Phrasal verbs list

get upA1No object

get out of bed after you sleep

I get up at half past six on weekdays.

+1 more meaning · B2

go outA1No object

leave your home to do something fun

Do you want to go out tonight?

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

go backA1No object

return to a place where you were before

I left my phone at the café. I need to go back.

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

come fromA1Not separable

be born in, or live in, a place

Where do you come from?

+2 more meanings · A1, B2

look forA1Not separable

try to find someone or something

I’m looking for my keys. Have you seen them?

+1 more meaning · B2

look atA1Not separable

turn your eyes towards someone or something

Look at me when I’m talking to you.

+2 more meanings · B2

find outA1Not separable

get information or learn a fact, for example by asking or reading

I’ll find out what time the shop opens.

+1 more meaning · B2

wake upA1No object

stop sleeping

I usually wake up at seven.

+2 more meanings · A1, B2

stay inA1No object

stay at home and not go out

It’s raining, so let’s stay in and watch a film.

sit downA1No object

move your body from standing to sitting

Please sit down and open your books.

+1 more meaning · B2

get onA2Not separable

go onto a bus, train, plane, boat or bike

Hurry up and get on! The doors are closing.

+2 more meanings · B1

get offA2Not separable

leave a bus, train, plane, boat or bike

We got off the train one stop too early.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

get backA2No object

return home or to a place where you were before

What time did you get back from the gym?

+2 more meanings · A2, B1

get inA2No object

enter a car, a taxi, a building or a small space

Get in, I’ll drive you to the station.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

get outA2No object

leave a car, a room or a building

We stopped at the lights and she got out.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2, C1

get intoA2Not separable

go inside a car, a building or a small space

We all got into the lift on the ground floor.

+3 more meanings · B1

take offA2Separable

remove clothes, shoes or glasses from your body

Please take off your shoes at the door.

+3 more meanings · A2, B2

take outA2Separable

remove something from a bag, a box, a pocket or a place

Can you take the rubbish out?

+2 more meanings · B1

put onA2Separable

dress yourself in clothes, shoes or glasses

Put on a coat. It’s freezing outside!

+3 more meanings · A2, B1, B2

put inA2Separable

put something inside a container, a machine or a drink

Put your card in and type your number.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

go inA2No object

enter a room or a building

It’s getting cold. Let’s go in.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

go intoA2Not separable

enter a place

She went into the kitchen to make tea.

+3 more meanings · C1, C2

come backA2No object

return to the place where you are or the speaker is

When are you coming back from London?

+2 more meanings · B2

come inA2No object

enter a room or building, towards the speaker

The door’s open. Come in!

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

come downA2No object

move down to a lower place, towards the speaker

Come down! Dinner’s ready.

+2 more meanings · B2

look afterA2Not separable

take care of someone or something and keep them safe and well

My grandma looks after my little brother on Fridays.

+1 more meaning · B1

look upA2Separable

find information in a dictionary, a book or online

If you don’t know a word, look it up.

+3 more meanings · A2, B2, C1

turn onA2Separable

make a light, machine or tap start working

Can you turn on the light?

+2 more meanings · C1

turn offA2Separable

make a light, machine or tap stop working

Please turn off your phones in the cinema.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

give backA2Separable

return something to the person it belongs to

Can I borrow your pen? I’ll give it back.

+1 more meaning · C1

carry onA2No object

continue doing something

Sorry I stopped you. Carry on with your story.

+2 more meanings · B1, C1

pick upA2Separable

take hold of something and lift it up

Can you pick up that paper on the floor?

+4 more meanings · A2, B1, B2

check inA2No object

tell a hotel or airport desk that you have arrived

We checked in at the hotel at three.

+2 more meanings · A2, B2

grow upA2No object

change from a child into an adult, or spend your childhood somewhere

I grew up in a small town by the sea.

+1 more meaning · B2

eat outA2No object

have a meal in a restaurant or café, not at home

We eat out every Friday night.

lie downA2No object

put your body flat on a bed or the floor, to rest

I feel dizzy. I need to lie down.

stand upA2No object

move your body so you are on your feet

Everyone stood up when the judge came in.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

tidy upA2Separable

make a place neat by putting things where they belong

Please tidy up your room before dinner.

