PHRASAL VERBS Flashcards
(100 cards)
1
Q
Ramp up
A
If a business ramps up its activity, it increases it:
The company plans to ramp up production in order to meet the increased demand for its products.
In response to the pandemic, the government decided to ramp up its vaccination campaign.
The team needs to ramp up its training if it wants to win the championship.
The organization is looking to ramp up its fundraising efforts in order to support more projects.
The city is planning to ramp up its public transportation system in order to reduce traffic congestion.
The school is trying to ramp up its online learning resources to better support students during remote learning.
2
Q
Stem from
A
to start or develop as the result of something:
Her problems stem from her difficult childhood.
Their disagreement stemmed from a misunderstanding.
to be the result of something
Most people’s insecurities stem from something that happened in their childhood.
3
Q
Clamp down on
A
to take strong action to stop or limit a harmful or unwanted activity:
The government is clamping down on teenage drinking.
to take strict action in order to prevent something, especially crime
a campaign by police to clamp down on street crime
The US government is clamping down on drugs.
to clamp down hard on bullying
4
Q
Lay off
A
To stop employing someone, usually because there is no work for them to do:
Because of falling orders, the company has been forced to lay off several hundred workers.
used to tell somebody to stop doing something
Lay off me will you—it’s nothing to do with me.
lay off doing something
Lay off bullying Jack.
5
Q
Iron out
A
to get rid of any problems or difficulties that are affecting something
There are still a few details that need ironing out.
to remove problems or find solutions:
We’re still trying to iron out some problems with the computer system.
We hope they can iron out their differences and get on with working together.
6
Q
Weigh in
A
to give an opinion or enter a discussion or argument:
The senator weighed in with a blistering attack on welfare cheats.
to join in a discussion, an argument, an activity, etc. by saying something important, persuading somebody, or doing something to help
We all weighed in with our suggestions.
Finally the government weighed in with financial aid.
Can I weigh in here?
“I’d love for everyone to weigh in on this topic. What are your thoughts on the new policy?”
“I think it’s important for us to hear from all stakeholders before making a decision. Can we schedule a meeting where everyone can weigh in?”
“I appreciate your opinion, but I’d like to hear from others before we make a final decision. Can we give everyone a chance to weigh in?”
“Before we move forward with this plan, let’s take a few minutes to let everyone weigh in. Do you have any concerns or suggestions?”
“I’m not sure which option is the best one. Can you weigh in and share your perspective?”
7
Q
To get rid of
A
to remove something that you do not want any longer:
I can’t wait to get rid of that ugly old couch.
to make yourself free of somebody/something that is annoying you or that you do not want; to throw something away
Try and get rid of your visitors before I get there.
The problem is getting rid of nuclear waste.
I can’t get rid of this headache.
We got rid of all the old furniture.
8
Q
Turn out
A
to happen in a particular way or to have a particular result, especially an unexpected one:
As events turned out, we were right to have decided to leave early.
How did the recipe turn out?
to be discovered to be; to prove to be
turn out that…
It turned out that she was a friend of my sister.
turn out to be/have something
The job turned out to be harder than we thought.
The house they had offered us turned out to be a tiny apartment.
9
Q
Come across
A
To meet or find by chance: For example, “I came across an old friend while I was shopping downtown.” In this context, “come across” means to unexpectedly encounter someone or something.
To give a certain impression or appear in a certain way: For example, “She comes across as very confident in interviews.” In this context, “come across” means to give a certain impression or present oneself in a certain way.
To convey or express something in a clear or effective way: For example, “I’m not sure if my point came across in the presentation.” In this context, “come across” means to effectively communicate something so that it is understood.
Here are some additional examples of how “come across” can be used in different contexts:
I was cleaning out my closet and came across some old photographs.
When he speaks, he comes across as very knowledgeable and authoritative.
I’m not sure if I’m coming across as sincere in my apology.
The humor in his writing doesn’t always come across to everyone who reads it.
She tried to explain her point of view, but it didn’t really come across to the other person.
10
Q
Put up with
A
to accept or continue to accept an unpleasant situation or experience, or someone who behaves unpleasantly:
I can put up with the house being messy, but I hate it if it’s not clean.
He’s so moody - I don’t know why she puts up with him.
They have a lot to put up with (= they have a lot of difficulties).
to accept somebody/something that is annoying, unpleasant, etc. without complaining
SYNONYM tolerate
I don’t know how she puts up with him.
I’m not going to put up with their smoking any longer.
11
Q
stress someone out
A
to make someone feel very nervous and worried:
Interviews always stress me out.
12
Q
come up with something
A
to suggest or think of an idea or plan:
He’s come up with a new way to use up cold chicken.
Gavin came up with the idea of dividing the rooms in half.
We’ll think about a present for her and see what we can come up with.
The family struggled to come up with the funds for the funeral.
13
Q
bring something up
A
to start to talk about a particular subject:
She’s always bringing up her health problems.
“I’d like to bring up a sensitive topic that I think we should discuss as a team.”
“I know we’re here to talk about the budget, but can I bring up an idea for a new project?”
“I didn’t want to bring it up earlier, but I think we need to address the issue of employee turnover.”
