Phrasal Verbs

Question 1

to move backwards

Answer 1

back UP
= to move backwards

Ex.:
We passed the house we were looking for, so we had to back up a little bit to get to it.

I backed the car up against the garage wall.

Question 2

to prove something to be true

Answer 2

back UP
= to prove something to be true

Ex.:
There was not enough evidence to back up the theory so we can’t know if it really works out.

What I told you is true, and now I have even more evidence to back it up.

Question 3

to support someone by confirming that they are telling the truth

Answer 3

back UP
= to support someone by confirming that they are telling the truth

Ex.:
We told our version of the events, certain that the witnesses would back us up.

They won’t back up anyone who is known for lying.

Question 4

to provide help or support for someone or something

Answer 4

back UP
= to provide help or support for someone or something

Ex.:
If I decide to take on the job, can I count on you to back me up?

The political party backs up any candidate who follows its basic principles.

Question 5

to become clogged and impassable

Answer 5

back UP
= to become clogged and impassable.

Ex.:
I’m calling the plumber right now because the toilet is backed up again.

Traffic is totally backed up, due to all that construction.

Question 6

to return to an item previously mentioned

Answer 6

back UP
= to return to an item previously mentioned.

Ex.: Whoa, ______! What have you just said? Janet and Jim are getting married?

Question 7

to duplicate a file or program so that the original is not lost

Answer 7

back UP
= to duplicate a file or program so that the original is not lost.

Ex.: Every computer manual warns you to back up your work frequently in case of a power outage or computer failure.

Question 8

to go down something backwards, such as a ladder or inclined driveway

Answer 8

back DOWN
= to go down something backwards, such as a ladder or inclined driveway.

Ex.:
Harry backed down the ladder safely.

Question 9

to retreat from a particular idea or course of action, often in conflict

Answer 9

back DOWN
= to retreat from a particular idea or course of action, often in conflict.

Ex.: I refuse to back down—this law must be passed, in the interest of public safety.

Question 10

to yield to a person or a thing; to fail to carry through on a threat

Answer 10

back DOWN
= to yield to a person or a thing; to fail to carry through on a threat.

Ex.:
Jane backed down from her position on the budget.

Question 11

to place something in a high or upright position

Answer 11

set UP
= to place something in a high or upright position

Ex.:
Please set the books up on the top shelf.

Question 12

to assemble, erect or organize something

Answer 12

set UP
= to assemble, erect, or organize something

Ex.:
The kids set up a tent in the backyard.

I bought a new table, but I’m not sure how to set it up.

We need to set up a good schedule for taking the kids to school.

Question 13

to lay out a plan to do something

Answer 13

set UP
= to lay out a plan to do something

Ex:
The police caught the gang trying to set up a kidnapping.

They didn’t commit the crime, but they did set it up.

Question 14

to establish something; found something

Answer 14

set UP
= to establish something; found something

Ex:
We used the money to set up a new charity.

Question 15

to give someone everything that is needed

Answer 15

set UP
= to give someone everything that is needed

Ex: Don’t worry that you forgot to pack your good clothes; I’ll set you up.

Question 16

to establish someone in business by providing capital, equipment, or another backing

Answer 16

set UP
= to establish someone in business by providing capital, equipment, or another backing

Ex:
I wanted to start an Italian restaurant, and my grandparents, who were in the business for years, helped set me up.

Question 17

to treat someone, especially to drinks

Answer 17

set UP
= to treat someone, especially to drinks

Ex:
The bartender sets up all of his close friends for one beer.

If you don’t have enough money for another beer, I’ll set you up.

Question 18

to create the needed conditions for something

Answer 18

set UP
= to create the needed conditions for something

Ex: The team’s defence set up a good play.

Question 19

to put someone or something into a position of authority or power; invest someone with power

Answer 19

set UP
= to put someone or something into a position of authority or power; invest someone with power

Ex: The leaders of the coup set the general up as a dictator.

Question 20

to give the impression, especially a false impression, that someone is something

Answer 20

set UP
= to give the impression, especially a false impression, that someone is something

Ex:
She set herself up as an authority on Latin, but she really doesn’t know that much.

The newspapers set him up as a star athlete, but he had only played three professional games.

Question 21

to put someone into a compromising situation by deceit or trickery

Answer 21

set UP
= to put someone into a compromising situation by deceit or trickery

Ex: He set up the tourists by convincing them he needed bus fare to get home, and then he stole their money.

Question 22

to arrange for someone to meet someone as a possible mate

Answer 22

set UP
= to arrange for someone to meet someone as a possible mate

Ex: A friend set me up with his brother, we’re going out tonight. The dating service set us up.