+1 more meaning · B2

wash upA2Separable

wash the plates, cups and pans after a meal (UK)

I’ll cook if you wash up.

+2 more meanings · A2, B2

write downA2Separable

write something on paper so you do not forget it

Can you write down your phone number for me?

save upA2No object

keep money over time so you can buy something later

I’m saving up for a new bike.

+1 more meaning · B1

sit upA2No object

move from lying down to sitting

I heard a noise and sat up in bed.

+3 more meanings · A2, B2, C1

slow downA2Separable

go or happen more slowly, or make something do this

Slow down! You’re driving too fast.

+1 more meaning · B2

get overB1Not separable

feel better after an illness

It took me two weeks to get over the flu.

+2 more meanings · B2

get alongB1No object

like each other and be friendly

My cat and dog get along fine.

+1 more meaning · B2

get aroundB1No object

travel or move from place to place

It’s easy to get around Lisbon by tram.

+3 more meanings · B2, C1

get togetherB1No object

meet other people, usually to spend time together

Let’s get together for coffee next week.

+2 more meanings · B2

take upB1Separable

start a new hobby or activity

I took up yoga after my back problems.

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

take backB1Separable

return something you bought to the shop

These boots are too small. I’ll take them back.

+2 more meanings · B2

put offB1Separable

decide to do something later than you planned

We put off the trip until spring.

+2 more meanings · B2

put awayB1Separable

put something in the place where it is kept

Put your toys away before dinner.

+1 more meaning · B2

put downB1Separable

place something you are holding on a table or the floor

She put down her bags and hugged me.

+3 more meanings · B2

put outB1Separable

stop a fire, a cigarette or a light from burning or shining

Firefighters put out the fire in an hour.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

put upB1Separable

fix something to a wall, or raise something higher

We put up some photos in the hall.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

put backB1Separable

return something to the place where it was before

Please put the milk back in the fridge.

+1 more meaning · B2

go onB1No object

continue, or last for a period of time

The party went on until three in the morning.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

go awayB1No object

leave a person or a place

Go away! I’m trying to sleep.

+2 more meanings · B1

go downB1No object

become lower, like a price, a number or a temperature

The price of flights went down in March.

+3 more meanings · A2, B1, B2

go upB1No object

become higher, like a price, a number or a temperature

The price of coffee has gone up again.

+2 more meanings · A2, B2

go forB1Not separable

choose something

I think I’ll go for the fish.

+3 more meanings · A2, B2

go withB1Not separable

look or taste good together with something

Does this tie go with my shirt?

+2 more meanings · B2

come up withB1Not separable

think of an idea, a plan or an answer

She came up with a great name for the shop.

+1 more meaning · B2

come outB1No object

become available to buy, watch or read, like a book or film

Her new book comes out in June.

+3 more meanings · A2, B1, B2

come overB1No object

visit someone at their home

Do you want to come over tonight?

+2 more meanings · C1

come onB1No object

tell someone to hurry or to try harder

Come on, we’re going to miss the bus!

+4 more meanings · B2, C1

come aroundB1No object

visit someone at their home

Do you want to come around for dinner?

+3 more meanings · B2, C2

come alongB1No object

go somewhere with someone

We’re going to the beach. Do you want to come along?

+2 more meanings · B2, C2

come offB1Not separable

become separated from the thing it was fixed to

A button came off my coat.

+3 more meanings · B2, C1

look forward toB1Not separable

feel happy about something that is going to happen

I’m looking forward to the holidays.

+1 more meaning · B2

look outB1No object

be careful, because something bad may happen

Look out! There’s a car coming!

+1 more meaning · B2

look aroundB1Not separable

walk around a place and look at the things in it

We looked around the old town in the morning.

+1 more meaning · A2

turn intoB1Not separable

change and become something different

The rain turned into snow overnight.

+1 more meaning · B1

turn aroundB1Separable

change direction to face the other way

She turned around and smiled.

+1 more meaning · C2

turn overB1Separable

move something so the other side faces up

Turn over the page and start question two.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

turn awayB1No object

turn your face or body so you do not look at something

She turned away and started to cry.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

give upB1Separable

stop doing or having something, often a habit

My dad gave up smoking when I was born.