“During our meeting tomorrow, I plan to bring up the topic of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”
14
Q
Stand out
A
to be very noticeable:
The black lettering really stands out on that orange background.
to be much better than other similar things or people:
We had lots of good applicants for the job, but one stood out from the rest.
to be easily seen or noticed:
The applicant we hired was so well qualified, she stood out from all the rest.
15
Q
Look up
A
to try to find a piece of information by looking in a book or on a computer:
If you don’t know what the word means, look it up in a dictionary.
How can you look the word up if you don’t know how to spell it?
The software looks up words automatically.
Does anybody look up slang words in the dictionary?
I had to look up the word ‘possession’ to check how to spell it.
You could try looking him up in a dictionary of biography.
to become better:
I hope things will start to look up in the new year.
Our financial situation is looking up at last.
16
Q
Figure out
A
to finally understand something or someone, or find the solution to a problem after a lot of thought:
[ + question word ] I can’t figure out why he did it.
I find him really odd - I can’t figure him out at all.
Can you figure out the answer to question 5?
We need to figure out what went wrong.
It took them ages to figure out how to assemble the chest of drawers.
As soon as she figures out what happened, you’re in trouble.
17
Q
Run out
A
to finish, use, or sell all of something, so that there is none left:
I’ve run out of milk/money/ideas/patience.
“Do you have any milk?” “Sorry, I’ve run out.”
If a supply of something runs out, all of it has been used or it is completely finished:
The milk has run out.
My patience is beginning to run out.
18
Q
Pop into
A
to visit briefly:
Why don’t you pop in and see us this afternoon?
If you pop into a place, you visit there briefly, usually for some purpose:
All I have to do on the way home is pop into the drugstore.
When I opened the can of biscuits, the dough popped into my face.
The teacher asked the students to pop into groups of two for the next activity.
I saw a squirrel pop into the tree hollow as I walked by.
The cork on the champagne bottle popped into the air, signaling the start of the celebration.
The idea suddenly popped into my head while I was showering this morning.
to put something quickly into something else:
Pop the CD-ROM into a personal computer.
Just pop your supper in the microwave.
19
Q
Pick up
A
o collect, or to go and get, someone or something:
When you’re in town could you pick up the books I ordered?
Whose turn is it to pick the children up after school?
The crew of the sinking tanker were picked up (= saved from the sea) by helicopter.
to lift someone or something using your hands:
If she starts to cry, pick her up and give her a cuddle.
I picked up the kids’ clothes that were lying on the floor.
I went to pick up the phone/receiver, but it had stopped ringing.
20
Q
Throw away
A
to get rid of something by treating it as garbage:
When are you going to throw away those old magazines?
21
Q
Cut back on
A
to spend less, do less, or use less of something:
The government has announced plans to cut back on defence spending by 10 percent next year.
If exercise is causing you pain, you should cut back.
to do less of something, or use something in smaller amounts, especially money:
With orders down, many companies are cutting back.
We are trying to cut back on travel costs.
The firm has cut back hours at its factory.
22
Q
Bear with
A
to be patient and wait while someone does something:
If you’ll just bear with me for a moment, I’ll find you a copy of the drawings.
23
Q
Calm down
A
to stop feeling upset, angry, or excited, or to stop someone feeling this way:
She sat down and took a few deep breaths to calm herself down.
She was angry at first but we managed to calm her down.
Calm down, for goodness sake. It’s nothing to get excited about!
24
Q
Get back to sb
A
to talk to someone again, usually on the phone, in order to give them some information or because you were not able to speak to them before:
I’ll get back to you later with those figures.
25
Fill in
to write or type information on a document in spaces that are provided for it:
Companies will encourage customers to fill in questionnaires about themselves.
Please print off a copy of the agreement, fill it in, sign it and send it back.
26
Get along
If two or more people get along, they like each other and are friendly to each other:
I don't really get along with my sister's husband.
27
Go over
to examine or look at something in a careful or detailed way:
Forensic scientists are going over the victim's flat in a search for clues about the murderer.
Remember to go over your essay for grammar and spelling mistakes before you hand it in to me.
I've gone over the problem several times, but I can't think of a solution.
28
Hand in
to give something to someone in a position of authority:
Have you handed in your history essay yet?
I've decided to hand in my resignation (= tell my employer I am leaving my job).
I handed in my notice to my boss yesterday
29
put in
to officially make a claim, request, etc.
The company has put in a claim for damages.
30
Ring up
call someone by phone.
"Harriet rang Dorothy up the next day"
31
Put forward
to state an idea or opinion, or to suggest a plan or person, for other people to consider:
The proposals that you have put forward deserve serious consideration.
I wasn't convinced by any of the arguments that he put forward.
Many suggestions have been put forward, but a decision is unlikely until after next year's general election.
The peace plan put forward last August has been revived for the latest round of negotiations.
She has decided to put her name/put herself forward as a candidate.
32
Set out
to give the details of something or to explain it, especially in writing, in a clear, organized way:
The board has set out its goals/plans/proposals for the coming year.
Your contract will set out the terms and conditions of your employment.
to arrange something, usually a number of things, in an attractive or organized way:
The farmers' market was full of brightly coloured vegetables set out on stalls.
Every evening Michael sets out the breakfast dishes on the table, ready for the morning.
to give the details of something or to explain it in a clear, organized way, especially in writing:
set out plans/goals/proposals
Your contract will set out the terms and conditions of your employment.
She set out the ingredients to start cooking.