Question 23

to stimulate or exhilarate

Answer 23

set UP
= to stimulate or exhilarate

Ex.: That victory really set up our team, we were highly excited.

Question 24

to put something on the surface of something

Answer 24

set DOWN
= to put something on the surface of something

Ex:
They set the boxes down on the floor.

I set down my book and closed my eyes.

Question 25

to put something in writing; record something

Answer 25

set DOWN = to put something in writing; record something Ex: I set down some ideas for a novel. The committee set their findings down in a report.

Question 26

to land some aircraft

Answer 26

set DOWN = to land some aircraft Ex: The pilot set the plane down hard.

Question 27

to deem, consider, or regard someone or something to be a certain type of person or thing, usually in a derisive way

Answer 27

set DOWN = to deem, consider, or regard someone or something to be a certain type of person or thing. Ex: I had set her down as nothing but a fool, but she proved me wrong.

Question 28

to regard someone as something

Answer 28

set (sb) DOWN AS (sth) = to regard someone as something Ex: They set her down as a liar and never trusted her again.

Question 29

to attribute some event to some cause

Answer 29

set (sth) DOWN TO (sth else) = to attribute some event to some cause Ex: Let's not be disheartened by this outcome, we should ____ this error ____ to inexperience.

Question 30

to divide or break something into pieces

Answer 30

break UP = to divide or break something into pieces Ex: He broke up a piece of chocolate and scattered the pieces on top of the cake.

Question 31

to cause a relationship or partnership to end

Answer 31

break UP = to cause a relationship or partnership to end Ex: Personal tensions broke the rock band up. They won’t play together anymore. I'm not trying to break up their marriage. I think they should stay together.

Question 32

to cause a crowd or gathering to disperse

Answer 32

break UP = to cause a crowd or gathering to disperse Ex: The protest rally was getting very big and noisy when the police came and broke it up. The teacher came outside to break up the group of children that were fighting.

Question 33

to cause someone to laugh or cry very hard

Answer 33

break UP = to cause someone to laugh or cry very hard Ex: That story that you told was really funny, it broke me up!

Question 34

to be inaudible or indecipherable, as of a voice on the telephone or a broadcast of some kind

Answer 34

break UP = to be inaudible or indecipherable, as of a voice on the telephone or a broadcast of some kind. Ex.: I'm sorry, can you repeat that? The phone call is horrible. You're breaking up.

Question 35

to disrupt the monotony of something

Answer 35

break UP = to disrupt the monotony of something Ex.: I need to walk around and get some coffee—anything to break up a morning of research.

Question 36

of a machine, to malfunction or break altogether

Answer 36

break DOWN = Of a machine, to malfunction or break altogether Ex.: I'm afraid the blender is breaking down. It stopped working again today. She didn't come to the party because her car broke down on the way here.

Question 37

to fail or cease

Answer 37

break DOWN = to fail or cease Ex: Negotiations have broken down again. We still do not have a positive outcome.

Question 38

to destroy a physical structure

Answer 38

break DOWN = to destroy a physical structure Ex.: I'll break this door down if you don't come out here right now!

Question 39

to dismantle a societal obstacle

Answer 39

break DOWN = to dismantle a societal obstacle Ex.: We owe a lot to the pioneering activists of earlier eras, who battled prejudice and broke down barriers.

Question 40

to lose control of one's emotions, often sadness

Answer 40

break DOWN = to lose control of one's emotions, often sadness Ex.: My mother seemed fine this morning, but she completely broke down at the funeral and cried through the whole thing.

Question 41

to methodically explain something step by step

Answer 41

break DOWN = to methodically explain something step by step Ex.: Can you break down the healthcare proposal to me? It’s too long and complex.

Question 42

to reduce something to its component parts

Answer 42

break DOWN = to reduce something to its component parts Ex: If you break down water, it's just hydrogen and oxygen molecules.

Question 43

to get someone else to do what one wants, often by coercion

Answer 43

break DOWN = to get someone else to do what one wants, often by coercion Ex.: I'll threaten him if I have to—anything to break him down and get that classified information from him.

Question 44

to give in to pressure; to acquiesce

Answer 44

break DOWN = to give in to pressure; to acquiesce Ex.: If we keep asking mom and dad to get pizza, eventually they'll break down and order it.

Question 45

to compose or constitute

Answer 45

make UP = to compose or constitute Ex: Simple syrup is made up of just sugar and water.

Question 46

to devise a fiction or falsehood; invent.

