Phrasal Verbs

A..................................................................................................................................................................2
B..................................................................................................................................................................4
C..................................................................................................................................................................9
D................................................................................................................................................................15
E.................................................................................................................................................................19
F.................................................................................................................................................................21
H................................................................................................................................................................25
I................................................................................................................................................................. 30
J................................................................................................................................................................. 31
K................................................................................................................................................................33
L.................................................................................................................................................................37
M...............................................................................................................................................................41
N................................................................................................................................................................45
O................................................................................................................................................................46
P................................................................................................................................................................ 48
Q................................................................................................................................................................54
R................................................................................................................................................................54
S.................................................................................................................................................................59
T.................................................................................................................................................................66
U................................................................................................................................................................72
V................................................................................................................................................................72
W...............................................................................................................................................................72
XYZ............................................................................................................................................................77

1
A
account for FORMAL

If your account for something, you explain how it came to be the way it is.

act as

to perform the same function as a particular person or thing

act for

If you act for someone, you represent them.

act on

If you act on somebody's advice, you do as they suggest.

act out

If you act out, you express your feelings through acts or words.

act up INFORMAL

If a part of your body or a piece of equipment acts up, it doesn't work properly.

add to

If something adds to something, it makes it better, greater, stronger or more extreme in some way.

add up

to add two or more numbers in order to find the total amount

add up to

If two or more numbers add up to another number, this is the total you get if you add them together.

adhere to FORMAL

If you adhere to a law, a rule or a contract, you obey it or follow it.

advise against FORMAL

to suggest to someone that they should not do something they are thinking of doing

advise of FORMAL

2
If you advise someone of something, you tell them about it.

agree with

If a certain place or lifestyle agrees with you, it suits you and is good for you.

aim at

If you aim a product or a creative work at a particular group of people, you see those people as your
market or your audience.

allow for

to consider something, or take it into account, when making plans or making a decision

allude to FORMAL

to mention or refer to something or someone in an indirect way

amount to

to be similar to, or to have the same effect as

answer back

to reply rudely to someone who is in a position of authority, such as a teacher, a parent or a coach

answer for

to be held responsible for something

appeal for

to ask for something, usually in order to help deal with a crisis or an emergency

appeal to

If something appeals to you, you like it.

apply to

If something applies to you, it is relevant to you or you are affected by it.

arrive at

to reach a result, a conclusion or a decision after considering relevant factors or details

ask after

If you ask after someone, you ask about them when you talk to someone who's seen them recently.

ask for

to let someone, know that you'd like them to give you something

ask out

3
If you ask somebody out, you ask someone you like to go on a date with you.

ask over

If you ask some people over, you invite them to your house.

associate with

If you associate with someone, you regularly spend time with them.

attach to

to believe that something has importance or significance in relation to something else

attend to

to deal with something or someone

attribute to

to believe that something results directly from a certain event or fact

auction off

to sell something to the highest bidder at an auction

average out at

to come to a certain amount on average

B
back down

to decide not to do something because of opposition, or because of pressure from authorities

back out

If you back out of something like an agreement or a deal, you decide not to follow through on it.

back up (1)

to make an extra copy of digital information on disc, flash drive, external hard drive, etc. in case the
original data is lost

back up (2)

If you back up what you say, you use evidence or examples to show that it's true.

bail out (1)

to help out someone or something that's in serious trouble, especially financial trouble

4
bail out (2)

to give money to a court so that an accused person doesn't have to stay in jail until their trial begins

bank on

If you bank on something happening or someone doing something, you depend on it or count on it.

base on (1)

to use specific information, ideas or past experiences as a basis for making a decision

base on (2)

to use something as source material

bear on

to have relevance to, or influence on, something

bear out

to show that someone is correct or that something is true

beat up

to hurt someone by punching, kicking or hitting them with a hard object

become of

If you ask what has become of someone you haven't seen or heard from for a long time, you want to
know what's happened to them.

beef up

to make something stronger or more powerful

begin with

If an activity or an event begins with something, that's the first thing that happens.

believe in

If you believe in something, you're sure that it's true or it really exists.

belong to

If something belongs to a person, it is owned by that person.

bend down

to move the upper part of your body forwards and downwards

bet on

to be sure that something will happen

5
bite off

to separate something from whatever it's attached to by biting it

black out

to lose consciousness

blow away

to surprise or amaze someone

blow out

If a flame blows out, it goes out because someone blows on it or because of the wind.

blow up (1)

If you blow up something, you use explosives to damage or destroy it.

blow up (2)

to fill with air or gas in order to inflate something

blow up (3)

to make a photograph larger

border on

If something like an action or an attitude borders on something more extreme, it is close to being that
extreme.

bow out

to resign from a job, or to end a career, usually after a long time

break down (1)

If a machine or a vehicle breaks down, it stops working because of a mechanical problem.

break down (2)

If someone breaks down, they start crying.

break into

If someone breaks into a building or a vehicle, they force their way in, usually to steal something.

break out

to escape from somewhere like a jail or a detention centre

break up

If you break up with your boyfriend or girlfriend, you end your relationship with him or her.

6
breathe in

to fill your lungs with air by drawing it in through your nose or mouth

breathe out

to push air out from your lungs through your nose or mouth

brighten up (1)

to make a place or a thing look more cheerful and more lively

brighten up (2)

to become happier and feel more cheerful

bring about

If you bring about something, you cause it to happen or you make it happen.

bring back (1)

to bring something with you when you return from somewhere

bring back (2)

to make something from the past come back, such as a memory, a feeling, an idea, etc.

bring down

to cause a government or a leader to lose power

bring forward

to change the date or time of an event so that it happens earlier than originally planned

bring off

to succeed in doing something that's difficult

bring on

to cause something like an illness or a painful emotion

bring out (1)

to release a new product

bring out (2)

to make a quality in someone or something show itself

bring up (1)

If you bring somebody up, you raise them from childhood to young adulthood.

bring up (2)

7
to raise a new topic for discussion, or to mention a particular subject or issue in a conversation

brush up

to revise your knowledge of something that you learned in the past

buckle up

to fasten a seatbelt in a car or on a plane

bugger off INFORMAL

If you tell someone to bugger off, you're telling them to go away in a very impolite and aggressive way.

build on (1)

to add to what you've already succeeded in doing

build on (2)

to add a new section to a house or a building

build up (1)

to work at something and make it get stronger or bigger

build up (2)

to gradually increase

bump into

to meet somebody by chance

burn down

If something like a building or a forest burns down, it's completely destroyed in a fire.

burn out (1)

If a fire burns out, it slowly dies down until it stops burning altogether.

burn out (2)

to work too hard and suffer from physical and mental exhaustion

butt in

to start talking when somebody else is already talking

butt out INFORMAL

If you want to tell someone quite forcefully to mind their own business, you can tell them to butt out.

butter up

8
to say nice things to someone before asking them to do something for you or to give you something

buy out

to buy somebody's share of a company or a partnership in order to take control of it

buy up

to buy all or a lot of something that is in limited supply

C
call back

If you call someone back, you return their telephone call.

call for

If a person or an organization calls for something, they state in public that it's needed, or should be
done.

call off

to cancel an event that was planned or scheduled

call on

to visit someone for a short time

call out

If you call out, you use a loud voice to tell something to someone who's far away, or tell something to a
large group.

calm down

If a person who is excited or agitated calms down, they become calmer and less excited or agitated.

care for (1)

If you care for someone, you like them a lot and have a strong affection for them.

care for (2)

If you care for someone or something, you look after them and make sure they have what they need.

care for (3) FORMAL

If you ask someone if they would care for something, you want to know if they'd like to have something.

