Special meanings 2

Question 1

be down

Answer 1

Not working. Example: The computer system is down so we can’t do any work.

Question 2

be up

Answer 2

Time is finished. Example: Our time is up.
Not asleep. Example: I was surprised that the kids were still up when I came home.

Question 3

blow up

Answer 3

Explode. Example: Move away from the vehicle. It might blow up.

Question 4

blow __ up

Answer 4

Destroy by explosion. Example: Guy Fawkes wanted to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

Question 5

break down

Answer 5

Stop working. Example: We were late because our car broke down.

Question 6

break up

Answer 6

End a relationship. Example: My friend is depressed because his girlfriend broke up with him.

Question 7

chop __ up

Answer 7

Chop into smaller pieces. Example: Take a tomato and chop it up.

Question 8

clean __ up

Answer 8

Make something clean. Example: Nobody can leave until this mess is cleaned up.

Question 9

clear up

Answer 9

Clean or organize. Example: We always spend the last 5 minutes of the lesson clearing up.

Question 10

close down

Answer 10

Cease operation. Example: The shop is closing down so they are selling everything for low prices.

Question 11

cut __ up

Answer 11

Cut into pieces. Example: Take a piece of paper and cut it up.

Question 12

give up

Answer 12

Stop trying. Example: I give up. I can’t do it.

Question 13

keep __ up

Answer 13

Prevent from sleeping. Example: My neighbours had a party yesterday and they kept me up until 2am.

Question 14

make up

Answer 14

Resolve a conflict. Example: We can’t make up until I believe that you are really sorry.

Question 15

mess up

Answer 15

make a mistake. Example: I know that I messed up. Can you forgive me?

Question 16

pack __ up

Answer 16

Gather things and pack them. Example: In the morning we packed up our tents and continued our journey.

Question 17

rip __ up

Answer 17

Tear something completely. Example: She ripped up the letter and dropped it into the fire.

Question 18

screw up

Answer 18

Make a serious mistake. Example: I got fired because I screwed up too many times.

Question 19

screw __ up

Answer 19

Ruin something. Example: I gave you a chance but you screwed it up.

Question 20

set __ up

Answer 20

Establish something. Example: Can you help me to set up a wifi network?

Question 21

shut up

Answer 21

Stop talking. Example: Shut up and do your work.

Question 22

shut __ down

Answer 22

Turn off a system. Example: Remember to shut down the computers before you leave.

Question 23

split up

Answer 23

Separate. Example: The Beatles split up in 1970.
Divide into smaller parts. Example: If students can’t work together it is better to split them up.

Question 24

start __ up

Answer 24

Begin operating. Example: I want to start up my own business one day.

Question 25

stay up

Answer 25

Remain awake. Example: I often stay up late at the weekend watching films.

Question 26

take up

Answer 26

Occupy space. Example: The sofa takes up half the room!

Question 27

tear __ up

Answer 27

Tear into pieces. Example: He said he was not interested and tore up the contract.

Question 28

tidy up

Answer 28

Put things in order. Example: Let’s go to bed. We can tidy up in the morning.

Question 29

use __ up

Answer 29

Consume entirely. Example: I gave you three chances and you have used them up.

Question 30

wait up

Answer 30

Stay awake waiting for someone. Example: The boy’s parents waited up until he came home.

Question 31

wake up

Answer 31

Become awake. Example: Wake up! Breakfast is ready! Wake someone. Example: My cat woke me up at 6am this morning!

Question 32

wash up

Answer 32

Clean dishes. Example: I cooked so you should wash up.

Question 33

wash __ up

Answer 33

Wash something. Example: I washed up the pans last time.

Question 34

wipe __ up

Answer 34

Clean by wiping. Example: Oops! I spilt some milk. Can you give me something to wipe it up?