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

give inB1No object

finally agree to something after refusing

The kids asked for ice cream all day, and I gave in.

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

give awayB1Separable

give something to someone for free

We gave away all our old clothes.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

give outB1Separable

give something to each of a number of people

The teacher gave out the exam papers.

+1 more meaning · B2

break upB1No object

end a romantic relationship

Leo and Mia broke up after five years together.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

bring backB1Separable

return with something, or take something back to where it was

Can you bring me back some chocolate from Belgium?

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

run out ofB1Not separable

use all of something so that you have none left

We’ve run out of milk. Can you get some?

+1 more meaning · A2

run outB1No object

use all of something so there is none left

Is there any more rice? No, we’ve run out.

+2 more meanings · B2

set upB1Separable

start a new company, group or system

She set up her own design company at 25.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2, C1

set offB1No object

start a journey

We set off early to miss the traffic.

+2 more meanings · C2

work outB1No object

do exercise to make your body fit and strong

I work out at the gym three times a week.

+3 more meanings · B2, C2

work onB1Not separable

spend time making or improving something

I’m working on a new song at the moment.

+1 more meaning · C2

work throughB1Not separable

do every part of something, one after another, until it is finished

We worked through the exercises on page 20.

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

hold upB1Separable

make someone or something late

Sorry I’m late. I was held up at work.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2, C2

hold outB1Separable

put your hand or something in it towards someone

He held out his hand and said, “Nice to meet you.”

+2 more meanings · B2

fall downB1No object

drop to the ground from a standing position

She slipped on the ice and fell down.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

cut downB1No object

eat, drink or use less of something

I’m trying to cut down on sugar.

+2 more meanings · B2

cut upB1Separable

cut something into small pieces

Can you cut up the onions while I start the rice?

+1 more meaning · B2

pick outB1Separable

choose one person or thing from a group

She picked out a blue dress for the wedding.

+1 more meaning · B2

hold onB1No object

wait for a short time, often on the phone

Hold on, I’ll see if she’s in.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

carry outB1Separable

do a planned piece of work, like a test, study or repair

The hospital is carrying out tests on the new drug.

+1 more meaning · B1

call backB1Separable

phone someone who called you, or phone someone again

I’m driving. Can I call you back in ten minutes?

+1 more meaning · B2

call upB1Separable

phone someone

I called up my grandma to wish her a happy birthday.

+1 more meaning · C2

keep upB1Separable

continue doing something at the same good level

Great results! Keep up the good work.

+2 more meanings · B2

keep onB1No object

continue doing something, or do it again and again

Keep on walking until you see the church.

+2 more meanings · C1

keep offB1Separable

not walk on something or touch it

The sign says “Keep off the grass.”

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

keep outB1No object

not go into a place

The sign on the door said “Private. Keep out.”

+2 more meanings · B2

fill inB1Separable

write the information a form asks for

Please fill in this form and sign at the bottom.

+3 more meanings · B2

fill outB1Separable

write all the information a form or document asks for

You need to fill out a form at the front desk.

+1 more meaning · C1

check outB1Separable

look at or visit something interesting to find out more

You should check out the new café on Park Street.

+3 more meanings · A2, B1, C1

hang outB1No object

spend time somewhere or with someone, relaxing

We usually hang out at the park after school.

+1 more meaning · B2

hang upB1No object

end a phone call

She said goodbye and hung up.

+2 more meanings · B1, C1

hang onB1No object

wait for a short time

Hang on a minute. I’ll get my keys.

+2 more meanings · B2

hang aroundB1No object

wait or stay somewhere without doing much

We hung around the airport for six hours.

+1 more meaning · B1

show upB1No object

arrive somewhere, especially late or when people do not expect you

He showed up at the party an hour late.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

throw awayB1Separable

put something you do not want in the bin

Don’t throw away that box. I need it.

+1 more meaning · B2

throw outB1Separable

get rid of things you do not want any more

We threw out a lot of old stuff when we moved.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

add upB1Separable

put numbers together to get the total

Can you add up how much we spent on food?