The company set out a new policy to improve employee productivity.
The author set out to write a book about his experiences.
We set out early in the morning to avoid traffic on the way to the airport.
The scientist set out to prove his hypothesis through experiments.
The artist set out to create a series of paintings inspired by nature.
to intentionally start doing something or to embark on a particular course of action.
Nobody sets out to train "dumb"
33
Get around
to be able to go to different places without difficulty, especially if you are old or ill:
My grandmother is finding it harder to get around these days.
to succeed in avoiding or solving a problem:
We can get around the problem of space by building an extension.
I usually get around the city by bike or public transportation."
"How do you get around the language barrier when you travel to a foreign country?"
"He managed to get around the company's policy by finding a loophole."
"She always finds a way to get around her strict parents' rules."
"I can't seem to get around this difficult math problem."
"It's important to get around and meet new people when you're in a new city."
"They were able to get around the
34
give up something
to stop owning, using, or claiming something:
They were forced to give up their home because they couldn't pay the mortgage.
"Give up" can be used in several ways, such as to quit something, to surrender or to stop trying. Here are some examples of how the phrase can be used:
After months of trying, John finally gave up on his dream of becoming a professional basketball player.
It's important not to give up when faced with challenges or obstacles. Keep trying and don't lose hope.
Despite his best efforts, the boxer was forced to give up the fight after sustaining a serious injury in the ring.
She was determined to finish the marathon, but after running for several hours without a break, she eventually had to give up due to exhaustion.
He promised himself he wouldn't give up until he had accomplished his goal of running a marathon, and after months of training, he finally achieved it.
Many people give up on their hobbies or passions as they get older, but it's important to continue pursuing what makes you happy.
The detective was close to solving the case, but he knew he couldn't give up until he had all the evidence he needed to make an arrest.
Despite her initial reluctance, she decided to give up her job and start her own business, which turned out to be a successful venture.
After years of playing football, he had to give it up due to a knee injury.
She loved playing the piano, but gave it up after getting a job that required long hours.
He had to give up eating sweets after being diagnosed with diabetes.
She loved smoking, but gave it up for the sake of her health.
He used to enjoy playing video games, but gave it up after realizing it was taking up too much of his time.
Leo's decision to give up basketball came as a disappointment to me
35
Get ahead
to be successful in the work that you do:
It's tough for a woman to get ahead in politics.
If you want to get ahead in your career, you need to work hard and constantly improve your skills.
She worked overtime to get ahead on her project.
He is always looking for ways to get ahead of his competitors in the market.
Some people think that networking is the best way to get ahead in their careers.
If you want to get ahead financially, you need to start saving and investing your money wisely.
36
show off
to behave in a way that is intended to attract attention or admiration, and that other people often find annoying:
She only bought that sports car to show off and prove she could afford one.
He's always showing off to his classmates.
37
Pick out
to recognize, find, or make a choice among different people or things in a group:
Can you pick out the three deliberate mistakes in this paragraph?
The critics picked him out as the outstanding male dancer of the decade.
Can you pick out the red sweater from the pile of clothes?
The detective was able to pick out the culprit from the lineup.
She picked out a beautiful dress for the party.
He picked out the most important points from the lengthy report.
The detective was able to pick out the suspect from a lineup.
Can you help me pick out a new pair of shoes?
She carefully picked out each ingredient for the recipe.
38
Pick on
to criticize, punish, or be unkind to the same person often and unfairly:
He gets picked on by the other boys because he's so small.
The new student was being picked on by some of the older students.
Why do you always pick on your little sister?
The boss seemed to be picking on him for no reason.
I don't like it when you pick on me for my mistakes.
The teacher noticed that one of the students was picking on another and immediately intervened.
39
Pick through
to look at the things in a group and take only what you want:
I had to pick through the rubbish to find my electricity bill.
After the hurricane, we had to pick through the debris to find our belongings.
The archaeologists carefully picked through the layers of soil to uncover artifacts from ancient times.
After the yard sale was over, people continued to pick through the remaining items, hoping to find a hidden treasure.
The chef picked through the basket of fresh produce to select the best ingredients for her dish.
It took me hours to pick through all the paperwork on my desk to find the one document I needed.
The students picked through the pile of books to find the one that contained the information they were looking for.
The bird was picking through the grass in search of worms and insects to eat.
The detectives had to pick through the suspect's alibi to find any inconsistencies in his story.
40
Set off
to cause an activity or event, often a series of events, to begin or happen:
The court's initial verdict in the police officers' trial set off serious riots.
to cause a loud noise or explosion, such as that made by a bomb or an alarm (= a warning sound) to begin or happen:
Terrorists set off a bomb in the city centre.
Somebody set the alarm off on my car.
to cause someone to start doing something:
[ + -ing verb ] Every time I think about it, it sets me off laughing.
She's finally stopped crying - don't set her off again.
We need to set off early in the morning to avoid traffic."
"The fireworks set off a car alarm in the neighborhood."
"The sound of the alarm set off a panic in the building."
"She set off on a backpacking trip around Europe with her best friend."
"The baking soda and vinegar mixture set off a chemical reaction."
"The insult he made towards her set off a heated argument."
"The music set off a party atmosphere in the room."
"The detective finally found a clue that set off a breakthrough in the case."
"The discovery of a new planet set off a wave of excitement in the scientific community."