9
carry on

to continue doing something

carry out

If you carry out a task or a piece of work, you do whatever is needed to complete it.

catch on (1)

If something catches on, it becomes popular.

catch on (2)

If you catch on, you suddenly understand something that you couldn't understand at first.

catch up (1)

If you catch up with someone who is ahead of you, you go faster than them until you reach them.

catch up (2)

If two people meet again after a while and catch up, they tell each other what they've been doing.

cater to

to provide people with what they need

change into

to change from one state or form into another

change over

to stop using one thing or one system and start using another one instead

charge with

If someone is charged with a crime, they are officially accused of committing it.

chase up

to try to find out what is being done about something, or what has happened to something

chat up INFORMAL

to talk to someone in the hope of beginning a romantic relationship with them

cheat on

to be disloyal to your spouse or partner by having sex with someone else

cheat out of

to get something from somebody by cheating them

check in

10
If you check in, you give your details at a hotel's reception desk, or at an airline's check-in counter, when
you arrive.

check into

to register your details after arriving for treatment at a hospital, a rehabilitation center or a health resort

check on

to look at someone or something to make sure that nothing is wrong

check out (1)

to pay the bill and leave after staying at a hotel, a hospital or a rehabilitation center

check out (2) INFORMAL

to look at something, or go somewhere, to see what it's like

check through

to examine something carefully to make sure nothing is wrong, or to look for something

cheer on

to shout loudly to encourage someone, especially someone who's playing sport or competing in a race

cheer up

to feel happier after being sad

chop down

If you chop down something like a tree, you cause it to fall by cutting through its base.

chop up

to cut something into pieces with an axe or a knife

clean out (1)

to clean the inside of something

clean out (2) INFORMAL

If you have been cleaned out, all your money has been taken by someone, or spent on something.

clean up

to make something clean and tidy

clear out (1)

to tidy a place by removing things that shouldn't be there

clear out (2) INFORMAL

11
to leave a place, usually for a long time or forever

clear up

If an illness or a condition like acne clears up, it improves until it's no longer a problem.

close down

If a business closes down, or if someone closes it down, it stops operating.

come about

to happen, especially partly or totally by chance

come across (1)

to find something or meet someone by chance

come across (2)

If somebody comes across as being a certain type of person, they appear that way to other people.

come along (1)

to arrive or to appear

come along (2)

to make progress or to improve in some way

come along (3)

to go with somebody when they're going somewhere

come apart

to separate into several pieces, or to break into several parts

come around

to visit somebody, usually at their home

come back

to return to a place

come down

to move to a lower level or a lower position

come from (1)

to be born and raised in a place

come from (2)

to be made in or obtained from a particular place or thing

12
come in (1)

to enter a room or a building

come in (2)

If something like a train or plane comes in, it arrives at a station or an airport.

come into

to be given something after its owner dies

come of

to be the result of an event or situation

come off (1)

If something comes off, it becomes separated from the thing it's usually attached to.

come off (2)

to result in the intended outcome

come on (1)

to make progress or to improve in some way

come on (2)

If a light or a computer comes on, it starts working.

come on (3)

If a TV or radio show comes on, it starts.

come out (1)

to become available

come out (2)

to become known

come over (1)

to visit a place, or to move from one place or country to another

come over (2)

to seem to be a particular type of person

come through

to survive a difficult or dangerous situation or time

come to (1)

13
to regain consciousness after an accident or an operation

come to (2)

to add up to a particular total

come to (3)

If a thought or an idea comes to you, you remember it or you think of it

come under

to suddenly experience or suffer something dangerous or unpleasant

come up (1)

to walk up to someone or something

come up (2)

If an issue or a name comes up in something like a conversation, a meeting, or a report, the issue or
name is discussed or mentioned.

come up (3)

to appear, occur, or become available

come up against

to face a difficult situation or a difficult opponent

come up with

to think of something like a plan, an idea or a solution to a problem

count on

to depend on someone or something to do what is expected or needed

cover up

to try to stop people finding out about something bad

crack down

to start enforcing a law or a rule more strictly

cross off

to remove a name or an item from a list by drawing a line through it

cross out

If you cross something out, you draw a line through it with a pen or a pencil, usually because it's wrong
or is no longer necessary.

14
cry out

to scream or yell because of pain or fear

cut back

to reduce the amount of money spent on something, or to reduce the size or scale of something

cut down

to reduce the amount, number or size of something

cut off (1)

to stop the supply of something like electricity, water, gas or telephone service.

cut off (2)

to isolate somebody or something by making transport or communication very difficult or impossible

cut out (1)

to remove an area of paper or cloth from a larger sheet by cutting

cut out (2)

to stop doing something, such as eating fatty foods or gambling or taking drugs, usually in order to
improve one's health or one's life

cut out (3) INFORMAL

If you tell someone to "Cut it out!", you want them to stop doing something annoying.

cut up

to cut something into small pieces

D
date back

If something dates back to a certain time, it was made at that time or it started at that time.

date from

If something dates from a certain time, it was made at that time.

dawn on

If something dawns on you, you realize it, or become aware of it, for the first time.

deal in (1)

to buy and sell something in order to make money

15
deal in (2) INFORMAL

If you say "Deal me in" it means you want to join in an activity.

deal with

If you deal with a problem or a difficult situation, you do what needs to be done to solve or resolve it.

decide against

to decide not to do something you were thinking of doing, or not to choose something or someone you
were thinking of choosing

decide on

If you decide on something, you choose one thing from among two or more possible options.

delight in

If you delight in doing something, you get a great deal of pleasure from doing it.

delve into

to try to find information by examining something thoroughly

depend on (1)

If one thing depends on another, it cannot happen without the other, or it is greatly affected by the
other.

depend on (2)

If you depend on someone, you rely on them to give you what you need.

describe as

to say that something is a certain kind of thing or that someone is a certain type of person

deter from

to make someone less likely to do something, or to discourage someone from doing something

devote to

to decide to spend a certain portion of your time or money on something

die away

If a sound dies away, it gradually gets softer and softer.

die down

If something dies down, it gradually becomes weaker in strength or lower in volume or magnitude.

die off

16
If a group of people, animals, or plants dies off, all of them die over a period of time and none are left.

die out

If something like a species of animal or a language is dying out, it is disappearing and could soon be lost
forever.

dig in INFORMAL

to start eating with enthusiasm, or gusto

dig up

If you dig up something, you get it from under the ground by digging.

dip into

to take money from an amount that has been saved or put aside for a specific purpose

dish out (1) INFORMAL

to give things to people, often without thinking about the effects or the costs of doing so

dish out (2) INFORMAL

If you dish out something like criticism or advice, you give it often and without much thought.

dispose of FORMAL

to get rid of something you don't need or don't want any more

divide up

If you divide something up, you separate it into smaller parts so that everyone gets a share.

do about

If you do something about a problem, you do something to fix it or solve it.

do away with (1)

If you do away with something, you get rid of it.

do away with (2) INFORMAL

to kill or to murder somebody

do in INFORMAL

to cause someone to feel very tired or worn out

do up (1) INFORMAL

If you do up an old building, car, boat, etc., you make it look new again by repairing it, painting it, and so
on.

17
do up (2)

If you do up a zip, a button, or a shoelace, you secure it in some way.

do with (1)

to put something somewhere

do with (2)

to make use of something

do without

If you do without something, you manage to get by without it.

doze off

If you doze off, you fall asleep without meaning to.

drag on

to continue for longer than seems necessary or usual

draw on

to use part of a supply of something, or to utilize something that has been gained over time

draw out

to make something last longer than usual or longer than necessary

draw up

to prepare and write a plan, a contract, guidelines or a list of some sort

dream of

If you dream of something you'd really like to be, to do, or to have, you imagine it becoming a real part
of your life.

dream up

to imagine something like a plan or a story in great detail

dress up

If you dress up, you put on formal clothes for a special occasion.

drive away

to cause someone or something to leave a place

drive off

to leave in a car

18
drive out

to force someone or something out of a place

drop by INFORMAL

to make a short, casual visit somewhere

drop in

If you drop something in somewhere, you stop to leave it there and then keep going.

drop off (1)

to drive someone to a place they need to go to and leave them there

drop off (2)

to fall asleep

drop off (3)

to become fewer in number or less in amount or intensity

drop out

to leave a course of study before completing it

drown out

If a sound is drowned out, it can't be heard because of an ever louder sound.

drum up

to stimulate something like support for a project, enthusiasm for an idea, or sales for a business

dry up

If something like water or oil dries up, or its source dries up, it means it's all gone and there is none left.

dumb down INFORMAL

to make something like a movie or a novel easier to understand so more money can be made from it

dwell on

If you dwell on something bad or unpleasant, you think about it too much or you talk about it too much.

dying for

If you're dying for something, you really feel like it or you want it very much.