+2 more meanings · B2

ask outB1Separable

invite someone to go somewhere with you, usually as a date

He finally asked her out after three months of chatting.

blow upB1Separable

explode, or destroy something with a bomb

The old bridge was blown up during the war.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2, C2

chill outB1No object

relax and do nothing much

We just chilled out at home and watched films.

+1 more meaning · B2

clean upB1Separable

make a place clean and tidy, especially after a mess

Can you help me clean up after the party?

+2 more meanings · B2

cool downB1Separable

become less hot, or make something less hot

Let the cake cool down before you cut it.

+2 more meanings · B2

deal withB1Not separable

do what is needed to solve a problem or finish a task

Don’t worry about the bill. I’ll deal with it.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

do upB1Separable

close a coat, shirt or shoes with buttons, a zip or laces

Do up your coat. It’s freezing outside.

+1 more meaning · B2

end upB1No object

finally be in a situation or do something you did not plan

We wanted to go hiking, but we ended up watching films.

+1 more meaning · B1

hand inB1Separable

give your work or a document to a teacher or person in charge

Please hand in your essays by Friday.

+1 more meaning · B2

hand outB1Separable

give one to each person in a group

The teacher handed out the test papers.

+1 more meaning · C1

hurry upB1No object

do something or move more quickly

Hurry up! The bus is coming.

+1 more meaning · B1

join inB1No object

start taking part in something that others are already doing

Everyone started dancing, so I joined in.

leave outB1Separable

not include someone or something

You left out my name on the list.

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

log inB1No object

enter your name and password to start using a computer, app or account

Log in with your email and password.

+1 more meaning · B2

drop offB1Separable

take someone or something somewhere by car and leave them there

I’ll drop you off at the station on my way.

+2 more meanings · B2

turn inB1Separable

give something to a teacher, a boss or an authority

Please turn in your homework by Friday.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

move inB1No object

start living in a new home

We moved in last week, so there are boxes everywhere.

+1 more meaning · C1

move onB1No object

stop talking about one thing and start another

OK, let’s move on to the next question.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

move outB1No object

leave your home and go to live somewhere else

I moved out of my parents’ house when I was nineteen.

+1 more meaning · B1

move awayB1No object

go to live in a different town, city or area

My best friend moved away when we were ten.

+2 more meanings · B1, C1

pass onB1Separable

give a message or information that someone gave you to another person

Could you pass on a message to Sara?

+3 more meanings · B1, B2, C1

point outB1Separable

tell someone a fact so they notice it

My teacher pointed out three mistakes in my essay.

+1 more meaning · B1

pull outB1Separable

take something out of a place, often using force

The dentist pulled out my bad tooth.

+2 more meanings · B2

send backB1Separable

return something to where it came from, often because it is wrong or broken

The shoes were too small, so I sent them back.

+1 more meaning · B2

speed upB1Separable

go or happen faster, or make something go or happen faster

The train sped up after it left the city.

send outB1Separable

send the same thing to a lot of people

We sent out the wedding invitations last week.

+2 more meanings · B2, C2

sign inB1No object

enter your name and password to use a website or app

I can’t sign in. I think I forgot my password.

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

sleep inB1No object

sleep later in the morning than you usually do

I love to sleep in on Sunday mornings.

split upB1No object

end a romantic relationship or marriage

My parents split up when I was six.

+1 more meaning · B2

stand forB1Not separable

be a short form of a word or name

The letters UN stand for United Nations.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

start overB1No object

begin something again from the start, often in a new way (mainly US)

I made a mistake in the first line, so I started over.

+1 more meaning · B2

switch onB1Separable

make a light or machine start working by pressing a button

Can you switch on the light? It’s dark in here.

switch offB1Separable

make a light or machine stop working by pressing a button

Please switch off your phones during the film.

+1 more meaning · B1

tie upB1Separable

fasten something with string or rope, or tie it to something

She tied up her hair before the race.

+3 more meanings · B2, C1

warm upB1No object

do gentle exercise to prepare your body for sport

Always warm up for ten minutes before you run.

+3 more meanings · A2, C1

wrap upB1Separable

cover something in paper or cloth, often a present

I still need to wrap up Mum’s birthday present.

+2 more meanings · B1, C1

get byB2No object

manage to live or do something with just enough money, skill or help

We get by on one salary.

