
differences.
even out
2) Become level or regular
2) The road was evened out to
make it safer.
How are you going to explain away
Find an excuse or plausible
explain away
the missing money?
explanation
on/upon
end in

Sam will have to face up to the fact

that Jenny is not in love with him.
She fell behind at school and had
fall behind Fail to maintain a certain level
to study harder.
Our planned boat trip fell through
fall through Fail / does not happen
because of the storm.
I'm trying to figure out how to
figure out Understand / find the answer
assemble the wardrobe.
Temporarily substitute for another Eva is absent this morning and Julie
fill in for
is going to fill in for her.
person
Please fill out the enclosed form
and send it back as soon as
Complete (a form/application)
fill out
possible.
I'm going to call the cinema to find
Discover or obtain information
find out
out what time the film starts.
Feel comfortable or be in harmony
He just doesn't fit in with the others.
fit in (with)
with
They're going to fix up the house
Repair or renovate
fix up
before moving in.
Over the years their friendship
fizzle out Gradually end
fizzled out.
The advertising campaign will focus
focus on Concentrate on something
on the quality of the product.
Mix one ingredient with another. Fold in the eggs with the sugar.
fold in
She nearly freaked out when she
saw the colour of her hair. It was a
freak out Panic or go crazy
disaster!
My parents always frowned on
frown
Disapprove
smoking.
on/upon
She's always fussing over her
fuss over Pay excessive attention to
face up (to)

Accept ad deal with something

unpleasant.

11
grandson.

Alphabetical List - G

Phrasal Verb

Meaning

Example

1) It's not easy to get around the

12
city without
get
1) Move from place to place
a map.
about/around 2) Spread, circulate
2) News of their separation soon got
about.
I get along (well) with my motherget along
Be on good terms / work well with.
in-law.
(with)
What exactly are you trying to get
Imply
get at
at?
The robbers got away in a black
Escape
get away
car.
It's difficult to get by on a low
get by (on) Manage to cope or to survive.
salary.
It's time to get down to some
get down to Start to actually do something.
serious work!
How did the burglar get in?
Enter
get in
How did the burglar get into the
get into (+
Enter
house?
noun)
1) Get off the bus at Trafalgar
1) Leave (bus, train, plane).
Square.
get off
2) Remove from something.
2) She's trying to get off the stain.
You can pay when you get on the
Board (bus, train, plane)
get on
bus.
Continue to do something / make Be quiet and get on with your
get on with
homework.
progress
I get on very well with my
get on (well)
Have a good relationship with
colleagues.
with
How did he get out?
Leave
get out
get out of
How did he get out of the house?
Leave
(+noun)
Some husbands manage to get out
get out of
of
Avoid doing something
(+verb)
doing any housework.
Charlie had the 'flu but he got over
Recover from (illness,
get over
it.
disappointment)
It's difficult to get rid of old habits.
Eliminate
get rid of
I finally got round to making the
Find the necessary time to do
get round (to)
list that I promised.
something.
Let's get together for lunch one
get together Meet each other
day.
I usually get up at 7 o'clock.
Rise / leave bed
get up
1) He gave away most of his
1) Give something free of charge. paintings.
give away
2) Reveal something.
2) The names of the witnesses will
not be given away.
He promised to give back the
give back Return something to its owner.
money he borrowed..
Sarah gave up smoking five years
Stop ing something.
give up
ago.

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Alphabetical List - H
Phrasal
Verb

Meaning

Example

She read the article and then

handed it back.
My clothes were handed down to
Pass on (by tradition,
hand down
me by my older sister.
inheritance...)
All application forms must be
handed in before the end of the
Submit (report, homework)
hand in
month.
Samples will be handed out at the
end
hand out Distribute
of the demonstration.
The boy was forced to hand over the
hand over Give to someone in authority.
mobile phone he had stolen.
All the children rushed towards the
clown except one boy who hung
hang back Be reluctant to do something
back.
Hang on a minute. I'm early ready.
hang on Wait
Hang on to that rope and you'll be
hang on (to) Keep a hold on something
ok.
Where does he hang out these
Spend time in a particular place
days?
hang out
or with a group of friends
Who does he hang out with?
hang up End a telephone conversation Don't hang up. I haven't finished yet.
He headed off to the train station.
head off Start to go somewhere.
head for Go/move in a certain direction. The boat was heading for the rocks.
He hit at the wasp with a newspaper.
Aim a blow at something.
hit at
When he was attacked, the boy hit
Retaliate / reply to an attack
hit back
back.
She hit upon an idea for her new
Find unexpectedly or by
hit on/upon
collection.
inspiration
1) Hold on please. I'll put you
1) Wait
through to Mr. Brown.
hold on
2) She held on to the railing as she
2) Grip tightly
crossed the bridge.
She held up the diagram for all to
Show as a example
hold up
see.
I need help to hook up my dress.
hook up Fasten (a garment)
Many networks are hooked up by
hook up
Link broadcasting facilities
satellite.
(with)
Hurry up! We'll miss the bus!
hurry up Be quick / act speedily
hand back Return