Answer 46

make UP = to devise a fiction or falsehood; invent. Ex: Mary is always making up stories for her children. Is that account true or did you make it up?

Question 47

to reconcile with someone; to end a disagreement (with someone)

Answer 47

make UP = to reconcile with someone; to end a disagreement (with someone) Ex: I'm glad to see you two have finally made up. It was awkward with you fighting all the time.

Question 48

to do, assemble, or produce something

Answer 48

make UP = to construct, assemble, or produce something Ex: I'll have Janet make up a few packets for you before you leave.

Question 49

to apply makeup to someone or oneself

Answer 49

make UP = to apply makeup to someone or oneself Ex: We'll need 10 minutes to make her up before she's ready to go on air.

Question 50

to complete an activity, especially an exam, that one had previously missed or neglected to do

Answer 50

make UP = to complete an activity, especially an exam, that one had previously missed or neglected to do Ex: I know you were out sick, but you'll still need to make up this test. I got sick last week and now I have a lot of work to make up at the office, so I'm going to stay a little late tonight.

Question 51

to compensate for a previous discrepancy or transgression

Answer 51

make UP = to compensate for a previous discrepancy or transgression Ex: I'm sorry I missed your game. How about I make it up to you with some ice cream? I know I owe you for the help you gave me last month. I hope this make up for it.

Question 52

to order or arrange something; to get something ready for someone's use.

Answer 52

make UP = to order or arrange something; to get something ready for someone's use. Ex: Please be sure to make up her dressing room before she gets here.

Question 53

to try to become friends with someone

Answer 53

make UP TO sb = to try to become friends with someone Ex: Look how the cat is making up to Richard! He seems to like him. Jimmy is making up to Donna, and she doesn't even notice. She pays attention only to her best friend. I have seen you make up to the boss. Are you hoping to get a promotion?

Question 54

to allow something or someone to go or get up

Answer 54

let UP = to allow something or someone to go or get up Ex: Stop wrestling me and let me up!

Question 55

to slow down; diminish

Answer 55

``` let UP = to slow down; diminish ``` Ex: The weather got cold, but the protesters didn't let up in their efforts. They kept on rioting. I hope this rain lets up a little soon. I want badly to go out.

Question 56

to come to a stop; cease

Answer 56

let UP = to come to a stop; cease Ex: The rain let up, so we went outside and played.

Question 57

to release or diminish the pressure on someone or something; ease up on something

Answer 57

let UP ON sb = to release or diminish the pressure on someone or something; ease up on something Ex: Let up on the clutch slowly or you'll stall out the engine Let up on the new workers; they're doing the best they can.

Question 58

to cause to fall to a lower level; lower something

Answer 58

let DOWN = to cause to fall to a lower level; lower something Ex: The tailor let down the hem of my new pants. It was showing my ankles. If you let your hair down, I can braid it. It's time to let down the sails.

Question 59

to fail to meet the expectations of someone; disappoint someone

Answer 59

``` let DOWN = to fail to meet the expectations of someone; disappoint someone ``` Ex: I'm sorry I let you down. Something came up, and I couldn't meet you. I don't want to let you down, but I can't support you in the election.

Question 60

to hinder the success or progress of someone or something

Answer 60

let DOWN = to hinder the success or progress of someone or something Ex: It would have been a good book, but the slow pacing lets it down a bit.

Question 61

to be released from the breast as breast milk

Answer 61

let DOWN = to be released from the breast as breast milk Ex: She tried to breastfeed her newborn infant, but her milk wouldn't let down.

Question 62

to relax one's efforts or vigilance

Answer 62

let DOWN = to relax one's efforts or vigilance Ex: Now is no time to let down. Keep on your guard. After the contest was over, Jane let down a bit so she could relax.

Question 63

to make someone or something seem to be more important

Answer 63

play UP = to make someone or something seem to be more important Ex.: The director tried to play Ann up, but she was not really a star. Try to play up the good qualities of our product.

Question 64

to make something seem less important or remarkable

Answer 64

play DOWN = to make something seem less important or remarkable Ex.: The pharmaceutical company tried to play down the harmful side effects of its new medication. Her lawyer tried to play down her earlier arrest.

Question 65

to contact someone additional time to get more information about something

Answer 65

follow UP = to contact someone additional time to get more information about something Ex.: Please follow up with Ingrid to be sure that the project is still on schedule. The doctor's office never called me back, so I'm going to follow up with them tomorrow.

