Phrasal verbs list
759 English phrasal verbs with 1,078 meanings — search, filter by level, verb, or particle, or browse A–Z.
Filters
CEFR level
Verb
Particle
759 phrasal verbs · 1,078 meanings
A
abide by sth accept and follow a rule, law, decision, or agreement C1 act on sth do something based on advice, information, or orders B2 act out (sth) show hidden feelings or inner conflict through bad or attention-seeking behaviour C2 act up behave badly or not work properly (a machine, child, or body part) B2 ask around ask many people to find out information B1 ask sb out invite someone to go on a date B1 B
back away move backwards from something, often because you are afraid or unwilling B2 back down stop arguing for something because others disagree or pressure you B2 back out decide not to do something you promised or agreed to do B2 bail on sb suddenly leave or cancel on someone, letting them down C1 bank on sth depend on something happening or being true C1 bear sth out support or prove that something is true with evidence C1 bear with sb be patient with someone while they finish or explain something C1 beat sb up hit someone many times and hurt them badly B1 bleed into sth slowly mix with or affect something until the line between them becomes unclear C2 blow sth down make something fall down because of strong wind B1 blow sth off not do something you planned, treating it as unimportant B2 blurt sth out say something suddenly without thinking C1 boil down to sth come down to one main point or reason B2 bottle sth up keep your feelings inside instead of showing them B2 bottom out reach the lowest point before starting to improve C1 bounce back recover quickly after a problem, failure, or illness C1 bow out leave a job, role, or competition in a polite way C1 branch out start doing something new or different, especially in your work or business C1 break apart separate into pieces, or make something separate into pieces B2 break away escape from someone holding or controlling you B2 break (sth) off suddenly end something (a relationship, talks, contact) B2 bring sth about make something happen, especially something good B2 bring sb/sth along bring someone or something with you when you come B1 bring sth forward move something to an earlier date or time B2 bring sth off succeed in doing something difficult C1 bring sb round persuade someone to agree with your opinion C1 bring sb/sth together make people or things meet or work as a group B1 brush sth aside ignore something like criticism or concerns as not important C1 brush sb off ignore or refuse to listen to someone in a rude way C1 brush up on sth practise something again to improve a skill you have not used recently B2 buckle down start working hard and seriously on a task C1 build on sth use a past success as a base for more progress B2 build (sth) up slowly increase or grow stronger over time B1 bump into sb meet someone by chance, without planning it B1 burn sth down destroy a building completely by fire B2 burn sth off use up energy or calories by exercising B2 burn through sth use up something quickly (money, fuel, resources) B2 burst into sth suddenly start producing something (tears, laughter, song, flames) B2 butt in interrupt a conversation or activity in a rude way B2 buy sth in buy a large amount of something to keep as stock B2 buy sb off pay someone secretly so they will not stop you or tell others C1 buy sb out pay someone for their share of a business so you own all of it C1 buy sth up buy all or most of something that is available C1 C
call on sb formally ask someone to do something, especially to speak B2 call round visit someone at their home, usually without planning it first B2 care for sb look after someone who is ill, old, or very young B1 carry sb away make someone so excited or emotional that they lose control B2 carry on continue doing something, even when it is difficult B1 carry sth out do or complete a task, plan, or experiment B1 carve sth out create a special role or position through hard work over time C1 cash in on sth use a situation to make money or gain an advantage C1 cast sb/sth aside get rid of someone or something that was once important or useful C2 cast sth off get rid of something that used to control or limit you C2 catch sb out trick someone into making a mistake B2 chalk sth up to sth explain something as being caused by a particular reason C2 chat sb up talk to someone in a flirty way to show you like them romantically B2 check in tell the staff you have arrived at a hotel, airport, or event B1 check sb/sth out look at someone or something to see if you like them or to learn more B1 check up on sb/sth make sure someone is doing what they should, or that something is correct B2 cheer (sb) up become happier, or make someone feel happier B1 chill out relax and stop feeling worried or angry B2 chip away at sth slowly weaken an