41
Prove its worth
Moreover, since no single organisation controls the Internet, every new protocol will have to prove its worth if it is to be widely adopted.
42
hold together
to keep (a group or organization) complete or in its original state or condition:
Social relationships held the Crow people together into the 20th century.
We ought to do everything we can to get marriages to hold together.
The glue is not strong enough to hold together the broken pieces of the vase.
The team captain is responsible for holding together the team and ensuring everyone is working towards a common goal.
The stitches will hold together the tear in the shirt until it can be properly mended.
Despite facing numerous challenges, the community held together and supported each other during the difficult times.
The tapestry was carefully woven to hold together various colors and textures into a beautiful piece of art
43
occur to someone
If a thought or idea occurs to you, it comes into your mind:
The thought did occur to me.
[ + that ] It never even occurred to us that he hadn't been invited.
Does it ever occur to you that I might want to be on my own sometimes?
44
dispose of
to get rid of someone or something or deal with something so that the matter is finished:
How did they dispose of the body?
It took only five minutes for the world champion to dispose of (= defeat) his opponent.
45
Come over
To visit someone at their home or place of residence. Example: "I'm feeling lonely tonight. Can you come over and keep me company?"
To change sides or switch allegiances. Example: "After hearing the other candidate's views, I decided to come over to their side."
To be understood or conveyed in a particular way. Example: "I hope my message comes over clearly in the presentation."
To move from one place to another. Example: "The storm caused a tree to fall across the road, so we had to come over the hill instead."
To experience a particular feeling or emotion. Example: "As I watched the movie, a sense of sadness came over me."
To become affected or influenced by something. Example: "She felt a sense of peace come over her as she practiced meditation."
To win or succeed in a competition. Example: "Our team worked hard and finally managed to come over our opponents in the championship game."
To make a sudden or unexpected impression on someone. Example: "Her beauty and charm just came over me like a wave."
46
fall back
to go to somebody for support; to have something to use when you are in difficulty
I have a little money in the bank to fall back on.
She fell back on her usual excuse of having no time.
47
Leap out
to jump higher than someone else:
jump or spring out of something suddenly, or to move quickly and suddenly out of a particular place or position.
He outleapt his marker and headed the ball easily into the back of the net.
metaphorically to describe something that is very noticeable or striking, as if it is jumping out at you.
The bright colors of the flowers leapt out at me as I walked through the garden"
"The answer to the question leapt out at me when I read the text."
As I read the book, the similarities
between the characters' lives began to leap out at me.
The details in the painting really leap out
48
Lay out
to arrange something on a flat surface:
Most of Manhattan is laid out in/on a grid pattern.
We laid the pieces of the dress pattern out on the floor.
to explain or describe something in a clear and detailed way:
Our social media approach was laid out in the agenda.
lay sth out for sb
He didn't understand that I was firing him, so I laid it out for him.
Can you please lay out the plates and silverware for dinner?
The architect was asked to lay out the plans for the new building.
The teacher decided to lay out the lesson plan for the upcoming week
49
Coupled with
(be) coupled with somebody/something
(of one thing, situation, etc.) to be linked to another thing, situation, etc.
Overproduction, coupled with falling sales, has led to huge losses for the company.
50
Stir up
stir somebody up
to encourage somebody to do something; to make somebody feel they must do something
stir something up
to make people feel strong emotions
to stir up hatred
Going back there stirred up a lot of memories for her.
to try to cause arguments or problems
to stir up a debate
Whenever he's around, he always manages to stir up trouble.
We've got enough problems without you trying to stir things up.
Could you please stir the soup for me while I chop the vegetables?
The sound of the drums started to stir something deep inside of her.
The news of the company's financial troubles began to stir up feelings of anxiety among its employees.
She used a wooden spoon to stir the mixture until it was smooth and creamy.
The politician's speech was designed to stir up the crowd and inspire them to take action.
51
plough on
to continue doing something although it is difficult or boring:
He could see that she didn't like what he was saying, but he ploughed on (= continued talking) regardless.
It would be a mistake to plough on with this plan - it will never work.
Despite feeling exhausted, she decided to plough on with her work until she finished the project.
The team was faced with numerous obstacles, but they ploughed on and managed to complete the task successfully.
Even though the weather was terrible, the hikers decided to plough on and reach the summit of the mountain.
Despite the criticisms, the politician decided to plough on with his policies and initiatives.
52
serve up
to provide something or make something available to people :
We were served up with a list of titles that best matched what we were looking for.
53
push through
to cause a plan or suggestion to be officially accepted or put into use:
We are trying to push this deal through as quickly as possible.
The president is trying to push through various tax reforms.
Despite feeling exhausted, she decided to push through and finish her work for the day.
The team knew they had to push through the tough competition in order to win the championship.
He was determined to push through the pain and finish the marathon.
The company had to push through a lot of bureaucracy in order to get their project approved.
She relied on her inner strength to push through the difficulties she faced in her personal life.
54
seek out
to look for someone or something, especially for a long time until you find him, her, or it:
While he was at the library, Steve decided to seek out some information on the history of the area.
I need to seek out a new doctor since I just moved to a new city.
She decided to seek out a therapist to help her with her anxiety.
He has always been interested in different cultures and loves to seek out new experiences while traveling.
55
Flick through
to look quickly at the pages of a magazine, book, etc.