14

Alphabetical List I-J-K

15
Meaning

Phrasal Verb
idle away
iron out

Waste time doing nothing

much.
Resolve by discussion/
eliminate
differences

impose
on/upon

Ask too much of someone.

improve
on/upon

Make better

indulge in
insure
against
invite out
join in
join up

Allow yourself to enjoy

something
Guarantee compensation for
damage etc.
Ask someone to join you for
lunch, dinner, etc.
Participate
1) Engage in, become a
member of
2) Meet and unite with

jot down

keep at
keep back
keep on
keep up with
kneel down
kick off
knock back

knock down

knock out
know of

Take quick notes

Example
He idles away hours every day
watching television.
The meeting tomorrow will be an
opportunity to iron out difficulties.
Is it alright if I stay?
I don't want to impose upon your
hospitabity.
The runner improved on his previous
performance.
Ive been dieting all week but today
I'm going to indulge in a dessert.
The house is insured against fire.
Harry invited her out for dinner.
She was too shy to join in the game.
1) John was in the army and Tom
joined up as soon as he left school.
2) The two groups of tourists joined
up at the hotel.
I jotted down the address while
watching the programme on TV.

His father encouraged him to keep at

his studies.
A barrier was installed to keep back
Retain / force to stay back
the fans.
I told him to be quiet but he kept on
Continue doing something
making noise.
Bill walks so fast it's difficult to keep
Stay at the same level as
up with him.
someone or something
Most people kneel down to pray.
Go down on your knees
The football match kicked off at 3
Begin, start
p.m.
He knocked back a pint of beer and
Drink quickly (usually alcohol)
left.
The child was knocked down by a
Strike someone or something to car.
The tree was knocked down during
the ground.
the storm
The boxer was knocked out in the
Cause someone to fall
first round.
unconscious.
have heard of / have knowledge Do you know of anyone else
attending the conference?
about
Persevere.

16

Alphabetical List - L

Phrasal
Verb

Meaning

Example

17
He laughed off the unflattering review
of his latest book.
Many factories have had to lay off
Fire, dismiss, let go
lay off
workers.
She leafed through a magazine in the
leaf through Turn over pages quickly
waiting room.
News of the planned merger leaked
Become known (information)
leak out
out.
Tom's name was left out of the report.
leave out Omit / not mention
1) You promised to come to the party,
so don't let
1) Disappoint
me down!
let down
2) Lengthen (skirt, pants)
2) The skirt is too short? I'll let it down
for you.
1) 1 watched the floodlights light up
the castle.
2) Her face always lights up when she
Illuminate
light up
sees her grandson.
3) The screen lights up when you turn
on a computer.
The books were lined up neatly on the
Stand in a row.
line up
shelves.
My grandparents lived through two
Experience something and
live through
wars.
survive
We need to liven up the presentation
Make something livelier or
liven up
somehow.
more attractive.
You need to log in to your account
Access a program or
log in/on
database using a password. before you use the services.
Log off the system and then turn off
End access to a database.
log off
the computer.
A baby sitter looks after the children
look after Take care of
when their parents go out.
It's time to forget the past and look
look ahead Think of the future
ahead.
My parents and their friends like to look
look back on Remember the past
back on "the good old days".
He tends to look down on anyone who
look down on Consider as inferior
is not successful.
I'll look into the matter and call you
look into Examine or investigate.
back.
Billy didn't take part in the fight. He
Be a spectator at an event
look on
just looked on.
Jane went shopping to look for a pair
Try to find something
look for
of shoes.
look forward Await or anticipate with
I look forward to seeing you soon.
pleasure
to
He was a wonderful teacher and many
look up to Admire
students looked up to him.
I'm the one who'll lose out if our plan
lose out on/to Be unsuccessful / suffer a loss
goes wrong.
laugh off

Make light of something /

minimize

18

Alphabetical List - M-N

Meaning

Phrasal Verb

Example

The old lady dresses so strangely

that the children make fun of her.
He made off with my briefcase
make off with Steal and hurry away
while I was checking the timetable.
Some employees make up excuses
Invent (excuse, story)
make up
when they arrive late for work.
It's time to shake hands and make
make up (with) End a quarrel
up.
With hard work I can make up for
the days
make up for Compensate for
I was absent.
The coat was marked down by
40% mark down Reduce the price.
a real bargain!
If you leave before Saturday you'll
Lose an opportunity to do
miss out (on)
miss out on the party.
something.
I don't know the members' names
Mistake one thing or person for
yet.
mix up
another
I tend to mix them up
You've bought a new house? When
Arrive in a new home or office
move in
are you moving in?
My neighbour is leaving. He's
Leave your home/office for
move out
moving out next Saturday.
another one.
make fun of