argument, belief, or position by repeated small efforts C1 churn sth out produce a lot of something quickly, often without caring about quality C2 circle back (to sth) return to a topic or person later to discuss it again C1 clam up suddenly stop talking or refuse to speak, often from shyness or to keep a secret C1 clamp down on sth take strong action to stop or control something C1 claw sth back get back money or an advantage that was lost, usually with difficulty C2 clear sth away remove things from a place to make it tidy, especially after a meal B2 clear off leave a place quickly (BrE, informal) B2 clog sth up block something so nothing can pass through B2 close (sth) down stop operating permanently (a business, factory, or school) B1 close in move closer to someone or something, often to attack or catch them B2 cobble sth together quickly make or put something together using whatever you have C2 come about happen, especially something not planned B2 come along arrive or appear B1 come apart break into pieces B2 come by sth get something, especially when it is hard to find C1 come forward offer information or help to the police or someone in charge B2 come in become involved in a situation or plan B2 come off succeed or work as planned B2 come out
come to wake up after losing consciousness B2 come under sth be the target of something like criticism, pressure, or attack B2 - 1 come out become known after being kept secret B1
- 2 come out publicly say what you really think or believe B2
- 3 come out become available to the public (film, book, song) B1
- 4 come out appear or be produced successfully (a photo) B1
- 5 come out be removed from cloth after washing (a stain or mark) B1
come up
conjure sth up make an image, idea, or memory appear in your mind C1 cool down become calmer after being angry or upset B1 cotton on (to sth) start to understand or notice something (informal) C2 count on sb/sth depend on someone or something to do what you need B1 cover sb up hide someone's mistake or wrong action from others C1 crack down on sth take strict action to stop something illegal or wrong B2 crank sth out produce something quickly and in large amounts, often without much care C2 crop up appear or happen suddenly when not expected B2 cross sth out draw a line through words to show they are wrong or not needed B1 cut back on sth reduce the amount of something, especially money you spend or use B2 cut into sth reduce the amount of something available (like time or profits) B2 cut through sth deal with something quickly by avoiding rules or delays B2 cut sth up cut something into small pieces B1 - 1 come up happen or appear, often without warning (a problem or chance) B1
- 2 come up with sth think of an idea, plan, or solution B1
- 3 come up be happening soon B1
- 4 come up be mentioned or talked about in a conversation B1
- 5 come up against sb/sth have to deal with a problem, difficulty, or opponent B2
D
date back have existed since a time in the past B2 dawn on sb suddenly become clear to someone (an idea or fact) B2 delve into sth look into a subject carefully and in great detail C1 dial sth back reduce the intensity or ambition of something (such as plans, demands, or strong language) C1 die down slowly become less strong, loud, or noticeable B2 die out slowly disappear or stop existing completely B2 do away with sth get rid of something, especially a rule or system B2 do without sth manage or live without something you would normally have B2 dole sth out give something out in small amounts, often unwillingly C2 double down on sth strongly increase your commitment to something, even when others criticise it C1 doze off fall asleep, especially when you didn't mean to B2 drag on continue for too long in a boring way B2 draw sb in slowly get someone emotionally involved in something, often without them noticing C1 draw on sth use knowledge, experience, or resources to help you do something C1 draw sth out bring out the deeper meaning or ideas in an argument C1 draw sth up prepare a document, plan, or list in detail B2 dream sth up invent something creative or unusual in your mind C1 dredge sth up bring up something unpleasant from the past that people would rather forget C2 drift apart slowly become less close to someone over time C1 drop behind move slower and end up behind others B2 drop by visit someone for a short time, usually without planning it first B1 drop down move to a lower position B1 drop in visit someone for a short time without planning it first B1 drop out of sth leave school, college, or an activity before finishing it B1 drum sth up try hard to get support, interest, or business C1 dry (sth) out become completely dry, or make something dry, after being wet B2 dry (sth) up become completely dry, or stop existing because there is no more left B2 dumb sth down make something too simple, losing important detail C1 dwell on sth think or talk about something too much, especially something bad C1 E