E
ease off

19
If something eases off, it becomes weaker or less powerful.

eat in

If you eat in, you eat at home instead of going out to a restaurant.

eat into

to use up, or reduce the amount of, something of value

eat out

If you eat out, you eat in a restaurant instead of at home.

eat up (1)

to eat all or most of something

eat up (2)

If something eats up your time or money, you spend a lot of time or money on it.

egg on INFORMAL

If you egg someone on, you encourage them to do something foolish or risky.

embark on

to begin something, usually something that will be challenging and time-consuming

empty out

to remove everything from inside something

end in

to have a certain result at the end of something

end up

If you end up being somewhere, or doing something, it's because of decisions you've made in the past.

end with

to have something act as the final part of something

engage in FORMAL

to become involved in something related to competition or conflict, such as a debate, a battle, or a

dispute.

enter into

to become involved in something like a discussion, an agreement, or a partnership.

entitle to

20
If you are entitled to something, you have the right to have it or the right to do it.

entrust to

to give somebody responsibility for something of importance or value

entrust with

to give someone responsibility for something of importance or value

even up

to make something more equal or to make it fairer

expose to (1)

If you expose someone to something, you introduce them to something they might not otherwise see or
experience.

expose to (2)

to make someone face a danger or a hazard

extricate from FORMAL

to get someone out of a difficult situation or a dangerous place

F
face up to

If you face up to a difficult or challenging situation, you accept that you have to deal with it, and then do
something about it.

face with

If you are faced with something like a problem or a challenge, you have to deal with it.

factor in

to include a certain item when calculating or planning something

fade away

to slowly become weaker, softer or dimmer

fall apart

If something falls apart, it breaks into pieces or parts start falling off.

fall back on

21
to use or do something else because what you used or did first has failed

fall behind

If you have fallen behind other people, they have advanced faster than you and they are ahead of you.

fall for (1)

If you fall for something like a trick or a scam, you believe it's real or genuine even though it's not.

fall for (2)

If you fall for someone, you fall in love with them.

fall in (1)

If a roof or a ceiling falls in, it falls to the floor because it's been weakened or damaged.

fall in (2)

to form a line by standing side by side or one behind the other

fall off

to become less in amount or lower in level

fall out (1)

If something falls out, it becomes detached from whatever it's attached to.

fall out (2) INFORMAL

If you and a friend fall out, you are no longer friendly because of a disagreement or a problem you've
had.

fall over

If someone falls over, they fall to the ground.

fall through

If a plan or a deal falls through, it doesn't work out and it's dropped or scrapped.

farm out

If you farm out work, you pay people outside your company to do it.

feel for

If you feel for someone, you have sympathy for them or feel sad because they are suffering.

fight back

If you fight back, you do what's needed to win a conflict or a battle after being attacked or threatened.

fight off

22
to try to stop someone or something from attacking you or hurting you

figure out (1)

If you figure something out, you find the solution to a problem or the answer to a question.

figure out (2)

If you figure somebody out, you know what they're like and how they're likely to act.

fill in (1)

If you fill in a form, you complete it by writing in the spaces provided.

fill in (2)

If you fill somebody in, you give them the details about something.

fill out

If you fill out a form, you complete it by writing in the spaces provided.

fill up (1)

If you fill something up, you make it full.

fill up (2)

to fill someone's stomach with food

find out

to discover a fact or information about something

finish off

to complete something, or to eat the last piece of something

finish up

to be in a certain place or situation after a long series of events or a long time

finish with

If you've finished with something, you've done what you needed to do with it and you no longer need it.

fire up

to create enthusiasm or excitement, usually among a group of people or a crowd

fit in (1)

to have enough space for something, or to have enough time for something

fit in (2)

If you fit in, you are accepted by a group of people and seen as "one of them".

23
fit together

to connect pieces that go together to make something

fix up (1)

to repair something or to improve the condition of something, especially something old or second-hand

fix up (2) INFORMAL

to arrange something for someone

fizzle out

If something fizzles out, it slowly loses its power or strength, and then ends weakly.

flare up

If something like a conflict or an illness flares up, it suddenly becomes worse.

flick through

If you flick through a book or a magazine, you have a quick look at a few of the pages.

flood in

If things flood in, they come quickly and in great numbers.

fob off (1) INFORMAL

to give someone something of low quality or little value

fob off (2) INFORMAL

to try to make someone stop complaining or stop bothering you by telling them something that isn't
true, or by giving them an excuse

focus on

If you focus on something, you give it all your attention.

follow through

to continue something to the next stage, or to complete something

follow up

to do something in addition to what's already been done in order to complete or continue a process or a
deal

fool around

If you're fooling around, you're having fun by joking and being a bit silly.

force into

24
to make someone do something they don't want to do

forge ahead

to make rapid progress toward a goal

freak out INFORMAL

If someone freaks out, they get very scared or upset by something.

free up

to make someone or something available by releasing them from their usual duties or function

freshen up

If you freshen up, you wash your face and hands and make yourself look and feel better.

frighten away

If you frighten away something or someone, you make them go away by making them feel afraid.

frown on

to disapprove of something

function as

to be used for a particular purpose, or to work in a particular way

fuss over

to give someone lots of attention to show how much you like them or how important you think they are

H
hammer out

to reach an agreement or solution after a lot of negotiation or discussion

hand around

If you hand around things like drinks or cakes, you give one to each person in a group.

hand back

to give something back to someone by hand

hand down

to pass knowledge or skills from one generation to the next

hand in

25
If you hand something in, you give it to someone in authority, like a teacher, a policeman or a security
guard.

hand on

If you hand something on, you pass it to somebody else.

hand out

to give something directly to a number of people

hand over

If you hand something over, you give it to someone who has demanded it.

hang around INFORMAL

to spend time somewhere without doing anything useful

hang on (1)

If you hang on to something, you hold it tightly.

hang on (2) INFORMAL

If someone tells you to hang on, they want you to wait for a moment.

hang onto INFORMAL

If you hang onto something, you keep it instead of throwing it away, giving it away, or selling it.

hang out (1)

to hang wet clothes outside to dry

hang out (2) INFORMAL

to spend time in a certain place, or with certain people

hang over

If you feel that you are facing a threat or a danger, we can say the threat or the danger hangs over you.

hang up

If you hang up a piece of clothing or a towel, you hang it on a hook, a rail, a hanger, etc.

hang with INFORMAL

to spend time with

happen to

If something happens to you, an event or an occurrence affects you directly.

have against

26
If you have something against someone, you don't like them because of something they've said or done
in the past.

have on (1)

If you have something on, you are wearing it.

have on (2)

If you have something on at a certain time, you've arranged to do something at that time.

have out

If you have something out, like a tooth or an organ, it's removed from your body.

have round

If you have people round, they visit your home, usually for a meal or for a social gathering.

head for

to go in a certain direction or towards a particular place or situation

head off (1) INFORMAL

to leave a place

head off (2)

to stop something bad from happening

head up

to act as the head of a group or team, or to manage an organization

hear about

If you hear about something, someone tells you about it or you find out about it from an information
source like the news media.

hear from

If you hear from someone, they call you, email you or contact you in some other way.

hear of

If you've heard of someone, you know who they are and what they do.

hear out

If you hear somebody out, you listen to them until they've finished what they are saying.

heat up (1)

If you heat something up, you make it hotter.

27
heat up (2)

If something like a discussion, a contest or a conflict heats up, it gets more intense, more exciting or
more dangerous.

help out

If you help someone out, you do something to help them.

hem in

to restrict someone's movement, or to limit someone's freedom

hide away

If you hide away, you go to a place where very few people can find you.

hit back

If someone is beating or attacking you and you hit back, you fight to defend yourself.

hit on

to have a idea or to think of something

hold against

to dislike somebody, or be angry with them, because you blame them for something bad that happened
in the past

hold back

to stop someone or something from going forward, or from progressing in some way

hold down

to stop something from rising by pressing down on it or putting a heavy object on it

hold forth FORMAL

to talk about a topic for a long time, often in a way that other people find boring

hold off

to delay doing something until a later time

hold on (1)

to hold something like a railing or an overhead strap so you don't fall over

hold on (2)

to wait for a short time

hold out (1)

28
If you hold something out, you hold it where other people can reach it.

hold out (2)

If a supply of something holds out, it continues to be enough and it doesn't run out.

hold out for

to wait until you get what you want, especially when negotiating

hold out on

to refuse to give information to someone

hold to

to make someone do what they promised or agreed to do

hold up (1)

to cause a delay, or make someone or something later than expected

hold up (2)

to support something and stop it from falling down

hold up (3)

to steal from someone while threatening them with a gun or a similar weapon

hook up (1)

If you hook up things like computers and their peripherals, or the components of a home theatre, you
connect them with cables.

hook up (2) INFORMAL

to meet with someone and join with them in work, travel or leisure activities

hunt down

If you hunt down someone, you try to find them and capture or kill them.

hurry up

If you hurry up, you try to do something faster.

hush up

to try to keep something secret, especially something that could damage the reputation of a person or
an organization