Question 66

to follow an action or event with another action or event

Answer 66

follow UP = to follow an action or event with another action or event Ex.: We followed up the doctor's appointment with a trip to the ice cream parlour, as promised.

Question 67

to check that something was done properly

Answer 67

follow UP = to check that something was done properly Ex.: Ben never follows the instructions I give him, so can you please follow up to make sure he does?

Question 68

to enhance the effectiveness of something by means of further action

Answer 68

follow UP ON = to enhance the effectiveness of something by means of further action Ex: I followed up on the job interview with an email. Did you follow up on their request?

Question 69

to update one another on life events that occurred since the last time seeing each other

Answer 69

catch UP = to update one another on life events that occurred since the last time seeing each other Ex.: It was so lovely catching up with you; it's been years since we were last together! You and I must really catch up with each other sometime soon.

Question 70

to move fast enough to attain the same progress as someone or something

Answer 70

catch UP = to move fast enough to attain the same progress as someone or something Ex.: If we speed up, we might be able to catch up with the car ahead of us!

Question 71

to give someone the latest information on a particular topic or situation

Answer 71

catch UP = to give someone the latest information on a particular topic or situation Ex.: Anna caught me up already, so I know what to expect in this morning's meeting.

Question 72

to seize or lift something suddenly

Answer 72

catch UP = to seize or lift something suddenly Ex: The wind caught up the umbrella and carried it off. I wasn't holding onto the balloon very tightly, and the wind caught it up and sent it sailing away.

Question 73

to involve someone in something, often unwillingly.

Answer 73

catch UP = to involve someone in something, often unwillingly. Used chiefly in the passive: The senator was caught up in the scandal.

Question 74

to captivate or enthrall someone, to be involved or mired in something

Answer 74

catch UP = to captivate or enthrall someone; to be involved or mired in something Used chiefly in the passive: Perhaps I shouldn't have proposed to you, but I was caught up in the mood of the evening. I refuse to get caught up in another one of your stupid schemes!

Question 75

(slang) to stop using drugs

Answer 75

catch UP = (slang) to stop using drugs Ex: Yeah, she used to use drugs, but she's catching up now

Question 76

to bring some activity to completion or to a state of currentness

Answer 76

catch UP = to bring some activity to completion or to a state of currentness Ex: On the weekends, I catch up on reading the daily newspapers because I don't have time during the week.

Question 77

to place something in a high or upright position

Answer 77

put UP = to place something in a high or upright position Ex: I put the books up on the shelf so the children can't pick them up by themselves. When it's too hot, I like to put my hair up in a bun.

Question 78

to place something in a prominent position

Answer 78

put UP = to place something in a prominent position Ex: They put signs up all over town, hoping someone would recognize their lost cat. The superintendent put up a notice on the door advising residents to conserve water.

Question 79

to erect some structure

Answer 79

put UP = to erect some structure Ex: They're going to put up three new apartment buildings on this street. The children put a tent up in the backyard and slept outside.

Question 80

to nominate someone

Answer 80

put sb UP FOR = to nominate someone Ex: The committee put up three new candidates for mayor. The Green Party put candidates up in many races.

Question 81

to preserve some food by jarring, canning, or salting

Answer 81

put UP = to preserve some food by jarring, canning, or salting Ex: He put up six jars of jam. She put half the cucumbers up for pickles.

Question 82

to provide some amount of money for some purpose

Answer 82

put UP = to provide some amount of money for some purpose Ex: The company put up half of the money for the new park. The agency put $1,000 up toward the scholarship fund.