Laugh at / make jokes about

Make someone say something

precisely
Give the same name as another
name after
person
Reduce a list or a number of
narrow down
options.
nail down

nod off

Fall asleep

nose
Try to discover by searching.
about/around
note down

Write something down

He promised to come but we'll have

to nail him down to a date.
William was named after his
grandfather.
The list of suspects has been
narrowed down to three people.
My grandfather often nods off in
front of the television.
I don't like people nosing around
my desk.
I'll call the station and note down
the departure times.

19

Alphabetical List - O-P-Q

Meaning

Phrasal Verb
opt out

Leave a system or decide not to

participate

own up

Admit or confess something

Example
I enjoy tennis but I'm so busy
20
I had to opt out of the
tournament.
The boy owned up. He said
he kicked the ball through
the window.

The old lady passed away

peacefully.
Don't forget to pass on the
Transmit
pass on
information.
She passed out when she
Faint / lose consciousness
pass out
heard the bad news.
I will lend you 20 provided
you pay me back before the
Reimburse
pay back
end of the week.
The other children were
Choose someone to blame, punish,
always picking on Charlie
pick on
bully, etc.
because of his red hair.
Will you help me pick out a
handbag to go with my
Select; choose
pick out
outfit?
Children are quick to pick
Learn
pick up
up a new language.
James is coming to pick me
Collect; give someone a lift
pick up
up at 8 o'clock.
My stomach is starting to
play up again after all that
Cause pain or discomfort.
play up
heavy food.
Emphasize or make something seem He always plays up his
play up
achievements.
more important.
The government played
Minimize or make something appear
down the gravity of the
play down
less important
situation.
She popped over to visit
pop across/over/ Come or go quickly in the direction
her mother after lunch.
specified
down/out
He sometimes pops in for a
Make a brief visit
pop in
cup of coffee.
The question popped up
Arise, occur
pop up
during the meeting.
My grandmother caught
pneumonia but she pulled
Overcome difficulties or illness
pull through
through.
Please put away the
Return something to its normal place
dictionary when you've
put away
after using it.
finished using it.
The meeting was put off
Postpone / arrange a later date
put off
because of the strike.
Could you put on the light
Turn on / switch on
put on
please?
Put on your coat - it's
pass away

Die

21

Alphabetical List - R-S

Phrasal
Verb
reel off
rely on
rig out
rig-out
ring back
ring off
rub out
rule out
run away
run into
run out of
scale
back/down
scrape
together
scrape up
scrape
through

Meaning

Example

She amazed everyone by reeling off

all the phrasal verbs she had learned.
Don't worry. You can rely on me. I
can keep
Count on / depend on / trust
a secret.
The old lady arrived all rigged out in
Dress or equip
her best clothes.
Stella arrived in the most
Outfit
extraordinary rig-out!
Return a phone call (Also: call John rang and asked if you could ring
him back.
back)
He gave his name and then rang off.
End a phone call
Write it in pencil so that you can rub
Erase
it out.
The police ruled out political
Eliminate
motives.
He ran away from home at the age of
Escape from a place or
fourteen.
suddenly leave
Meet by accident or
Sophie ran into Maria at the
unexpectedly
shopping centre.
(also : bump into)
What a nuisance! I've run out of
Have no more of something
coffee.
Recite without effort or pause

Make something smaller than

originally intended.
Manage to find or collect
enough of something you need,
usually money
Succeed with difficulty

set off

Start a journey

set up

Start a business

Due to the crisis the company had to

scale down the size of the plant.
We finally scraped together enough
money to buy an old car.
How I scraped through the exam is
a mystery!
Early Saturday morning we set off for
the ski slopes.
She set up her own company 10

22

settle for

Accept something not quite

satisfactory.

shop around Compare prices

show off

Brag or want to be admired

show up

Appear / arrive

shut up
(impolite)

Be silent, stop talking

years ago.
I was hoping for a better proposal but
I'll settle for the amount you offer.
It's always wise to shop around
before buying anything.
There's David showing off in his new
sports car!
We expected William to come but he
didn't show up.
Oh shut up you idiot!