ease off become slowly less strong or less serious C1 eat away at sb slowly damage someone's confidence or peace of mind over time C1 eat into sth slowly use up something valuable (savings, time, profits) B2 eat out have a meal at a restaurant instead of at home B1 edge sb/sth out beat someone or something by a small amount C1 eke sth out manage to live or survive with very little money or food C2 enter into sth formally agree to a contract, deal, or set of talks C1 even sth out make something more equal or balanced B2 F
face up to sth accept and deal with something difficult or unpleasant B2 factor sth in include something when making a plan or calculation C1 fade away slowly become weaker or less clear until it disappears B2 fall away become less or smaller little by little B2 fall back on sth use something familiar when other options have failed C1 fall behind not move or progress as fast as others or as needed B2 fall in collapse or cave inward (a roof, ceiling, or floor) B2 fall off become less in amount, quality, or strength B2 fall over lose your balance and drop to the ground A2 fall short of sth fail to reach a required or expected level or target C1 fall through fail to happen as planned (a deal, agreement, or plan) B2 feed into sth add to or influence a larger process or system C1 fend for yourself take care of yourself without help from others C1 fend sb/sth off push away an attack or unwanted person C1 figure sth out understand something after thinking about it B1 fill sth out write the needed information on a form B1 fill sth up make something completely full, or become completely full A2 find sth out learn something new or get information about something A2 fizzle out gradually lose energy and end in a weak or disappointing way C1 flare up (a problem, illness, or conflict) suddenly start again or get worse C1 flesh sth out add more details or information to something to make it complete C1 fob sb off try to satisfy someone with something poor or with a weak excuse C1 follow through finish what you started or promised to do C1 follow sth up take more action on something after a first step B2 fork out (sth) pay a lot of money for something, usually unwillingly C1 freak (sb) out suddenly become very scared, upset, or excited B2 freeze sb out push someone out of a group by being cold or unfriendly to them C1 fritter sth away waste money, time, or energy on small unimportant things C2 G
gear up get ready for an important event or activity C1 geek out get very excited and talk a lot about a special interest or technical topic C2 get sth across make an idea or message clear to others B2 get ahead make progress in your career or life B2 get behind sb/sth support a person, plan, or idea B2 get by manage with what you have, even when it's not much B2 get down start to give serious attention to something B2 get in start taking part in something exciting or useful B2 get out of sth avoid doing something you should do or don't want to do B2 get rid of sb/sth throw away or remove something or someone you don't want B1 get round to sth finally find the time to do something you have been planning to do B2 get through
get to sb start to upset or annoy someone B2 get up to sth do something, especially something bad or surprising B2 give in finally agree to something after first saying no B1 give sth off produce and release heat, light, smell, or gas B2 give sth over to sth use time, space, or money for a particular purpose B2 give sth up stop doing or having something B1 glaze over (of eyes) lose focus and look dull because of boredom or not understanding C1 go about sth start doing or dealing with a task in a particular way B2 go ahead start or continue doing something A2 go around move from one place or person to another B1 go away leave a place or person A2 go back on sth not do what you promised or agreed to do B2 go sth over check or talk about each part of something carefully B1 go under fail financially or go bankrupt (a business or company) B2 go up become higher in price or amount B1 go without sth not have something you usually have or need B2 grow apart slowly become less close to someone over time C1 grow on sb become more liked by someone over time C1 grow out of sth become too old for something (a habit, an interest) B2 grow up become an adult A2 gun sb down shoot someone, often killing or badly hurting them in a violent attack C1 - 1 get through manage to reach a place or stage B1
- 2 get through make someone understand or accept what you are saying B2
- 3 get through manage to reach someone on the phone B1
- 4 get through sth deal with and survive a difficult or unpleasant situation B2
- 5 get through sth use up or finish a large amount of something (food, money, supplies) B2
H