+1 more meaning · B1

get throughB2Not separable

pass an exam or reach the next stage of a competition

Did you get through your driving test?

+2 more meanings · B1, C1

get awayB2No object

escape from a person or a place

The thief got away on a scooter.

+2 more meanings · B2

get away withB2Not separable

do something wrong and not be punished for it

He cheated on the test and got away with it.

+2 more meanings · B2

get aheadB2No object

be successful in your job or in life

You need good English to get ahead in tourism.

+1 more meaning · B2

get on withB2Not separable

start or continue doing something, especially work, after a pause

Stop chatting and get on with your work.

+2 more meanings · B1

get out ofB2Not separable

avoid doing something you should do, often with an excuse

He always gets out of washing the dishes.

+2 more meanings · A2, B2

get down toB2Not separable

start doing something seriously and with full attention

Right, everyone. Let’s get down to business.

take afterB2Not separable

look or behave like an older person in your family

She takes after her mum. They have the same laugh.

take overB2Separable

start doing a job or a task that someone else was doing

Can you take over? My arms are tired.

+1 more meaning · C1

take onB2Separable

give someone a job

The café is taking on extra staff for the summer.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

take inB2Separable

let a person or an animal live in your home

My aunt took in two kittens from the street.

+3 more meanings · B2, C2

take downB2Separable

remove something from a wall or a high place, or take it apart

Can you help me take down the curtains?

+2 more meanings · B2

take awayB2Separable

remove something or someone from a place or a person

The waiter took our plates away.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

put up withB2Not separable

accept something or someone annoying without complaining

I can’t put up with this noise any longer.

put togetherB2Separable

make something by joining its parts

It took me two hours to put the desk together.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

go offB2No object

start ringing loudly, like an alarm, or explode, like a bomb

My alarm went off at six.

+4 more meanings · B1, B2

go throughB2Not separable

live through a difficult or unpleasant time

She’s going through a hard time at work.

+3 more meanings · B2

go overB2Not separable

check something carefully, looking for mistakes

Can you go over my CV before I send it?

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

go aroundB2No object

be enough for everyone in a group to have some

Is there enough pizza to go around?

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

go aheadB2No object

start or continue doing something you planned

We decided to go ahead with the wedding.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

go afterB2Not separable

follow or chase someone to catch them or talk to them

The police went after the thief.

+1 more meaning · B2

come acrossB2Not separable

find or meet something or someone by chance

I came across some old photos in a box.

+1 more meaning · C1

come upB2No object

be mentioned or talked about

Your name came up at the meeting.

+3 more meanings · B2, C1

look intoB2Not separable

examine the facts about a problem to find out the cause

The police are looking into the robbery.

+1 more meaning · B2

look backB2Not separable

think about something that happened in the past

I often look back on my school days.

+2 more meanings · A2

look down onB2Not separable

think that you are better than someone

He looks down on people who don’t go to university.

look up toB2Not separable

admire and respect someone

I’ve always looked up to my older sister.

look throughB2Not separable

read or check something quickly, page by page

I looked through the report on the train.

+2 more meanings · B1, C1

turn downB2Separable

say no to an offer, an invitation or a person

He turned down the job because the pay was low.

+1 more meaning · B1

turn upB2No object

arrive, often late or when nobody expects you

He turned up an hour late.

+2 more meanings · B1, C1

turn outB2No object

happen or end in a particular way

The party turned out really well.

+3 more meanings · B2

turn backB2Separable

return the way you have come, or make someone do this

We had to turn back because of the snow.

+1 more meaning · C1

give offB2Separable

produce a smell, heat, light or gas

The fire gave off a lot of smoke.

+1 more meaning · C1

make upB2Not separable

be the parts that together form a whole group or amount

Women make up more than half of our team.

+3 more meanings · B2, C1

make outB2Separable

manage to see, hear or read something that is not clear

I could just make out a boat through the fog.

+3 more meanings · B2, C1

make up forB2Not separable

do something good because you did something bad or missed something

I’m sorry I was late. Let me make up for it with dinner.

+1 more meaning · B2

break downB2No object

stop working, used for cars and machines

Our car broke down on the way to the airport.