He signed away his property and

joined a religious community.
Let's go and eat as soon as we've
Register (e.g. at a hotel)
sign in
signed in.
Pay your bill and leave (e.g. a He signed out and left for the
sign out
airport.
hotel)
He signed over the house to his two
Transfer ownership of
sign over (to)
children.
something
Emma signed up for a computer
sign up (for) Enroll in an activity
course.
Sign an agreement to work for Paul has signed up with a news
sign up (with)
agency.
somebody
Two boys were singled out for extra
single out Select for special attention
coaching.
It took a while for the scale of the
To be fully understood
sink in
disaster to sink in.
Please come in and sit down.
sit down Take a seat
Tomorrow's Saturday, so I can sleep
Sleep later than usual
sleep in
in!
You're welcome to sleep over if you
Stay overnight at someone
sleep over
don't want to drive in this weather.
else's home.
You slipped up there! His name is
Make a mistake
slip up
Alex, not Alan!
Jack went for a long walk to sober
Get rid of the effects of too
sober up
up.
much alcohol
Students should sort out their books
Organize, resolve a problem
sort out
at the end of the school year.
1) VATstands for value added tax.
1) Represent, mean
2) I'm not going to stand for such
stand for
2) Tolerate
behaviour!
The pupils stood up when the
stand up Rise from a sitting position
sign away

Give up one's rights or

ownership

23

stick to

Continue without changing

anything

stick up for Defend

headmaster arrived.
We must decide on a plan of action
and stick to it.
It's important to stick up for one's
principles.

Alphabetical List - T

Phrasal
Verb
take after
take apart
take away
take away
take back
take back
take care of
take off
take in
take in
take in
take on
take out
take out
talk into
talk out of
tell off
test out
think over
throw away
throw up
tire out
touch down
toy with
track down

Meaning
Resemble in appearance or
character
Dismantle or separate the
components
Buy food at a restaurant and carry
it elsewhere to eat it.

Example
Jamie really takes after his dad.

24

The technician has to take the

machine apart in order to repair it.
Two beef curries to take away
please.
The doctor gave me tablets to take
Cause something to disappear
away the pain.
We will take back goods only if you
Agree to receive back/ be
can produce the receipt.
returned.
I take back what I said about
Retract or withdraw something
cheating.
said
I'll take care of your plants while
Look after
you're away.
The plane took off at 7 o'clock.
Leave the ground
She's always taking in stray cats
Allow to stay in one's home
and dogs!
She took in every detail of her
Note with your eyes and register.
rival's outfit.
Understand what one sees, hears
The man immediately took in the
or reads / realize what is
scene and called the police.
happening.
Business is good so the company is
Hire or engage staff
taking on extra staff.
She took out a pen to note the
Remove / extract
address.
He took her out for a meal on her
Invite someone to dinner, the
birthday.
theatre, cinema, etc.
Persuade someone to do
I talked John into buying a new car.
something
I tried to talk Amy out of leaving
Persuade someone not to do
her job.
something
The teacher told her off for not
Reprimand / criticize severely
doing her homework.
The theory hasn't been tested out
Carry out an experiment
yet.
I'll have to think over the proposal
Consider
before I decide.
You can throw away that book - it's
Discard as useless or unwanted.
a load of rubbish!
I nearly threw up when I saw the
Vomit / be sick
injured passengers.
The children tired out their
Exhaust completely
grandmother.
The plane touched down exactly
Land on the runway
on time.
I've been toying with the idea of
Think about, without serious intent
starting to walk to work.
The police finally tracked down the
Find by searching
main suspect.

25

Alphabetical List - U-Z

Phrasal
Verb
use up

veer away
from
vie with
vouch for

Meaning
Finish a product ( so that there's none left)

I veer away from

hypochondriacs if I
can.
The athletes vied
with each other for
Compete or rival with someone
first place.
Express confidence in, or guarantee somethingYou can give the keys to
Andy. I can vouch for him.

ward off

warm up

1) Reheat something.
2) Make more lively or more relaxed.

wash up

Wash the dishes after a meal.

Be careful

1) Dilute or make weaker by adding water

water down

2) Make less severe

wear out

1) Become unusable
2) Become very tired

whip up

Prepare quickly.

wolf down Eat greedily and quickly.

work out

The kids have used26

up all the
toothpaste.

Avoid, stay away from

Keep away or repel (something dangerous or

unpleasant).

watch out

Example

1) Do physical exercise
2) Find a solution or calculate something

I take plenty of
vitamin C to ward
off colds.
1) She warmed up
some left-over soup.
2) He told a few
jokes to warm up
the
atmosphere.
Who's going to help
me wash up?
Watch out! There's
a car coming.
1) If you water
down the medicine
it will be
easier to take.
2) He watered
down his remarks
so as not
to offend anyone.
1) Julie wore out
her shoes
sightseeing.
2) At the end of the
day Julie was worn
out.
I can whip up
something to eat if
you're hungry.
The boys wolfed
down the whole
cake in no time!
1) I work out twice
a week at the gym
club.
2) It's expensive but
I haven't worked