I like to flick through magazines to get ideas for my next art project.
She spent the afternoon flicking through travel brochures, trying to decide where to go on vacation.
He picked up the book and started to flick through the pages, looking for a specific quote.
I often flick through social media on my phone during my lunch break.
She was flicking through the TV channels when she came across an interesting documentary.
56
Contend with sth
to have to deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation:
At the age of nine, he had the death of both parents to contend with.
We don't need a computer failure to contend with as well as all our other problems.
The two teams will contend for the championship title next week.
The athlete was able to contend with her injury and still win the race.
Some experts contend that climate change is the most pressing issue of our time.
The author contends that the government's policies are not addressing the root causes of poverty.
The lawyer contended that her client was innocent and presented evidence to support her claim.
The company will have to contend with fierce competition in the marketplace.
The speaker had to contend with technical difficulties during the presentation, but she still managed to deliver her message effectively.
Some scholars contend that Shakespeare's plays were actually written by someone else
57
Stick with
to continue doing something or using someone to do work for you, and not stop or change to something or someone else:
He said that he was going to stick with the traditions established by his grandfather.
He's a good car mechanic - I think we should stick with him.
58
Detract from
to make something seem less valuable or less deserving of admiration than it really is :
All that make-up she wears actually detracts from her beauty, I think.
The spelling errors in the report detract from its overall quality."
"The bright colors of the wallpaper detract from the simplicity of the room."
"The negative comments from critics can detract from the success of a movie."
"The noise from the construction site detracts from the peacefulness of the park."
"The poor lighting in the gallery detracts from the beauty of the artwork."
59
put across
to express your ideas and opinions clearly so that people understand them easily:
It's an interesting idea and I thought he put it across well.
He was able to put across his point of view in a clear and concise manner."
"It's important to put across your ideas effectively during a job interview."
"The spokesperson was able to put across the company's position on the issue to the media."
"She struggled to put across her emotions during the therapy session."
"The teacher was able to put across complex concepts in a way that was easy for the students to understand."
60
pull apart
to separate two things or people:
They went for each other with their fists and had to be pulled apart.
The children were fighting over the toy and tried to pull it apart from each other.
The team had to pull apart the faulty machine to figure out what was wrong with it.
He carefully pulled apart the tangled wires to fix the electrical problem.
The detectives had to pull apart the clues to solve the mystery.
The protesters tried to pull apart the barricades to gain access to the building.
61
work out
to understand something or to find the answer to something by thinking about it:
[ + question word ] There will be a full investigation to work out what caused the accident.
[ + that ] Investigators needed several months to work out that a fraud had been committed.
"I had trouble understanding the math problem at first, but after a few minutes of working it out, I finally got the answer."
"It took some time to work out the details of the project, but once we did, everything fell into place."
"I couldn't work out what my friend was trying to say until she explained it to me a few times."
"The instructions were a bit confusing, but after rereading them a few times, I was able to work out how to assemble the furniture."
"The movie's plot was complex, but as it progressed, I was able to work out what was happening."
62
Brush up on
The phrase "brush up" means to refresh or improve one's skills or knowledge in a particular area. It can also mean to tidy up or clean something, particularly by using a brush.
Here are a few examples of how the phrase "brush up" can be used in context:
"I need to brush up on my French before my trip to Paris next month." In this example, "brush up" means to improve one's French language skills.
"I haven't played guitar in years, but I'm planning to brush up on my skills over the weekend." Here, "brush up" means to refresh one's guitar playing skills.
"Before the big presentation, I'll brush up on the latest industry trends to make sure I'm fully prepared." In this case, "brush up" means to refresh one's knowledge of the latest industry trends.
"I'm going to brush up the living room before our guests arrive." Here, "brush up" means to tidy or clean the living room using a brush or other cleaning tool.
63
Hail from
to come from or to have been born in a particular place:
Joe originally hails from Toronto.
He hailed from a small town in the countryside.
The artist who painted this masterpiece hailed from Italy.
The famous chef who prepared this meal hailed from France.
The new CEO of the company hailed from a competitor.
The Nobel Prize winner in literature hailed from South Africa.
The actor who played the lead role hailed from Australia.
The Olympic gold medalist in swimming hailed from the United States.
The explorer who discovered this new landmass hailed from Spain.
64
bring about
to cause something to happen:
He brought about his company's collapse by his reckless spending.
The new government policies are expected to bring about significant changes in the healthcare system.
The invention of the internet has brought about a revolution in the way we communicate.
The civil rights movement of the 1960s brought about important changes in U.S. law and society.
The company's new CEO hopes to bring about a culture of innovation and creativity within the organization.
The discovery of a new treatment could bring about a breakthrough in the fight against cancer.
The economic recession brought about a sharp decline in consumer spending.
The development of renewable energy sources could bring about a greener, more sustainable future.
65
Drift apart
If two people drift apart, they gradually become less friendly and their relationship ends.
Sarah and Lisa used to be best friends, but over time they slowly drifted apart. They started hanging out with different groups of people and didn't see each other as much.
John and his girlfriend had been dating for three years, but they slowly started to drift apart as they pursued different career goals. Eventually, they realized that they wanted different things in life and decided to break up.
The once close-knit family drifted apart after the patriarch passed away. Without him to bring them together, his children and grandchildren slowly lost touch with each other.