29
I
identify with

If you identify with someone, you feel you have a connection with them and you can understand them
and share their feelings.

impact on

to have a significant effect on something

impose on

If you impose something on someone, you force them to accept it even if they don't want to.

improve on

If something is improved on, it's made better than it was.

incline to FORMAL

If somebody inclines to something such as a certain way of thinking, they will usually think in that way.

indulge in

to do something that gives you pleasure, even though there could be some negative consequences

infer from

to believe something is true because you have some indirect evidence of it

inject into

to add something positive in order to make something work better

insist on

If you insist on something, you say that you must have it or it must be done.

instil in

to condition someone to follow a certain belief or to behave in a certain way

interest in

If you interest somebody in something, you make them want to know more about it.

interfere with

to prevent something from happening in the usual way or stop it from developing normally

invest in (1)

to put your energy and resources into something that you think will help you to achieve your goal

invest in (2)

30
to put your money into a company or a business venture in order to get a share of any profit it makes

invite around

If you invite somebody around, you invite them to your home for a meal, or a party, or a game of cards,
etc.

invite in

If you invite somebody in, you ask them to come inside.

invite out

If you invite somebody out, you ask them to go to a restaurant with you, or to see a movie, or go
dancing, etc.

invite over

If you invite somebody over, you invite them to your home, usually for a meal.

involve in

If you involve yourself in something, or if someone else involves you in something, you take part in it.

iron out

If you iron out the last details of a deal, you sort out the final problems or issues.

itching for

If you're itching for something, you really want it.

J
jack up (1) INFORMAL

to increase the price or the cost of something by a large amount

jack up (2)

If you jack something up, you use a jack to lift it off the ground.

jam into

to force too many things or people into a small space

jam up

If something jams up, it can't work properly because one of its moving parts is jammed by something.

jazz up INFORMAL

If you jazz something up, you make it more exciting and more interesting.

31
jerk around INFORMAL

If someone jerks you around, they treat you badly or they deceive you in some way.

join in

If you join in an activity, you start doing it with people who are already doing it.

join up (1)

If you join up two things, you connect them.

join up (2)

If you join up, you enter the military in order to train and become a member of one of the armed forces.

join with FORMAL

If you join with someone or something to do something, you do it together.

jot down

If you jot something down, you quickly write it down on a pad or piece of paper.

juice up INFORMAL

to make something more exciting, more impressive, or more powerful

jumble up

If you jumble things up, you mix them up so that they are no longer in their proper order or formation.

jump at

If you jump at something like an offer or an opportunity, you take it with enthusiasm.

jump in (1)

If people are talking and you jump in, you interrupt someone who's talking, or you say something
without being asked to speak.

jump in (2)

If you jump in, you get involved in a situation as soon as you notice it.

jump on INFORMAL

If someone jumps on you, they strongly criticize you.

jump up

If you jump up, you stand up quickly.

jut out

If something juts out, it is further forward than usual or it sticks out more than usual.

32
K
keel over

If somebody keels over, they fall to the floor, usually because of illness or loss of consciousness.

keep at

If you keep at something, you continue doing it.

keep away

If you keep something or someone away, you don't let the thing or the person come near.

keep away from

If you keep away from something or someone, you don't go near the thing or the person.

keep back (1)

If you keep something back, you don't tell someone about it.

keep back (2)

If something keeps you back, it stops you from getting where you want to go.

keep down (1)

If you keep something down, you stop it from increasing in size or number.

keep down (2)

to stop a noise from getting too loud

keep down (3)

to keep food in your stomach even though you feel like vomiting

keep from (1)

If something or someone keeps you from doing something, it means you can't do it.

keep from (2)

If you keep something from someone, you don't tell them about it.

keep in

to make someone stay in a place like a school or a hospital

keep off (1)

to not go on something, or to stop something or someone from going on something

keep off (2)

33
to avoid something like a certain food or a certain topic in conversation

keep on (1)

If you keep on doing something, you continue doing it.

keep on (2)

If you keep somebody on, you continue to employ them.

keep out

If you keep something out, you make sure it stays outside and doesn't come inside.

keep out of

If you keep out of something, you don't get involved in it.

keep to

If you keep to something like a limit, a budget or a schedule, you don't go over it or outside it.

keep up (1)

to continue doing something that has been successful

keep up (2)

If you keep up with someone, you stay at the same level and don't fall behind them.

keep up (3)

If somebody or something keeps you up, you cannot go to bed.

key in

to press the keys of a keyboard or a keypad in order to enter data

kick against

to show anger or opposition to something, especially if you're powerless to change it

kick around (1) INFORMAL

to discuss ideas or options in an informal way

kick around (2) INFORMAL

to treat someone badly

kick back INFORMAL

to relax and "take it easy"

kick in INFORMAL

If something kicks in, it starts to work or it starts to have an effect.

34
kick off (1) INFORMAL

to start something like a game, a meeting or a concert

kick off (2) INFORMAL

to force someone to leave something like a team or a committee

kick out INFORMAL

If somebody is kicked out of a place, they are forced to leave.

kick over

If you kick something over, you make it fall over by kicking it.

kid around INFORMAL

to have fun by acting in a silly way

kill off

to cause the death of a whole population or an entire species

kneel down

If you kneel down, you lower your height by putting one or both knees on the floor.

knock around (1) INFORMAL

to hit or kick somebody repeatedly

knock around (2) INFORMAL

If you knock around with someone, you spend time together because you're friends.

knock back (1) INFORMAL

to take a drink, usually alcoholic

knock back (2) INFORMAL

to reject someone or something or to refuse a request for something

knock down (1)

If something like a building or a wall is knocked down, it is destroyed on purpose.

knock down (2)

to hit someone with a vehicle

knock off (1) INFORMAL

to stop work for the day

knock off (2) INFORMAL

35
to steal something

knock off (3) INFORMAL

to murder somebody

knock off (4) INFORMAL

to reduce something, like a price or an amount

knock out (1)

If you are knocked out, you are hit so hard that you lose consciousness.

knock out (2) INFORMAL

If you knock somebody out, you impress them very much with something you do, or something you
make.

knock out (3)

If you knock somebody out of a competition, they cannot continue because you've defeated them.

knock over (1)

to hit somebody with a vehicle and injure or kill them

knock over (2) INFORMAL

to rob something like a bank or a shop

knock together

to make something quickly, or without putting too much thought into details

knock up (1) INFORMAL

to make something quickly and without too much effort

knock up (2)

to make a woman pregnant

know of

If you know of something, you are aware of it.

known as

to be called a certain name, even though it mightn't be a real or official name

known for

to be well-known for something or famous for something

knuckle down INFORMAL

36
If you knuckle down, you start to take your work or your task seriously and do it properly.

L
lash out

to verbally or physically attack someone or something

laugh off

to joke about something in order to make it seem less serious

launch into

to start off something, like a speech or a song, in an energetic way

lay aside

to keep something for the future, such as money

lay down

to officially state something like a policy, or rules, regulations, conditions, guidelines, etc.

lay into (1) INFORMAL

to attack someone and repeatedly punch and kick them

lay into (2) INFORMAL

If you lay into someone, you criticize them in an angry way.

lay off

If you lay someone off, you stop employing them and tell them they no longer have a job.

lay out (1)

If you lay things out, you spread them out so they're easy to see or easy to use.

lay out (2)

to explain an idea or a plan clearly and in detail

laze around

to relax and do very little

lead to

to cause something to happen

lead up to

If a period of time or a series of events leads up to a particular event, it happens just before it.