+3 more meanings · B2

break outB2No object

start suddenly, used for fires, fights, wars and diseases

A fire broke out in the kitchen of a hotel last night.

+2 more meanings · B2

break inB2No object

get into a building by force, usually to steal things

Someone broke in while we were on holiday.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

break intoB2Not separable

get into a building or car by force, usually to steal

Someone broke into my car and took my bag.

+2 more meanings · C1

bring upB2Separable

start talking about a subject

Don’t bring up money at Grandma’s birthday dinner.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2, C1

bring inB2Separable

start using a new law, rule or system

The city brought in a new parking fee last year.

+3 more meanings · B2

bring downB2Separable

make something lower, like prices, costs or a temperature

The shop has brought down its prices for the sale.

+2 more meanings · B2

bring outB2Separable

make a new product, book or album available to buy

The band is bringing out a new album in May.

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

bring togetherB2Separable

make people meet, work together or feel closer

The street party brought the whole neighbourhood together.

+1 more meaning · B2

run intoB2Not separable

meet someone you know when you did not expect to

I ran into my old teacher at the supermarket.

+3 more meanings · B2, C1

run awayB2No object

leave a person or place suddenly, often secretly, to escape

The thief ran away when he saw the police.

+1 more meaning · B2

run downB2Separable

lose power slowly, or make something lose power

My phone battery runs down really fast in the cold.

+2 more meanings · C1

run throughB2Not separable

explain, read or check something quickly from start to end

Let me run through the plan for tomorrow.

+3 more meanings · B2, C1

run offB2No object

leave a place or person suddenly, often without saying why

The kids ran off to play as soon as we arrived.

+2 more meanings · C1

set asideB2Separable

keep money or time for one special use

I set aside fifty euros a month for holidays.

+1 more meaning · C1

pick onB2Not separable

keep being unkind to one person or blaming them unfairly

The older boys picked on him because he was small.

work offB2Separable

get rid of a feeling, energy or food you ate by doing physical activity

I went for a run to work off my anger.

+1 more meaning · C1

fall apartB2No object

break into pieces because it is old or badly made

My old trainers are falling apart.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

fall outB2No object

argue with someone and stop being friends

I fell out with my best friend over money.

+1 more meaning · B2

fall behindB2No object

move or progress more slowly than others

I was sick for a month and fell behind in maths.

+1 more meaning · B2

cut offB2Separable

remove a part of something by cutting it

Cut off the crusts if the kids don’t like them.

+3 more meanings · B2

cut backB2Separable

spend, use or do less of something, often to save money

We’re cutting back on eating out this month.

+1 more meaning · B2

call offB2Separable

decide that a planned event will not happen

They called off the match because of the snow.

+1 more meaning · C1

call onB2Not separable

publicly ask a person or group to do something

Parents are calling on the council to build a new crossing.

+2 more meanings · B2

call forB2Not separable

say publicly that something must happen

Students are calling for lower bus fares.

+2 more meanings · B2

keep up withB2Not separable

go, work or learn as fast as someone or something

I walk fast, but I can’t keep up with my brother.

+3 more meanings · B2, C1

keep awayB2No object

not go near someone or something

Keep away from the edge of the cliff!

+1 more meaning · B2

back upB2Separable

support someone, or say that what they say is true

If the boss asks, will you back me up?

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

show offB2No object

try too hard to make people admire you

He’s only riding with no hands to show off.

+2 more meanings · C1, C2

calm downB2No object

stop feeling angry, upset or too excited

Calm down and tell me exactly what happened.

+2 more meanings · B2

cheer upB2No object

start to feel happier

Cheer up! It’s not the end of the world.

+2 more meanings · B2

build upB2No object

slowly become bigger, stronger or more in amount

Dust builds up fast behind the fridge.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

burn outB2No object

become so tired from working too hard that you cannot go on

If you work every weekend, you’ll burn out.

+2 more meanings · B2

catch upB2No object

go faster to reach someone who is in front of you

Walk on ahead. I’ll catch up with you in a minute.

+3 more meanings · B2, C1

clear upB2No object

become sunny or dry after clouds or rain

It’s raining now, but it should clear up by lunch.

+3 more meanings · B2

close downB2No object

stop doing business for ever, used for shops, companies and factories

My favourite bookshop closed down last year.