hammer sth out reach an agreement or solution after long, difficult talks C1 hand sth down pass something to younger people in the family B2 hand sth in give work or a document to a teacher or boss B1 hand sth out give something to each person in a group B1 hand sb/sth over give something or someone to another person, often because they ask for it B1 hang around spend time in a place doing nothing useful B1 hang back not move forward because you feel unsure or shy B2 hang out spend time relaxing with friends B1 hang over sb worry someone because it might happen or cause problems B2 hang up end a phone call by putting the phone down B1 hark back to sth remind people of something from the past, like an old style or tradition C2 hash sth out talk about something carefully until you reach an agreement C2 heat up become more intense or exciting (a situation, competition) B2 help sb out give someone assistance, especially when they have a problem B1 hem sb/sth in surround someone or something so they cannot move or act freely C2 hinge on sth depend completely on one thing or person C1 hit it off quickly become friendly with someone you have just met B2 hold sth against sb keep blaming someone for something they did in the past B2 hold sth/sb down keep someone or something in place using force B2 hold forth talk for a long time about a subject, often in a way that sounds too confident or self-important C2 hold off delay or wait before doing something B2 hold sth together keep something as one piece or stop it from breaking apart B2 home in on sth focus your attention on something important C1 hone in on sth focus closely on one detail or target C1 J
join in take part in an activity that others are already doing B1 jump at sth quickly accept an offer or chance because you really want it C1 K
keep sth in not show or express (feelings, emotions) B2 keep off sth avoid touching, stepping on, or eating something B2 keep on continue doing something without stopping B1 keep sb/sth out stop someone or something from going into a place B1 keep to sth follow a plan, schedule, agreement, or path closely B2 kick in start to have an effect (medicine, law, rule) C1 kick sb out make someone leave a place, group, or organisation B2 knock sth/sb over hit something or someone and make them fall B1 L
lash out suddenly attack someone with angry words or actions C1 latch on to sth quickly understand and start using an idea, trend, or chance C1 lay sth aside put something to one side to use or deal with later B2 lay sth down establish or create the basic rules for something B2 lay into sb attack or criticise someone strongly C1 lead to sth cause something to happen as a result B1 leave sb/sth out not include someone or something B1 let on tell a secret or show that you know something B2 let up become less strong or stop (rain, pressure, an activity) B2 level off stop rising or falling and stay at the same level C1 level with sb tell someone the truth, especially about something difficult C1 line sb/sth up arrange people or things in a line B1 live sth down make people forget about something embarrassing you did C1 live off sth/sb use something or someone as your source of money or food B2 live through sth experience a difficult or dangerous time and survive it B2 live up to sth be as good as what people expected or hoped B2 live with sth accept something difficult or unpleasant that you cannot change B2 lock sth in secure a price or deal so it cannot change C1 log in type your name and password to use a computer or website A2 log out end your session on a computer or website A2 look after sb/sth take care of someone or something A2 look around/round walk through a place to see what is there B1 look back on sth remember or think about something from the past B1 look down on sb think you are better than someone else B2 look forward to sth feel happy and excited about something that will happen A2 look in on sb visit someone briefly to see how they are B2 look into sth investigate something to find out the facts B2 look on watch something happen without joining in B2 look out for sb/sth watch carefully so you notice someone or something B1 look sth over examine or check something quickly B2 look through sth read or examine something carefully from start to finish B2 loom over sb/sth appear large and threatening above someone or something C1 M
make sth into sth change something into something different B2 map sth out plan something carefully, step by step C1 measure up be good enough to meet a standard or expectations C1 mess about behave in a silly way B2 mess with sb/sth annoy or cause trouble for someone or something B2 mete sth out give punishment or harsh treatment to someone C2 mill around move around in a place without a clear purpose, usually in a crowd C2 miss out on sth lose the chance to enjoy or do something good B1 move along keep moving forward and not stop B1 move away leave your home to go and live in another place B1 move (sb) out leave the place where you have been living B1 move over move to one side to make space for someone else B1 move up move to a higher position, level, or rank B1 muddle through manage to do something even without a clear plan or the right skills C1 mull sth over think carefully about something for a while before deciding C1 N