37
leave behind

If you left something behind, you forgot to bring it with you.

leave in

If you leave something in, you don't take it out or cut it out.

leave out

If you leave something out, you don't include it or count it.

leave to

to give someone responsibility for dealing with something or making a decision about something

leave up to

If you leave something up to someone, you let them do it or you give them responsibility for it.

let down (1)

If you let someone down, you disappoint them by not doing what they expect you to do.

let down (2)

to release the air from something like a tire or a blow-up mattress

let go of

to stop holding something or someone

let in

If you let someone in, you allow them to enter a room or a building.

let off (1)

to give someone little or no punishment for doing something wrong

let off (2)

to make something explode

let out (1)

to allow somebody or something to leave a place

let out (2)

to make a particular sound or noise

let out (3)

to rent a room or a building to somebody

let up

38
to become weaker or to become less intense

level with INFORMAL

If you level with someone, you tell them the truth about something.

lie down

to lie on a flat surface, such as a bed, usually to have a rest

lift up

to move something to a higher position

light up

If something lights up, it becomes full of light or color.

lighten up INFORMAL

to become less serious or more easy-going

line up

If you line up, you join a line of people standing one behind the other, or side by side.

listen in

to try to hear what people are saying when they don't know you're listening

live down

to have people forget about something embarrassing or silly that you've done

live for

to believe that something or someone gives your life meaning, or gives you a reason to live

live off

to depend on something for the money or food you need to live

live on

If you live on a certain amount of money, you spend that much on your usual living expenses.

live together

If two people live together, they live in the same place and are in a sexual relationship without being
married.

live up to

to be as good as expected

live with

39
to accept something in your life that you cannot change, even though you don't like it or want it

lock up

to lock the doors and windows of a building or a car to make it secure

log in

to do certain things, like typing in a username and password, in order to access an online application or
a computer network

log out

to stop accessing a computer system, or to stop using an online application

long for

to want something, you miss very much

look after

to make sure something or someone has everything they need and is healthy

look at (1)

to focus your eyes on something

look at (2)

to think carefully before doing something

look back on

If you look back on something, you think about a period of time in the past or an event in the past.

look down on

to think that someone is not as good as you are, or not as important as you are

look for

If you are looking for something, you're trying to find it.

look forward to

If you're looking forward to something that's going to happen, you feel excited or happy about it.

look into

If you look into something, you investigate it or you try to find out more about it.

look on

to watch an event or an activity without being involved in it

Look out!

40
If someone is in immediate danger, you can warn them by shouting "Look out!".

look up (1)

to try to find out something by looking in a reference book or on a reference website

look up (2)

If a situation is looking up, it seems to be getting better.

look up to

If someone looks up to another person, they respect or admire them.

lose out

If you lose out, you fail to benefit from something that others are benefitting from.

M
mail out

to mail copies of something like a catalog or a CV to many people

major in

If you major in a field of study at university or college, that field is your main area of study.

make for

to move towards something

make into

to change someone or something into someone or something different

make of (1)

to understand, or to make sense of, someone or something

make of (2)

to use a chance or a talent to achieve success

make off with

If you make off with something, you escape with something that you've stolen or something you got by
cheating people.

make out (1)

to see or hear something, but only with difficulty

41
make out (2) INFORMAL

to hug, kiss and touch in a sexual way

make out (3)

to write the details on a check or a legal document

make out (4)

to create a false idea or image of someone or something

make over (1)

to officially transfer ownership of something to someone

make over (2)

to make someone or something look better

make up (1)

to invent a story or think of an explanation for something

make up (2)

If you make up with someone, you become friends again after having an argument or a disagreement
with them.

make up for

to do something to improve the situation after you've done something wrong

map out

If you map out something, you plan in detail the future of something.

march on

to walk in a group towards a place in order to protest against something or to demand something

mark down

If you mark something down, you reduce its selling price.

mark off (1)

If you mark off items on a list, you mark each one after you've dealt with it.

mark off (2)

If you mark off an area, you show where the boundaries are with lines, strings, or other markers.

mark up

If you mark something up, you sell it for a price that is higher than the price you paid for it.

42
match up

to find things that go together, or match in some way

max out INFORMAL

to reach the maximum limit of something, or to use up all of something

measure up

to be good enough or to be of the required standard

meet up

to arrange to meet somebody, or to meet by chance

meet with

to get a certain reaction or response, either positive or negative

mess around

If you're messing around, you're wasting time or behaving in a silly way.

mess up INFORMAL

to do something incorrectly, or to make a mistake

minor in

to study another subject at university or college in addition to your main subject

miss out

to miss the chance to get something you'd like to have, or do something you'd like to do

mistake for

to wrongly think that a person or thing is someone or something else

mix up (1)

If you mix up two or more things, you forget which one is which.

mix up (2)

If you mix things up, you put things of different kinds together when they are usually separated.

mixed up in

to be involved in something illegal or immoral, such as organised crime or corruption

mock up

to make a model of something to show how it will look or work

model on

43
to use something or someone as an example to copy when making something or doing something

mop up

to clean up something that has spilled by using a mop or a cloth

mount up

to gradually become larger or greater in amount

mouth off INFORMAL

to speak in a loud and annoying way, especially when criticizing or complaining about something

move in (1)

to move your belongings into a new place and start living there

move in (2)

to move closer, especially when you're trying to attack or catch someone or something

move in on

to try to take control of something that someone else has control of

move into

to begin living or working in a new place, or to go into a new type of business

move on

If you move on, you stop doing one activity and start doing another, or stop discussing one topic and
start discussing another.

move out

If you move out, you leave the place in which you've been living or working, and move to a new place to
live or work.

move over

If you move over, you change position to make room for someone or something, or to block someone or
something.

move up (1)

If you move up, you make space for someone else to sit down by moving a little.

move up (2)

to move someone to a higher position, a higher level, a higher ranking, etc.

mow down

to kill a number of people, usually by shooting them or driving a vehicle into them

44
muck around INFORMAL

to waste time when you could be doing something useful

muck up INFORMAL

If you muck something up, you do it badly and fail to achieve your goal.

muddle through

If you muddle through, you succeed in doing something even though you haven't got the skills or
equipment usually needed.

mull over

to think carefully about something before making a decision

muscle in

to use your power or influence to force your way into a situation even if you're not wanted

N
nag at

If someone is being nagged at by a fear, a doubt or a regret, they can't stop thinking about it.

nail down (1)

If you nail something down, you finally make a decision or come to an agreement about something.

nail down (2)

If you nail something down, you fasten it to a surface, such as the floor, with a nail.

nail up

If you nail something up, you use a nail to attach it to a vertical surface like a wall or a door.

name after

If you name somebody after someone else, you give them the same name.

name for

If you name somebody for someone else, you give them the same name.

narrow down

to reduce the number of possibilities, options or choices

nibble away at

45
to gradually reduce the quantity, strength or value of something

nip out INFORMAL

If you nip out, you leave wherever you are for a short time.

nod off INFORMAL

If you nod off, you fall asleep without meaning to.

nose around

If someone is nosing around, they're looking around in order to find information about something.

notch up INFORMAL

to achieve something like a win or a record

note down

If you note down something, you write it on a piece of paper or in a notebook.

number among

to include something or someone in a class or group of similar things or people

nut out

If you nut something out, you solve a problem or you calculate something.

O
object to

If you object to something, you don't think it's a good thing or a good idea, so you oppose it or you are
against it.

occur to

If a thought or an idea occurs to you, it comes to you.

offer up

to give thanks, praise or prayers to God or gods

open out

to unfold and spread a folded map or newspaper in order to read it

open up (1)

If you open up to somebody, you share your feelings with them.

46
open up (2)

If a country opens up, it becomes easier to travel there and do business.

open up (3)

If you open up a new business, you set it up and start trading.

opposed to

If you are opposed to something, you're against it or you don't support it.

opt for

If you opt for something, you choose it from a range of possible options.

opt in

If you opt in, you choose to accept something, or do something, that is offered to you as an option.

opt out

If you opt out of something, you choose not to be involved in it.

order about

If you order people about, you tell them what to do in a bossy way.

order around

If you order people around, you tell them what to do in a bossy way.

order in

If you order in, you order food from a take-away restaurant and have it delivered to your home or office.

order off

to tell a player to leave the field of play, or the court, usually because they have committed a foul or
broken a rule

order out

If you order out, you order food from a take-away restaurant and have it delivered to you.

order up (1)

to issue an order for something to be done, usually in relation to the government or the military

order up (2)

to have food or drinks delivered to your room in a hotel

overcome with

to be strongly affected by an emotion or a feeling

47
owe to (1)

If you owe something to someone, you feel that you only have it because of the person's help or
support.

owe to (2)

If something happens owing to something else, it happens as a result of it.

own up

If you own up to something, you admit that you've done something wrong or made a mistake.