Question 83

to provide lodgings for someone

Answer 83

``` put UP (sb) FOR some time = to provide lodgings for someone ``` Ex: Could you put me up for the night? I put up some unexpected guests in the spare bedroom.

Question 84

to offer something, especially for sale

Answer 84

put sth UP FOR = to offer something, especially for sale Ex: I put up some of my antique furniture to raise money for my trip. They put their house up for sale and moved to Houston.

Question 85

to make a display or appearance of something

Answer 85

put UP = to make a display or appearance of something Ex: They put up a good bluff, but I knew they were lying.

Question 86

to engage in something; carry on something

Answer 86

put UP = to engage in something; carry on something Ex: The boxer certainly put up a good fight.

Question 87

to persuade someone to commit some funny, mischievous, or malicious act

Answer 87

put UP TO = to persuade someone to commit some funny, mischievous, or malicious act Ex: My older brother put me up to making a prank telephone call.

Question 88

to tolerate someone or something

Answer 88

put UP WITH = to tolerate someone or something Ex: I can't put up with that awful noise from next door.

Question 89

to set something on the surface of something

Answer 89

put DOWN = to set something on the surface of something Ex: They put the boxes down on the floor. I put down my pen and looked up. We put a new carpet down.

Question 90

to write down

Answer 90

put DOWN = to write down Ex: I grabbed a piece of paper and quickly put down what she had just said. He put his address down on a slip of paper and handed it to me.

Question 91

to assign someone to some task or obligation

Answer 91

put DOWN = to assign someone to some task or obligation Ex: We put John down to do the laundry and Mary to do the dishes. You can put me down for a $20 donation, and I'll send you a check next week.

Question 92

to render something ineffective; repress something

Answer 92

put DOWN = to render something ineffective; repress something Ex: We should put down any rumours that we might be leaving town. When the peasants organized a revolution, the dictator called in the army to put it down.

Question 93

to criticize, berate, or insult someone or something

Answer 93

put DOWN = to criticize, berate, or insult someone or something Ex: My boss is always putting me down for small mistakes. The teachers put down our knowledge of literature.

Question 94

to kill some animal, especially a domesticated animal that is sick or suffering

Answer 94

put DOWN = to kill some animal, especially a domesticated animal that is sick or suffering Ex: We had to put down several cows that had gotten very ill. The vet had to put the dog down when it became too sick.

Question 95

to put some child to bed

Answer 95

put DOWN = to put some child to bed Ex: The mother put her baby down for a nap.

Question 96

to make some down payment, usually in instalments

Answer 96

put DOWN = to make some down payment Ex: We just put down a deposit on a new house. If I put $100 down today, can I pay the rest next month?

Question 97

to land some aircraft

Answer 97

put DOWN = to land some aircraft Ex: The pilot put the plane down in a field.

Question 98

to attribute some event to some cause

Answer 98

put DOWN TO = to attribute some event to some cause Ex: They put the boating accident down to the captain's inexperience.

Question 99

to store for future use

Answer 99

put DOWN = to store for future use Ex.: David put down ten cases of this year's Chablis.

Question 100

misbehave

Answer 100

play UP = misbehave The boys have been playing up at school again.

Question 101

to organize, present, or lay out some information.

Answer 101

SET OUT = to organize, present, or lay out some information. Ex.: Please set out the details of your proposal in an email.

Question 102

to attempt or intend to do something

Answer 102

``` SET OUT (+ TO inf.) = to attempt or intend to do something. Ex.: Ginny set out to arrange transport for everyone to the airport. ```

Question 103

to depart for or begin travelling (to someplace)

Answer 103

SET OUT FOR (someplace) = to depart for or begin travelling (to someplace). Ex.: Have an amazing time in Japan! When do you set out?

Question 104

to undertake a task; to begin doing something that requires effort

Answer 104

``` SET ABOUT (+ -ing) = to undertake a task; to begin doing something that requires effort Ex.: Ok, we're in Delhi and we've lost our luggage. So, how do we set about finding some clothes and a toothbrush? ```

Question 105

to put something to the side or out of the way

Answer 105

SET ASIDE = literally, to put something to the side or out of the way. Please set your phone aside while I'm talking to you!

Question 106

to temporarily stop focusing on or paying attention to something

Answer 106

SET ASIDE = to temporarily stop focusing on or paying attention to something. Can you two just set aside your differences for now and get this done, please?

Question 107

to reserve or save something for someone or for later use

Answer 107

SET ASIDE = to reserve or save something for someone or for later use. Can some time be set aside for some shopping later? I recommend you set aside your bonus as a rainy-day fund for the future.

Question 108

to make one noticeable or remarkable (in comparison to someone else); to distinguish one

Answer 108

SET APART = set (one) apart (from someone) = to make one noticeable or remarkable (in comparison to someone else); to distinguish one. What sets the islands apart from other places is the friendliness of the locals.

Question 109

to reserve or put aside something for specific future use

Answer 109

SET APART = set (something) apart (for something) = SET ASIDE = to reserve or put aside something for specific future use. He plans to set some of the profits apart for investment in a new company.

Question 110

to delay or hinder somebody or something

Answer 110

SET BACK = to delay or hinder somebody or something. While in India, Carl caught malaria, which set him back 10 days on his tour.

Question 111

to ignite or cause sb/sth to explode

Answer 111

SET OFF = to ignite or cause sb/sth to explode. The police set a small bomb off to force the door open. Nothing sets me off more than seeing someone hit a child.

Question 112

to start a journey

Answer 112

SET OFF FOR someplace = to start a journey Trudi wanted to reach the summit by lunchtime, so she set off at 6a.m.