Brian and his childhood friends used to do everything together, but as they grew older, they drifted apart. They all went to different colleges and started building their own lives in different cities.
When Tom and his business partner first started their company, they were on the same page about everything. But as the company grew, they started to drift apart in terms of their vision for the future. They eventually decided to part ways and pursue their own projects.
66
Put your feet up
Put your feet up" is an idiom that means to relax and take a break. It is often used to encourage someone to take a break after a long day or to simply unwind and destress. Here are a few examples of how the phrase might be used in conversation:
"You've been working so hard all day. Why don't you put your feet up and relax for a little while?"
"I'm so tired after that hike. I can't wait to get home and put my feet up for a few hours."
"It's the weekend, so let's just put our feet up and watch some movies tonight."
"I've been running around all day doing errands. I'm looking forward to finally being able to put my feet up and read a book."
Overall, "put your feet up" is a way of saying that it's okay to take a break and give your body and mind a chance to rest and rejuvenate.
67
break sth off
to separate a part from a larger piece, or to become separate:
He broke off a piece of chocolate.
When I tried to pick up the shovel, the handle broke off.
The negotiations between the two countries broke off after they failed to reach a compromise.
I had to break off my workout early because I was feeling lightheaded.
The branch broke off the tree during the storm last night.
The couple decided to break off their engagement after realizing they had different goals in life.
She had to break off the conversation abruptly when she received an urgent phone call.
68
Pull sth down
to destroy a building:
They pulled down the warehouse to build a new supermarket.
69
Tap into
to manage to use something in a way that brings good results:
If only we could tap into all that energy and creativity.
As a marketer, I'm always looking for new ways to tap into my target audience's interests and preferences."
"The book's author is able to tap into readers' emotions with her vivid descriptions and relatable characters."
"To succeed in business, you need to tap into your own strengths and skills, and also leverage the strengths of your team members."
"In her research, the scientist was able to tap into a previously undiscovered source of renewable energy."
"The artist's work taps into the zeitgeist of our current cultural moment, exploring themes that resonate with many people."
70
let someone in on something
to tell someone about something that is secret, or to allow someone to become involved in something that only very few people are involved in:
Debbie agreed to let me in on her plans.
71
sail through
to succeed very easily in something, especially a test:
Rachel sailed through her finals and got A's in everything.
You can't expect to just sail through without doing any work.
Despite the tough competition, our team managed to sail through the finals and win the championship.
The experienced sailor was able to sail through the storm and reach the harbor safely.
With her impressive skills and knowledge, she was able to sail through the interview and secure the job.
Thanks to his excellent preparation and hard work, he was able to sail through the exam with ease.
The company was able to sail through the economic downturn by implementing cost-cutting measures and focusing on innovation
72
Bring forward
to introduce something so that it can be seen or discussed:
The police brought forward some new evidence in the case.
mainly UK
to change the date or time of an event so that it happens earlier than planned:
The elections were brought forward by three months.
73
Fall behind
to fail to do something fast enough or on time:
He was ill for six weeks and fell behind with his schoolwork.
I've fallen behind on the mortgage payments.
I need to hurry up, or else I'll fall behind on my work schedule.
If you don't study regularly, you may fall behind your classmates and struggle to catch up.
The runner was feeling exhausted, and he knew he was going to fall behind his competitors.
If you don't keep up with the latest technology, your business may fall behind your competitors.
She had to take a break from her job to care for her child and ended up falling behind on her work.
74
Hold it against sb
hold something against somebody
to allow something that somebody has done to make you have a lower opinion of them
I admit I made a mistake—but don't hold it against me.
I don't hold it against you that you forgot my birthday last year.
I hope you don't hold it against me for canceling our plans last minute.
Although he made a mistake, I don't hold it against him.
She doesn't hold it against her friend for not supporting her during a difficult time.
I hope my boss doesn't hold it against me for the mistake I made on the project.
75
Put sth into sth
to spend a lot of time or effort doing something:
If I put in some extra hours today, I can have some time off tomorrow.
We've put a lot of time into redesigning the packaging.
to invest money in something
She decided to put her plan into action and start her own business.
He put a lot of effort into preparing for the exam.
They put their money into a high-risk investment, hoping for a big return.
She put her heart and soul into writing her first novel.
The company decided to put more resources into marketing their new product.
We need to put more thought into our strategy
76
break down
To stop working properly or fail completely:
Example: My car broke down on the highway and I had to call a tow truck.
To become very upset or emotional:
Example: She broke down in tears when she heard the news about her friend.
To analyze or separate something into smaller parts:
Example: We need to break down the costs of the project to see where we can save money.
To explain or clarify something in detail:
Example: Can you break down the steps of this process for me so I can understand it better?
To dismantle or take apart something:
Example: We need to break down this old shed and dispose of the materials properly.
To reduce something to its basic components or elements:
Example: The nutrition label breaks down the ingredients in this cereal.
To divide something into smaller units or portions:
Example: Let's break down the work into smaller tasks so we can all contribute to the project
77
get sth across
to manage to make someone understand or believe something:
We tried to get our point across, but he just wouldn't listen.
This is the message that we want to get across to the public.
How can I get it across to him that I don't want to see him anymore?
The professor struggled to get her point across to the disengaged students.
The importance of punctuality is something that he tries to get across to his employees.
It's difficult to get across the street during rush hour due to heavy traffic.