P
pack away (1)

If you pack something away, you put it back where it's usually kept after you've finished using it.

pack away (2) INFORMAL

to eat a lot of food

pack in (1) INFORMAL

to attract large audiences or large crowds of spectators

pack in (2) INFORMAL

If you pack something in, you stop doing it.

pack into (1)

to fit into a small or crowded space

pack into (2)

to fit a lot of activities into a limited time

pack up (1)

to put things into boxes or bags before moving them or sending them somewhere

pack up (2) INFORMAL

If something packs up, it stops working and needs to be fixed.

pan out INFORMAL

If you see how a situation pans out, you see how it develops over time.

part with

48
to give something to someone else, especially when you'd prefer to keep it

pass around

to pass something from person to person in a group

pass away

If someone passes away, they die.

pass by

to go past something or someone

pass off as

to make someone believe that a copy or a replica is the real thing

pass on

If you pass something on, you give it to another person after receiving it yourself.

pass out (1)

to give something to each person in a group

pass out (2)

to lose consciousness all of a sudden

pass over

If someone is passed over, they aren't given the promotion they were expecting, and the position is
given to someone else instead.

pass up INFORMAL

If you pass up an opportunity or an invitation, you choose not to take the opportunity or accept the
invitation.

pat down

to check that somebody isn't carrying a prohibited item, such as a gun, by patting different parts of their
body

patch up (1)

to fix something quickly so it can be used until it's repaired properly or replaced

patch up (2)

to mend ties or repair a relationship after a disagreement or a dispute

pay back (1)

If you pay someone back, you return money that you borrowed from them in the past.

49
pay back (2)

If you pay someone back for doing something bad to you, you do something bad to them in return.

pay off (1)

If you pay off a loan, you pay it back in installments over a period of time.

pay off (2)

If something you do pays off, it ends up giving you some benefit or a good result.

pay out

to pay a sum of money to somebody, especially a large sum

pay up

If somebody pays up, they pay money they owe to someone even though they don't really want to.

pick on

If you pick on someone, you repeatedly treat them badly or criticize them.

pick out

If you pick out something, you choose or select it.

pick up (1)

If you pick up something, you take hold of it and lift it up.

pick up (2)

If you pick someone up, you meet them somewhere in order to give them a lift somewhere else.

piss about INFORMAL

to waste time or act in a stupid way

piss off

If someone pisses you off, they annoy you.

play around (1)

to waste time by being silly or stupid

play around (2) INFORMAL

to have sex with someone other than one's spouse or partner

play back

to play something that's just been recorded, such as a video, a message, or some music

50
play down

to try to make something seem less important or less damaging than it really is

play up (1) INFORMAL

If something is playing up, it isn't working properly or it's causing problems.

play up (2)

to try to make something seem better, or more important, than it really is

point out

to tell someone something you think they should know

pour in

to arrive at or enter a place in great numbers and with great speed or force

pour out

to leave a place in large numbers

print off

to print a number of copies of something

print out

to make a printed copy of a document

pull back

If an army pulls back, it moves its forces back from the front-line or from wherever it's been fighting the
enemy.

pull down (1)

to destroy a building or structure because it is old, dangerous, or no longer wanted

pull down (2)

to lower one's pants or trousers

pull in

If a train, a truck or a car pulls in, it arrives somewhere.

pull off

to succeed in doing something difficult

pull on

to put an item of clothing on, usually in a hurry

51
pull out (1)

If you pull out of something you're participating in, like a competition or a deal, you stop participating.

pull out (2)

to move your car from a parking spot or a side street into a traffic lane, or to move out from one traffic
lane to join another

pull over

If you're driving a car and you pull over, you move over to the side of the road and stop.

pull through

to recover from a serious illness or injury

pull up (1)

to pull something out of the ground, such as a plant, a stake, or a fence post

pull up (2)

If a vehicle such as a car or a taxi pulls up, it stops.

put aside (1)

to save or reserve something, like time, money, food, etc., for a particular purpose, or for use in the
future

put aside (2)

to ignore a disagreement or a problem you have with someone so you can work together on something

put away (1)

If you put something away, you put it where it's usually kept when it's not being used.

put away (2)

If you put something away, you put it somewhere safe and keep it for the future.

put back (1)

If you put something back, you return it to the place it was before you took it.

put back (2)

to change the time or date of something to a later time

put down (1)

to stop carrying something or someone

put down (2)

52
to put a sick or injured animal to death, usually by lethal injection

put forward (1)

to offer an idea, an opinion, a suggestion, etc. for other people to consider

put forward (2)

to change the date or time of an event, an appointment, a meeting, etc. so that it happens earlier than
originally planned

put in (1)

to spend a certain amount of time and effort on doing something

put in (2)

to install a large piece of equipment into a room, a home or a building

put off

If you put something off, you change the time it's meant to happen to a later time or date.

put on (1)

to start wearing an item of clothing, a pair of shoes, a piece of jewellery, a pair of glasses, etc.

put on (2)

to make an appliance or a piece of equipment start to function

put on (3)

to present an event such as a concert, a seminar, a sporting tournament, etc.

put on (4)

If you put on weight, or put on pounds or kilos, you become heavier.

put out (1)

to stop something from burning

put out (2)

If you put somebody out, you inconvenience them by asking them to help you or do something for you.

put over

to communicate something like an idea or an opinion

put through (1)

to make someone suffer a difficult or painful experience

put through (2)

53
to pay for someone's education through school, college, university, etc.

put together (1)

to assemble something by joining its parts or pieces

put together (2)

to select several things and combine them to create something

put up (1)

to increase something, such as the price, cost or value of something

put up (2)

to fix a notice or a picture onto an upright surface such as a wall or a noticeboard

put up with

If you put up with something, you accept it even though you don't like it.

Q
quarrel with

to disagree about something, or to believe something is untrue or incorrect

queue up

If you queue up, you join a line of people waiting for their turn to do something.

quieten down

If someone quietens down, they become calmer and less excited.

R
rake in INFORMAL

to make a lot of money

rally round INFORMAL

If people rally round someone in need, they all do what they can to help the person.

reach out

to extend your arm in order to touch or take something with your hand

54
reach out to (1)

to offer help to someone in need

reach out to (2)

to ask someone for help when you have a problem

read into

to believe you've found more meaning in what someone says or does than others have found

read out

if you read something out, you read it aloud so everyone can hear it.

read up on

If you read up on something, you read books about it, or find articles and information on the internet
about it.

refer to (1)

to look at something like a book, a map, or a website, in order to get information about something

refer to (2)

to direct someone to a place or a person for information, help or treatment

reflect on

to think deeply about something

rely on

If you rely on something, you need it in order to do something.

remind of

If something reminds you of something else, it makes you think of it.

resign yourself to

If you resign yourself to something, you accept that it's true and that there's nothing you can do to
change it.

resort to

to do something you'd rather not do only because better options or solutions are not possible

result in

to lead to a certain outcome or to produce something

return to

55
to go back to

revert to

to go back to a previous way of behaving, or an old way of doing things

ring back

to return a telephone call or to call again later

ring up

to call someone on a telephone

rip off INFORMAL

to cheat somebody by charging them too much for something

roll out

to introduce a new line of products or services

roll over

to change position when you're lying down so that you're on your back if you were face down, or face
down if you were on your back

roll up

If you roll up a piece of paper, you fold or roll it in such a way that it becomes a cylinder or a ball.

root out

to uncover and punish criminals, especially those abusing positions of trust or authority

rope in INFORMAL

If somebody ropes you in, they persuade you to do something you don't really want to do.

rough up INFORMAL

to physically attack someone, usually to intimidate or make them afraid rather than to seriously hurt
them

round down

If you round a number or an amount down to a certain level such as a whole number or the nearest
dollar, you bring it down to that level.

round up

If you round a number or an amount up to a certain level such as a whole number or the nearest dollar,
you bring it up to that level.

rub off

56
If a quality someone has rubs off on other people, they start to show that quality as well.

rub out (1)

to erase something that's been written or drawn

rub out (2) INFORMAL

to kill somebody

rule out

If you rule something out, you don't think it's possible.

run across

to meet somebody by chance, or to find something by chance

run after

If you run after someone, you chase them and try to catch up with them by running.

run against

to compete with someone in an election

run away (1)

If you run away from something or someone, you run as fast as you can to escape.

run away (2)

If children or teenagers run away, they leave home without telling their parents or guardians.

run away from

to try to avoid problems or difficult situations

run by

If you run your ideas or your thoughts by someone, you ask them what they think of them.

run down (1)

to hit somebody with a vehicle such as car or a truck

run down (2)

If you run somebody down, you criticize them and tell them they're no good.

run into (1)

If you run into someone, you meet them by chance, or without expecting to.

run into (2)

If you run into something, you accidentally hit it while you are driving.