narrow sth down reduce a list of options to fewer, more specific ones B2 nod off fall asleep for a short time, especially when you didn't mean to B2 note sth down write something down so you remember it later B2 O
open (sth) up make something available or possible that was limited before B1 opt out choose not to take part in something B2 own up to sth admit that you did something wrong B2 P
palm sth off trick someone into taking something bad or unwanted C2 pan out develop or end in a certain way B2 paper over sth hide a problem or disagreement instead of really fixing it C1 pare sth down reduce something by removing parts that are not needed C2 pass sth around/round give something to each person in a group B1 pass away die (a polite way to say someone has died) B1 pass sb by happen without someone noticing or making use of it (time, an opportunity) B2 pass sth down give knowledge, traditions, or things to the next generation B2 pass for sb/sth be accepted as or mistaken for someone or something else B2 pass sth/sb off as sth make people believe something or someone is different from what they really are B2 pass sb over not choose someone for a job or promotion, often without explaining why C1 pass through travel through a place without stopping for long B1 pass sth up not take a chance or opportunity that is offered B2 pencil sb/sth in arrange a meeting or plan that may still be changed C1 peter out slowly become smaller or weaker until it stops C1 phase sth in slowly start using something new over time B2 phase sth out slowly stop using or providing something over time C1 pick sth apart carefully criticise something to find its weak points (an argument, idea, or piece of work) C1 pick sb/sth off shoot people or things one at a time, often from far away C1 pick on sb treat someone badly or unfairly again and again B2 pick sb/sth out choose someone or something from a group B1 pick through sth search carefully through a group of things to find something B2 pick up
pile up become more and more in amount or number over time B2 pin sb/sth down find out exactly what something is, or make someone give a clear answer C1 pin sth on sb blame someone for something, often unfairly C1 play along pretend to agree or cooperate with someone B2 play around behave in a silly or careless way B2 play sth back listen to or watch something you have recorded B1 play into sth help your opponent without meaning to, often by doing what they expected C1 play on sth use someone's feelings, fears, or worries to influence them C1 play out happen or develop in a particular way B2 plough through sth read or work through something long and difficult with effort C1 point sth out tell someone about something they have not noticed B1 point to sth suggest or show that something is true or likely B2 pop in make a quick, informal visit B1 pop up appear suddenly or without warning B2 pore over sth read or study something very carefully for a long time (a book, document) C1 press on keep going with something even when it is hard B2 prey on sb use someone's fears or weaknesses to take advantage of them C1 price sth in include expected future events or risks in the current price of something C2 prop sth up support something that would fail or collapse without help C1 psych sb out make someone lose confidence by playing on their nerves or fears C2 pull away slowly become less close to someone in a relationship C2 pull back move away from a place or stop doing something, often used about soldiers B2 pull sth down destroy a building or structure B2 pull sth off succeed in doing something difficult B2 pull (sb/sth) over move a vehicle to the side of the road and stop B2 pull through survive a serious illness, injury, or difficult situation B2 pull up stop a car or other vehicle B1 push ahead continue with a plan or task even when it is difficult B2 push back resist or challenge an idea, plan, or demand C1 push for sth try hard to get or achieve something B2 push sth through succeed in getting a law or plan approved despite opposition C1 put sth across explain an idea or message so people understand it clearly B2 put sth forward suggest an idea, plan, or name for people to consider B2 put sth together make something by joining parts or pieces B1 - 1 pick sb/sth up collect someone or something from a place A2
- 2 pick up answer the phone when it rings B1
- 3 pick sth up learn something by doing it or being around it, not by studying B1
- 4 pick up improve or get better after a bad period (business, weather, health) B2