I hope I was able to get my concerns across to the management during the meeting.
It's important to use clear and concise language to get your message across effectively.
The presenter used humor and anecdotes to get his ideas across to the audience.
How can I get it across to him that I don't want to see him anymore?
78
Draw up
to prepare something, usually something official, in writing:
I've drawn up a list of candidates that I'd like to interview.
More examples
The architect showed us the house plans that she had drawn up.
His first plans were drawn up in rough.
We've drawn up a shortlist for the job.
A specification has been drawn up for the new military aircraft.
Her will was drawn up by a solicitor and witnessed by two colleagues.
79
Talk sb out of...
to persuade someone not to do something:
[ + -ing verb ] Her parents tried to talk her out of getting engaged.
to persuade someone not to do something, or to decide not to do something:
I talked him out of running on his sore ankle.
I was able to talk him out of quitting his job by explaining the long-term benefits of staying with the company.
My parents talked me out of dropping out of college by reminding me of my long-term goals and career aspirations.
The salesman tried to talk us into buying a more expensive car, but we were able to talk him out of it by explaining our budget constraints.
My friend wanted to skip class, but I talked her out of it by reminding her of the importance of attendance and participation.
The therapist was able to talk the patient out of their negative thoughts by using cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.
80
Associate with sb/sth
to spend time with a group of people, especially people who are disapproved of:
I don't want my children associating with drug addicts and alcoholics.
I don't want to associate with people who are always negative.
He was worried that being seen with the wrong crowd would associate him with a bad reputation.
The company doesn't want to associate with any political party or candidate.
I often associate the smell of coffee with mornings and waking up.
She was hesitant to associate herself with the controversial artist, despite admiring his work.
Many people associate the color red with passion and intensity.
The athlete's success has helped him to associate with other successful and influential people in his industry.
He has been trying to associate himself with well-known figures in the technology world to boost his own reputation.
81
Blow away
to defeat someone or something completely, especially in a sports competition:
They blew the other team away in the second half of the game.
to surprise or please someone very much:
The ending will blow you away.
82
Follow with
to do something to finish a previous action or make it more successful:
We always follow up publicity mailshots with a phone call.
After the introduction, the speaker will follow with a brief overview of the company's history.
The chef recommends that you start with the appetizer and follow with the main course.
He made an inappropriate comment, which was quickly followed with an apology.
The teacher will present a new concept and follow with a class discussion to reinforce the material.
The doctor will prescribe a medication and follow with regular check-ups to monitor the patient's progress.
83
Carry on
to continue doing something, or to cause something to continue:
Let's carry on this discussion at some other time.
UK Carry on the good work!
Sorry to interrupt, please carry on (with what you were saying).
You just have to carry on as if nothing's happened.
[ + -ing verb ] Steve just carried on playing on his computer.
Daphne is carrying on the family tradition by becoming a lawyer.
84
Bring in
To introduce or incorporate something:
Example: The company is planning to bring in new technology to improve productivity.
To earn or make a certain amount of money:
Example: The restaurant hopes to bring in more revenue by expanding its menu.
To arrest or take someone into custody:
Example: The police were able to bring in the suspect after a long pursuit.
To involve or include someone in a particular situation or activity:
Example: The manager decided to bring in a consultant to help with the project.
To bring something inside:
Example: Can you please bring in the groceries from the car?
To introduce a new law or policy:
Example: The government plans to bring in a new tax law.
To cause or produce a particular result:
Example: The company’s new marketing strategy is expected to bring in more customers.
85
Taper off
To gradually decrease in volume or quantity:
Example: The sound of the music started to taper off as the concert came to an end.
To gradually reduce the dosage of medication:
Example: The doctor advised her to taper off her medication slowly to avoid any side effects.
To gradually decrease in intensity or frequency:
Example: The rain started to taper off after several hours of heavy downpour.
To slowly come to an end or conclusion:
Example: The discussion about the project began to taper off as everyone had shared their ideas.
To gradually decrease in strength or power:
Example: The hurricane started to taper off as it moved further away from the coast.
86
Count on someone
Count on something
to expect something to happen and make plans based on it:
[ + -ing verb ] I'm counting on the meeting ending on time, or I'll miss my bus.
Sorry I'm late, I didn't count on being held up in the traffic.
There's never a taxi when you want one - that's the one thing you can count on!
to depend on someone or expect something:
You can always count on Michael in a crisis.
She didn’t count on rain, and didn’t bring an umbrella.
87
Get someone down
If something gets you down, it makes you feel unhappy or depressed.:
The chaos in his house was starting to get him down.
I know it's frustrating, but don't let it get you down.
88
Break out
If something dangerous or unpleasant breaks out, it suddenly starts:
War broke out in 1914.
Fighting has broken out all over the city.
89
Take out
to remove something from somewhere:
They had to take out two of his teeth.
to go somewhere and do something with someone, usually something you plan and pay for:
Dad's taking the whole family out to the cinema.
Our boss took us out for drinks.
The dentist told me to take out my wisdom teeth because they were causing me a lot of pain.
Could you please take out the trash? It's starting to smell pretty bad.
I need to take out the batteries from this remote control and put in new ones.
The mechanic had to take out the engine to fix the problem with my car.
I always take out the onions from my burger because I don't like the taste.