57
run off with

If you run off with somebody, you leave home secretly in order to be with them.

run on (1)

to use a particular type of fuel or a particular power source

run on (2)

to continue for longer than expected

run out (of)

If you run out of something, you don't have any left and you need some more.

run out on

to suddenly leave the person you're in a relationship with

run over

If you run over something or someone, you hit them or go over them while driving your car.

run through

to quickly read something like a list or a speech in order to check the details or look for mistakes

run to

to ask someone to help or protect you when you should be able to look after yourself

run up

If you run up a bill or a debt, you get goods or services on the understanding that you'll pay for them
later.

run up against

to face something that could be a problem or a difficulty

rush into

to do something quickly and without thinking about it carefully first

rush off

to leave soon after arriving or to leave suddenly

S
save up

58
to put something aside for the future

screw up INFORMAL

If you screw something up, you ruin it or you do it the wrong way.

seal off

to stop people from going into an area or a building, often because it isn't safe

see about

If you see about something, you make an effort to arrange it or organise it.

see off

If you see somebody off, you go to the place from where they're beginning a journey, like an airport or a
railway station, and wish them well as they leave.

see out (1)

If you see someone out, you accompany them out of a room or a building when they're leaving.

see out (2)

to continue until the end of a particular period of time or until the end of a contract or an activity

see through (1)

If you see through something or someone, you realize that you are being deceived or tricked, and you
aren't fooled.

see through (2)

If you see something through, you continue with it right to the end.

see to

If you see to something, you take responsibility for it and make sure it's done.

sell off

to sell assets or belongings, often for a low price because you need money quickly

sell out

to sell all the stock of something, and have none left

send back

If you send back something that's been delivered to you, you return it because there's a problem with it.

send for

to ask for someone to come to you, or to ask for something to be sent to you

59
send off (1)

If you send something off, you post it or send it by a courier service.

send off (2)

If a referee or an umpire sends off a player, the player has to leave the field or court because they've
done something wrong.

set about

to begin doing something that will probably take a lot of effort or a long time

set aside

to keep a portion of something for use in the future

set back (1)

to make something happen more slowly, or at a later time, than it would have

set back (2) INFORMAL

If something has set you back fifty dollars, it has cost you fifty dollars.

set down

If you set something down, you put it in writing.

set off (1)

to begin a journey

set off (2)

to make something explode or blow up

set out (1)

to begin doing something with a definite objective or aim in mind

set out (2)

to begin a journey

set out (3)

to explain the details of something, especially in writing

set up (1)

to start a company, a foundation, or an organization of some sort

set up (2)

to put together or arrange the parts of something before using it

60
set up (3)

to make the necessary arrangements for an event or activity

settle down (1)

to become calm and quiet, especially after being excited or noisy

settle down (2)

to start living a conventional life with a steady job and a stable partner, especially after getting married

settle for

to accept something, even though it isn't what you really want

settle in

to begin to feel comfortable in a new situation, such as a new home, a new job, or a new school

shake off

to get rid of something that's causing you problems, such as a sickness, a fear, a bad image, a bad
reputation, etc.

shake up (1)

to make big changes to an organization and the way it's run, usually to improve it

shake up (2)

to upset or shock someone

shoot up INFORMAL

to quickly increase in size, number or level

shop around

If you shop around, you go to several shops to find the lowest price for something you want.

show off

to do something to get attention or admiration, but in a way that annoys some people

show up INFORMAL

to arrive at an event or a place where people are gathering

shut down

to close something like a factory, school or hospital, usually forever

shut off

If a machine, a system or a supply shuts off, or is shut off by someone, it stops.

61
shut out (1)

to stop someone or something from entering a room or a building

shut out (2)

to stop yourself thinking about or feeling something that upsets you or hurts you

shut up INFORMAL

to stop talking or stop making noise

sign in

to sign a register when you visit a place, or to log in when you visit a website

sign up

If you sign up to something like a website or a gym, you become a member.

sit back

to do nothing instead of making an effort to get what you want

sit down

to lower yourself into a sitting position on a seat or on the ground

sit in for

to take someone's place when they are absent

sit in on

If you sit in on something like a meeting or a class, you attend to see what happens, without joining in.

sit through

If you sit through something like a long speech or a boring show, you wait until it's over before leaving,
even though you're not enjoying it.

sit up (1)

If you sit up, you get up into a sitting position after you've been lying down.

sit up (2)

to not go to bed until later than usual

size up

to observe carefully and then form an opinion about a person or a situation

sleep together INFORMAL

to have sex together

62
sleep with INFORMAL

to have sex with someone

slip up INFORMAL

to make a small mistake, usually because of carelessness

slow down

to become slower, or to make someone or something go slower

smell of

to have a particular smell

snap up

to get something quickly so you don't miss out

sober up

to become sober again after drinking too much alcohol

sort out (1)

If you sort things out, you arrange them into some sort of order.

sort out (2)

If you sort something out, you make arrangements for it or you organize it.

speak out

If you speak out, you publicly state your position on an issue, or publicly oppose or defend someone or
something.

speak up (1)

to speak louder

speak up (2)

If you speak up, you publicly state your position on an issue, or publicly oppose or defend someone or
something.

speed up

to move faster, or to increase the speed of something

spell out

If you spell something out, you explain it slowly and very clearly so that everyone can understand.

spread out

63
If a group of people spread out, they move apart so that there's more space between them.

stamp out

to stop something bad or harmful by taking strong action against it

stand by (1)

If you're standing by, you're ready to do something or help somebody.

stand by (2)

If you stand by someone, you support them or help them if they're in some sort of trouble.

stand by (3)

to do nothing to stop something wrong or something bad from happening

stand down

to resign or retire from a job or a position

stand for (1)

If letters or symbols stand for something, they represent that thing.

stand for (2)

If a person or an organisation stands for certain ideals or principles, they believe in and support those
ideals or principles.

stand for (3)

If you won't stand for something, you won't accept it or allow it to happen.

stand out

If somebody stands out, they are easy to see because there is something unusual about the way they
look or the way they behave.

stand up

to get to your feet from a lying or sitting position

stand up for

to defend an idea or a person against criticism or attack

start off

to begin in a particular way or with a particular act

start out

to begin a life or a career in a particular way

64
start up

to create and run an organization such as a business, a club, a band, etc.

stay away from

If you stay away from something or someone, you don't go near the thing or the person.

stay up

If you stay up, you don't go to bed at the usual time.

step down

to resign from a job or a position

step up

to increase the level or strength of something

stick at INFORMAL

If you stick at something, you continue to do it even if it's difficult or it's taking a long time.

stick out (1)

If something sticks out, it comes out beyond the edge or the end of something.

stick out (2)

to move part of your body out and away from the rest of your body

stick to (1)

If you stick to something, you don't stop doing it or you don't stop trying to do it.

stick to (2)

If you stick to something like a political party, a sporting club, a job, or even a favorite food or colour,
you don't change to another one.

stick up for INFORMAL

If you stick up for someone who's being criticized or attacked verbally, you defend or support them.

stick with INFORMAL

to continue with the same thing, instead of changing to something else

stir up

to cause trouble among people or to cause bad feelings to arise

stop over

to stop at a place and stay there for one or two days while on your way to somewhere else

65
storm out

to leave a place quickly when you are angry or upset about something

sum up

If you sum up something, you give a quick summary of it.

switch off

to turn something off with a switch

switch on

to turn something on with a switch

T
tail off

to gradually become less in amount or lower in level

take after

If you take after an older member of your family, you look like them or you have a similar personality to
them.

take apart

If you take apart something, you separate it into the pieces it's made of.

take away

If you take something away, you take it somewhere else.

take back (1)

If you take something back, you return it to the place you got it from, or return it to the shop you bought
it from.

take back (2)

If a store takes back something they've sold, they allow the buyer to return it for a refund, or exchange
it.

take back (3) INFORMAL

If you take back something you said, you admit that you said the wrong thing and withdraw your
comments.

take down (1)

66
If you take down a large structure, you dismantle it, or separate it into the parts from which it was
assembled.

take down (2)

to remove something that's fixed to a wall, like a picture or a poster

take in (1)

to include something

take in (2)

to fully understand something, you hear or read

take off (1)

to remove a piece of clothing, or the top of a container

take off (2)

If a plane takes off, it leaves the ground and rises into the sky.

take off (3)

to have a period of time away from work

take off (4)

to become popular or successful in a short time

take on (1)

If you take on something like a job, a responsibility, or anything involving a challenge, you agree to do it.

take on (2)

to give someone a job

take on (3)

to fight, or compete against, someone or something

take out (1)

If you take somebody out, you invite them to go out with you, usually for a meal or entertainment.

take out (2)

to remove something from a container, a pocket, a bag, etc.

take out (3)

to obtain something like a loan, an insurance policy, a patent, etc.

take over (1)

67
to take control of something like a company, an organization, a government, or a territory

take over (2)

to begin doing a job or a task that someone else had been doing previously

take up (1)

to fill an area of space or a period of time

take up (2)

to start doing something new like playing a sport, doing a job, or pursuing a hobby

take up (3)

to shorten a piece of clothing or a curtain to make it the right size

talk back

to reply rudely to someone in a position of authority

talk down to

If you talk down to someone, you speak to them as if they are inferior to you or less important than you.

talk into

If you talk someone into doing something, you persuade them to do it.

talk out of

If you talk someone out of something, you persuade them not to do it.

talk over

to discuss a situation with someone, usually before making a decision

talk round

If you talk somebody round, you persuade them to do what you want them to do, or to agree with you.

talk up

to speak enthusiastically about something, usually in order to persuade someone to buy it or invest in it

tear apart

to destroy something by breaking it into two or more pieces

tear down

to demolish a building or other structure

tear up

If you tear up a piece of paper, you tear it into several pieces.