- 5 pick up on sth notice something, especially something small or not obvious B2
put up
- 1 put sth up fix something to a wall or board so people can see it B1
- 2 put sth up build or attach something so it stands up (a sign, a shelf, a tent) B1
- 3 put up with sth accept something unpleasant without complaining B1
- 4 put sth up raise the price or cost of something B2
- 5 put sb up let someone stay in your home for a short time B2
R
rail against sth complain loudly and angrily about something you think is unfair C2 rally around sb/sth come together to support someone or something in a difficult time C1 ramp sth up increase something a lot in amount, speed, or level C1 ratchet sth up increase something slowly but steadily (pressure, tension, prices) C1 reach out contact someone to offer help or start a conversation B2 read sth into sth find a meaning in something that may not really be there C1 read sth out read something aloud so other people can hear it B2 read up on sth read about a subject carefully to learn more about it B2 reel sth off say or list many things quickly and easily from memory C2 rein sth/sb in control or limit something, especially spending, power, or behaviour C1 ride sth out get through a difficult time safely until things improve C1 ring sb back phone someone again, or return their phone call B1 ring sb up call someone on the phone B1 roll sth back remove or cancel rules, laws, or rights that were in place before C1 roll sth out officially introduce a new product, service, or system, often step by step C1 root sth/sb out find and remove something harmful or unwanted (like corruption or waste) C1 rope sb in get someone to help with something, even when they don't really want to C2 round sb up gather people or animals together in one place B2 rule sth out decide that something is not possible or not a choice B2 run around be very busy doing lots of things in a hurry B1 run away leave a place quickly to escape A2 run sth by sb tell someone about an idea or plan to get their opinion C1 run off leave a place suddenly, often to escape B2 run out of sth use all of something so there is none left B1 run sth up build up a large bill or debt quickly B2 S
save (sth) up keep money over time so you can buy something later B1 scale sth back make something smaller or less (a plan, project, or activity) C1 scale sth up make something bigger or produce more of it C1 see about sth deal with or arrange something when you have time B2 see to sth deal with something or make sure it gets done B2 seep into sth slowly enter and spread through something (like a mind or a culture) C2 seize on sth quickly use something (an idea, a mistake, a piece of news) for your own benefit C1 seize up suddenly stop working or moving (a machine or part of the body) C1 send sb away tell someone to leave B1 send sth back return something to the place it came from (a product, food in a restaurant) B1 send for sb/sth ask someone to come to you, or order something to be delivered B2 send sth in send something to a person or organisation by post or email B1 send sb out send something to many people at the same time B1 set about start doing something with energy and purpose B2 set sb/sth apart make someone or something clearly different from or better than others C1 set sth aside keep something for a particular purpose later B2 set sth down write down rules or conditions in a formal way B2 set in (of something bad) start and likely continue C1 set on sb attack someone, or order dogs or others to attack them C1 settle for sth accept something less than what you really wanted B2 settle in get used to a new place, job, or situation B2 shake sb off get rid of someone who is following you B2 shoot sth down reject an idea or suggestion firmly C1 shop around compare prices and quality at different shops before buying B2 shore sth up strengthen or support something that is weak or might fail C1 show sb around take someone on a tour of a place B1 show (sth) off proudly show something you are proud of to impress others B1 show up arrive at a place or event B1 shrug sth off treat something as unimportant and not let it bother you C1 shut (sth) down stop working, or make something stop working (a machine, computer, or business) B1 shut sb out stop sharing your feelings with someone or keep them out of your emotional life C1 shut sb/sth up make someone or something stop talking or making noise A2 shy away from sth avoid doing or dealing with something because you feel nervous or unsure C1 sift through sth look through a large amount of information carefully to find what is useful C1 sign in write your name or enter a password to enter a place or website B1 sign off on sth officially approve something (a document, plan, or decision) C1 sign out record that you are leaving a place, or end access to a system or account B1 sign up join or register for a