The teacher told us to take out our textbooks and turn to page 50.
I have to take out my contact lenses every night before going to bed.
The chef asked the waiter to take out the tomatoes from the salad because the customer was allergic to them.
He had to take out his wallet to pay for the meal at the restaurant.
The doctor had to take out the stitches from the patient's wound.
90
Put on
To dress oneself in clothing or accessories. Example: I need to put on my coat before we go outside.
To apply makeup or cosmetics. Example: She takes a long time to put on her makeup in the morning.
To assume a particular expression, tone of voice, or attitude. Example: He always puts on a happy face, even when he's feeling down.
To present a performance or show. Example: The theater group is putting on a play next weekend.
To turn on or activate a device. Example: Can you please put on the television so we can watch the news?
To gain weight or become heavier. Example: I've put on a few pounds since the holidays.
Examples of "put on" in context:
She put on her favorite dress for the party.
He put on some cologne before leaving the house.
The salesman put on a convincing smile to try and make the sale.
The school choir put on a concert for the parents.
Can you put on the air conditioning? It's getting hot in here.
He's put on a lot of muscle since he started going to the gym.
The company put on a training session for its employees.
She put on a brave face even though she was scared.
91
Do up
To renovate or decorate a property or a room: For example, "They're going to do up their house before they sell it."
They're going to do up their old farmhouse and turn it into a bed and breakfast.
We decided to do up our bathroom last summer and installed a new shower and vanity.
The company is planning to do up the entire office building to make it more modern and efficient.
The new owners of the restaurant are going to do up the interior and create a more
welcoming atmosphere for diners.
The council is investing in a project to do up the public park with new playground equipment and landscaping.
92
Rise above it
to not allow something bad to affect your behaviour or upset you:
He rose above his pain/bad luck/difficulties.
You've been dealing with a difficult coworker who constantly belittles your ideas during meetings. Instead of getting upset, you decide to rise above it and continue to present your ideas confidently, knowing that they have value.
A friend constantly criticizes your life choices and makes you feel inferior. Rather than engaging in a heated argument, you choose to rise above it and maintain a positive attitude, knowing that their opinions do not define you.
You've been facing a lot of setbacks in your personal life, but instead of giving up, you decide to rise above it and keep pushing forward, knowing that you have the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle.
You receive a negative performance review at work that you feel is unjustified. Rather than dwelling on the criticism, you choose to rise above it and focus on improving your skills and performance, knowing that you can use this experience as an opportunity for growth.
93
Cater for sb
to provide what is wanted or needed by someone or something:
The club caters for children between the ages of four and twelve.
As a restaurant owner, it's important to cater for customers with dietary restrictions by offering vegan and gluten-free options.
The event planner made sure to cater for the guests' preferences by asking about their food and drink choices beforehand.
The hotel staff went out of their way to cater for the needs of the celebrity guest, providing extra security and arranging for private transportation.
The teacher tried to cater for the different learning styles of her students by using a variety of teaching methods, including visual aids and hands-on activities.
94
Frown on/upon
to disapprove of something:
Smoking is frowned upon in many societies.
In many cultures, it is frowned upon to eat with your left hand.
Drinking alcohol during working hours is generally frowned upon in most professional settings.
Some people frown upon using your phone during a meal as it is considered impolite.
While it is legal in some states, smoking marijuana is still frowned upon by many people.
Many traditional families frown upon their children marrying outside of their religion or caste.
It is generally frowned upon to show up late to a job interview or a meeting with a client.
In some societies, women wearing revealing clothing in public is frowned upon and may even be considered indecent.
95
Ascribe sth to sth
to believe or say that something is caused by something else:
To what do you ascribe your phenomenal success?
Many scholars ascribe the decline of the Roman Empire to a combination of factors, including economic instability and military overspending."
"Some people ascribe their success to hard work and dedication, while others believe it's due to luck or good fortune."
"The author ascribed the inspiration for her book to her own personal experiences and struggles."
"Historians often ascribe certain political and social movements to the influence of charismatic leaders."
"Some psychologists ascribe certain behaviors to a person's upbringing and early childhood experiences."
96
usher something in
to be at the start of a new period, especially when important changes or new things happen, or to cause important changes to start happening:
These changes could usher in a period of dramatic economic growth.
His inventions helped usher in the era of skyscrapers.
Niemeyer was one of the young intellectuals who revolutionized Brazilian society by ushering in new styles of music, art, and cinema.
97
Hold back
to not do something, often because of fear or because you do not want to make a bad situation worse:
He held back, terrified of going into the dark room.
98
Hand sth down
My grandfather handed down his antique pocket watch to me, and now I plan to hand it down to my own son someday.
The family business was handed down from father to son for three generations before it was sold to a larger corporation.
The tradition of making homemade jam has been handed down in my family for as long as I can remember, with each generation adding their own special touch to the recipe.
The company policy was handed down from the CEO to the managers, who then passed it down to the employees.
The coach always encourages the senior players to hand down their knowledge and experience to the younger members of the team, to help them improve their skills and teamwork.
99
Come to
to become conscious again after an accident or operation:
Has he come to yet?
100
Bounce back
to start to be successful again after a difficult period, for example after experiencing failure, loss of confidence, illness, or unhappiness:
Stock prices bounced back after a steep plunge earlier this week.
Children often seem to bounce back from illness more quickly than adults do.