68
tell apart

to tell the difference between two or more things that are very much alike

tell off

to strongly criticize someone for doing something wrong

think back

to think about a past event or a past time

think of (1)

to have something come to mind

think of (2)

to have an opinion about something or someone

think over

to think carefully about something before making a decision

think up

to use one's imagination to come up with something like an excuse, a name, a plan, or a story

throw away

to get rid of something you don't want, usually by putting it in a rubbish bin or a garbage can

throw off

to get rid of something that has been bothering you

throw out (1)

to discard something you don't want, usually by putting it in a rubbish bin or a garbage can

throw out (2)

to force somebody to leave something like a club, a college or school, an organisation, etc.

throw up INFORMAL

If someone throws up, they vomit up the contents of their stomach.

tidy up

to make a place look neat and tidy

tie up (1)

to tie together the ends of something

tie up (2)

69
to make somebody busy with something

tie up (3)

to make something or someone unavailable by committing them to something

tip off

to warn someone or give someone secret information about something

top up

to completely fill something like a glass or a container, or to increase the level of something like a phone
card

touch on

to talk briefly about something when speaking or writing about another topic

toy with

to think about doing something, but not very seriously

track down

to find something after a long search

try on

to put on clothes or shoes before buying them to see if they fit properly and look good

try out

to test something to see what it's like, or to see if it works properly

turn around

to change something unsuccessful into something successful

turn away

If someone turns you away, they don't allow you to enter a place.

turn back

to return in the direction from which you've come, or to make someone do this

turn down (1)

to decrease or lower the volume, heat, power, etc. of an appliance by turning a knob or pressing a
button

turn down (2)

If you turn down an offer or a request, you decide not to accept it.

70
turn in (1) INFORMAL

to go to bed

turn in (2)

If you turn somebody in, you tell the police that the person has committed a crime or you hand them
over to the police yourself.

turn into

to change from one thing into another

turn off

to stop a machine or an appliance from working by using a button or a switch

turn on

to start a machine or an appliance by pressing a button or flicking a switch

turn out (1)

to make a light go off

turn out (2)

to have a certain outcome, or to end in a certain way

turn over (1)

to change the position of something so that the side facing down is now facing up

turn over (2)

to change your body's position when lying down so that you are facing the opposite direction

turn up (1)

to increase the volume, heat, power, etc. of an appliance by turning a knob or pressing a button

turn up (2)

If someone turns up somewhere, they arrive without being expected or without telling anyone they'd be
coming.

U
urge on

If you urge somebody on, you encourage them to continue trying to do something.

use up

71
If you use up something, you use all of it and have none left over.

usher in

to begin a period in history or a stage in someone's life

V
veg out INFORMAL

If you veg out, you relax and take it easy.

verge on

to be close to reaching a certain state or condition

vie for

If you vie for something, you compete with others to get it.

vote in

If a person or a political party is voted in, they have won the most votes in an election.

vote off

If somebody is voted off something, they have to leave because not enough people voted to keep them
on.

vouch for

If you vouch for someone or something, you say that the person or thing can be trusted and is of good
character or quality.

W
wait around

If you have to wait around for something, you have to wait a long time for it.

wait on (1)

to serve someone in a restaurant, or to act as a servant for someone and do whatever they ask you to
do

wait on (2)

to wait for the results of something, or for information about something, before deciding what to do
next

72
wait up

If you wait up, you stay up late at night waiting for something or someone.

wake up

to become conscious again after sleeping, or to make someone else become conscious after sleeping

walk out

to leave a relationship suddenly

ward off

to stop something that's harmful or dangerous from coming near

warm up (1)

to make something warmer

warm up (2)

to prepare for a sporting or artistic performance by doing exercises or practising

wash away

If something is washed away, it's carried off by the force of running water, as in a storm or a flood.

wash down

to drink something soon after eating food or while swallowing pills

wash out

If an event is washed out, it's stopped because of rain.

wash up (1)

If you wash up, you wash dirty dishes and cooking utensils.

wash up (2)

If you wash up, you wash your hands.

waste away

If you waste away, you gradually become thinner and weaker, usually because of an illness.

watch out

If you tell someone to watch out, you tell them to be careful or warn them of a danger.

watch out for

If someone tells you to watch out for something, they're warning you about it.

water down (1)

73
to add water to a drink to make it less strong if it's an alcoholic drink or less thick if it's a juice or a thick
shake

water down (2)

to change something like the lyrics of a song or the dialogue in a movie to make it less offensive or less
likely to upset people

wean off

to gradually break a bad habit by doing it less and less

wear down

to gradually make someone lose their strength and vitality

wear in

If you wear in something like a pair of shoes, you wear them for short periods until they fit properly and
feel comfortable.

wear off

If something wears off, it gradually loses its effect.

wear out (1)

If something such as a shoe wears out, it gets old and damaged from being used.

wear out (2)

If something wears you out, it makes you feel tired and lacking in energy.

weed out

to find and remove people or things that are not needed or wanted

weigh down

If you're weighed down by problems or responsibilities, you feel stressed or unhappy because of them.

weigh in (1)

to be weighed before participating in a sport like boxing or horse-racing

weigh in (2)

to join a discussion by expressing a viewpoint

weigh up

to consider the good and bad points before making a decision

whip into

74
to create strong emotions like excitement or anger, usually by giving a speech or a performance of some
sort

whip up

to create strong feelings in other people

win back

If you win something back, you get it back again after having lost it.

win over

If you win somebody over, you get them to believe you, trust you or support you.

wind down

If you wind something down, you gradually reduce it or end it.

wind up (1)

If you wind up in a certain place or situation, you find yourself there by chance or because of
unexpected events.

wind up (2)

to end something like a meeting, a lecture or a discussion

wipe away

to remove something by wiping it with a tissue, a cloth or a hand

wipe out (1)

If something is wiped out, it is completely destroyed.

wipe out (2)

to kill a large number of people or animals

wise up INFORMAL

If you wise up, you realize the truth in relation to something.

work at

to try hard to achieve something, or try hard to improve your ability to do something

work off

to get rid of excess weight or a negative emotion by engaging in physical activity

work on

to spend time making, fixing or improving something

75
work out (1)

to think about a problem or a task and find a solution or a strategy for dealing with it

work out (2)

to do physical exercise to keep fit and healthy

work out (3)

to find the solution to a numerical problem

wrap up (1)

If you wrap something up, you cover it with a material like paper or cloth.

wrap up (2)

to finish something like a meeting or a discussion, or to conclude something like a deal or a negotiation

wrestle with

to try hard to find the solution to a difficult problem

write down

to write something on a piece of paper

write off (1)

to accept that a debt or loan won't be paid back, or that an investment has been lost

write off (2)

to damage a vehicle so badly that it cannot be repaired

write out

to write information on an official document before giving it to someone

write up

to write a report or an article based on notes written earlier

XYZ
yank at INFORMAL

If you yank at something, you pull it repeatedly.

yearn for

to want something very much

76
yell out

to shout loudly

zero in on

If you zero in on something, you focus on it or put your attention on it.

zip around

If you zip around, you move quickly from place to place.

zip up

to do up a zipper in a piece of clothing or in a bag

zone out INFORMAL

If someone zones out, they look blankly ahead without paying attention, maybe because they're tired or
bored or affected by drugs.

zonked out INFORMAL

If you're zonked out, you're very tired and you feel like resting or going to sleep.

zoom in

If a photographer or a camera zooms in, the image changes so that it looks as if the camera is moving
closer to the object being photographed or filmed.

77