class, activity, or service B1 single sb out choose one person from a group for special attention or treatment C1 sink in be slowly understood or accepted (news, information) B2 siphon sth off secretly take money or things from a company little by little C2 sit around spend time doing nothing useful B2 sit back relax and not get involved or take action B1 size sb/sth up look carefully at someone or something to judge them C1 slip up make a small careless mistake B2 slow (sb/sth) down start to move or work less quickly A2 smooth sth over make a problem or disagreement seem less serious C1 snap out of sth quickly stop feeling sad, angry, or upset C1 sort sth out deal with a problem or situation B1 sound sb out carefully try to find out someone's opinions or plans before doing something official C1 spell sth out explain something clearly and in detail, step by step C1 spring up appear or grow quickly and suddenly C1 square off get ready to fight or compete against someone C2 square with sth match or agree with a rule, fact, or idea C2 squeeze sb/sth out force someone or something out of a market or position by using pressure C1 stake sth out clearly claim a position, area, or topic as your own C1 stamp sth out get rid of something bad or harmful by taking strong action C1 stand around stand somewhere without doing anything useful B1 stand down leave a job, role, or position of power C1 stand in for sb replace someone for a short time while they are away B2 stand up
start on sth begin working on a task or dealing with something B1 start out begin a job, life, or activity in a particular way B1 start over begin again from the start, especially after a failure B1 stave sth off stop or delay something bad from happening C1 stay away not go near a place or person B1 stay in stay at home and not go out A2 stay off sth avoid eating, drinking, or using something B2 stay on remain in a place, job, or school longer than planned B2 stay over sleep at someone else's house for the night B1 stay up not go to bed at your usual time B1 steer clear of sb/sth carefully avoid someone or something C1 stem from sth be caused by or come from something (a problem, feeling, or situation) C1 step aside leave a position of power, often because of pressure from others C1 step back stop being involved in something to think about it more clearly B2 step down leave an important job or position B2 step forward offer to help or come forward with information B2 step in get involved in a situation to help or take control B2 stick around stay somewhere and wait for a while B2 stick at sth keep working hard at something even when it is difficult B2 stick by sb continue to support someone through difficult times B2 stick to sth keep doing or using something and not change to something different B2 stick together stay united and support each other, especially in difficult times B2 stick up point upwards above a surface B2 stir sth up deliberately cause trouble, arguments, or strong feelings B2 stock up buy a large amount of something to keep and use later C1 stop by visit somewhere for a short time, often on your way to another place B1 stop over stay somewhere for a short time during a long journey B2 straighten sth out sort out a problem, confusion, or difficult situation B2 string sb along keep someone hoping by making false promises over time C2 stumble across sth find something by chance without looking for it C1 sum sb/sth up describe something or someone in a few words B1 - 1 stand up publicly defend or support a belief or opinion B2
- 2 stand up for sb/sth defend or support someone or something when others criticise or attack them B2
- 3 stand sb up fail to meet someone you arranged to meet, especially on a date B2
- 4 stand up to sb/sth defend yourself against someone more powerful or against unfair treatment B2
T
take sb aback surprise or shock someone, often leaving them unsure how to react C1 take after sb look or behave like an older member of your family B2 take sb/sth along bring someone or something with you when you go somewhere B1 take sth apart separate something into its different parts B2 take sth down write down what someone says B1 take sth over start to control or manage something (a company, job, or task) B1 talk back reply rudely to someone in authority (a parent, teacher, boss) B2 talk down to sb speak to someone as if they are stupid or less important C1 talk sb into sth persuade someone to do something they did not want to do B2 talk sb out of sth persuade someone not to do something B2 talk sth over discuss something carefully before deciding B2 talk sb round persuade someone to change their mind and agree with you C1 talk sb through sth explain something to someone step by step B2 tap into sth use or take advantage of something useful (a resource, a market, knowledge, feelings) C1 taper off slowly become less or smaller until it almost stops C1 team up join with someone to work together on something B2 tear sth down destroy a building or structure completely B2 tear sth up rip something into small pieces, especially paper B2 tease sth apart carefully separate ideas or causes that are closely linked C2 tease sth out carefully separate and find single details from something complicated C1 tee sth up get something ready so it can start or be shown C1 tell sb apart see the difference between two similar people or things B2 tell sb off speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong B2 think sth over consider something carefully before deciding B2 think sth through carefully consider all the details and possible results of something B2 think sth up invent an idea, plan, or excuse B2 thrash sth out discuss something fully and in detail until you reach an agreement C2 throw sth in add something extra for free when selling something B2 throw sth on quickly put on a piece of clothing B1 throw sth together make or prepare something quickly without much planning B2 throw up vomit or bring food back up from your stomach B1 tick over keep working at a basic level without making real progress C2 tide sb over help someone get through a difficult time, usually by giving them what they need for a short while C1 tie in with sth match or fit well with another fact, idea, or piece of evidence C1 tighten sth up make rules or security stricter and more careful C1 tip sb off secretly warn someone about something, especially something illegal B2 tone sth down make something less strong or less likely to upset people C1 top sth up add more to something that is partly empty B1 touch on sth mention or talk about a topic briefly B2 touch upon sth mention a topic briefly without going into detail C1 toughen sb up make someone stronger and better able to handle difficulty or criticism C1 track sb/sth down find someone or something after a long or difficult search B2 trade sth in give an old item as part payment for something new B2 trot sth out present the same old argument or excuse in a tired, predictable way C2 try sth on put on clothes to see if they fit or look good B1 turn against sb stop liking or supporting someone you used to like B2 turn sth around change something from bad to good or successful B2 turn sb away not let someone enter a place B2 turn (sb) back go back, or make someone go back, the way they came B1 turn sth down say no to an offer, request, or chance B1 turn into sth become something completely different B1 turn sth on make a machine or light start working A2 turn sb/sth over give someone or something to a person in authority B2 turn (sb/sth) round move so you face a different direction A2 turn to sb go to someone for help, support, or advice B2 U
use sth up finish all of something so there is none left B1 usher sth in mark the start of a new period or important change C1 V
verge on sth be very close to a particular quality or state C1 vote sth down reject a proposal or plan by voting against it C1 W
wade through sth read or deal with something long and boring with a lot of effort C1 wait around stay in a place doing nothing while waiting B2 walk out leave a place suddenly, often because you are angry B1 ward sth off stop something bad or harmful from reaching you C1 warm to sb/sth slowly start to like a person or idea C1 watch out be careful because something dangerous might happen B1 wear sb down slowly make someone weaker or less determined by continuous pressure B2 wear off slowly disappear or stop having an effect B2 weed sb/sth out find and remove people or things that are not wanted or not good enough C1 weigh on sb cause someone ongoing worry or feel like a heavy burden C1 weigh sth up carefully think about the good and bad points before deciding B2 well up rise up suddenly inside you (tears or strong feelings) C1 while sth away spend time in a relaxed or lazy way, often doing something pleasant but not useful C2 whittle sth down slowly reduce a large number or amount to a smaller one C1 win sb over persuade someone to support or agree with you, especially someone who was against you at first C1 work around sth find a way to deal with a problem by avoiding it B2 work sth off get rid of something (debt, weight, anger) through hard work or activity B2 work on sth spend time improving, fixing, or developing something B1 work through sth deal with a problem or difficult feeling step by step B2 write back reply to a letter or message in writing B1 write sth down write something on paper so you can remember it A2 write in send a letter or message to an organisation to share your opinion B2 write sth out write something in full or final form (a cheque, a list) B2 write sth up produce a finished piece of writing from notes or rough work B2 Ready to start practising?
Test your knowledge with gap-fill exercises across 1,000+ phrasal verbs.
Start Practising →