+1 more meaning · B2

dress upB2No object

put on clothes that are smarter than usual

Do we need to dress up for the dinner?

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

drop outB2No object

leave school, college or a course before you finish it

He dropped out of university after one year.

+1 more meaning · B2

eat upB2Separable

eat all of your food

Eat up your vegetables, then you can have dessert.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

figure outB2Separable

understand or solve something after thinking about it

I can’t figure out how this coffee machine works.

+1 more meaning · B2

fit inB2No object

feel happy and accepted in a group

It took me a year to fit in at my new school.

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

follow upB2Separable

find out more about something or do more to deal with it

The police are following up every phone call they get.

+1 more meaning · B2

freak outB2No object

suddenly become very scared, upset or angry

I freaked out when I saw a spider in my shoe.

+1 more meaning · B2

knock downB2Separable

destroy a building or wall on purpose

They’re knocking down the old cinema to build flats.

+2 more meanings · B2

knock outB2Separable

hit someone so hard that they become unconscious

He fell off the ladder and knocked himself out.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

mess upB2Separable

do something badly or spoil it by making a mistake

I messed up the last question on the test.

+2 more meanings · B1, C1

miss outB2No object

lose the chance to do or have something good

Come to the concert! You don’t want to miss out.

+1 more meaning · B2

pay backB2Separable

give back money that you borrowed

Can I borrow ten pounds? I’ll pay you back tomorrow.

+1 more meaning · C1

rely onB2Not separable

need someone or something to help you or to keep going

Many farmers rely on the rain for their crops.

+1 more meaning · B2

rule outB2Separable

decide that something is not possible or not the right choice

The doctor ruled out a broken bone. It’s just a bruise.

+1 more meaning · C1

see offB2Separable

go to the airport or station with someone to say goodbye

My whole family came to the airport to see me off.

+1 more meaning · C1

sell outB2No object

be all sold, or sell all of something, so there is none left

The concert sold out in ten minutes.

+2 more meanings · C1

shut upB2Separable

stop talking, or make someone stop talking (often rude)

Will you shut up? I’m trying to sleep!

+1 more meaning · C1

shut downB2Separable

close a business or factory so it stops working, often for ever

The steel factory shut down in 2015.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

lead toB2Not separable

cause something to happen later

Too much screen time can lead to poor sleep.

+1 more meaning · B2

let downB2Separable

disappoint someone by not doing what they hoped or expected

I promised to help, and I won’t let you down.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

let inB2Separable

allow someone or something to come into a place

Can you let the cat in? It’s raining.

+1 more meaning · C1

let outB2Separable

allow someone or something to leave a place

Can you let the dog out? He needs a walk.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

light upB2Separable

become bright, or make something bright with light

The city lights up at night.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

line upB2No object

stand in a line or queue

People lined up outside the shop at 6 am.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

live onB2Not separable

have a certain amount of money to pay for the things you need

Lots of students live on less than 800 euros a month.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

live up toB2Not separable

be as good as people expected or hoped

The new phone didn’t live up to the hype.

log outB2No object

finish using a computer, app or account so others cannot use it

Always log out when you use a shared computer.

+1 more meaning · B2

sort outB2Separable

deal with a problem so it is solved

Don’t worry. I’ll sort out the problem with the bank.

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

speak upB2No object

speak more loudly so people can hear you

Could you speak up? We can’t hear you at the back.

+1 more meaning · B2

stand outB2No object

be very easy to see or notice

His bright yellow coat really stood out in the crowd.

+1 more meaning · B2

stay upB2No object

go to bed later than usual

We stayed up till two watching films.

+1 more meaning · B1

stay outB2No object

not come home at night, or come home late

My parents let me stay out until eleven on Saturdays.

+1 more meaning · B2

step inB2No object

get involved to help in a difficult situation or to stop an argument

The two boys were fighting until a teacher stepped in.

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

stick toB2Not separable

keep doing or using one thing and not change to something else

I’ll stick to water tonight. I’m driving.

+2 more meanings · B1, B2

stick withB2Not separable

keep doing or using something and not change it

The guitar is hard at first, but stick with it.

+1 more meaning · B2

sum upB2Separable

say the main points of something in a few words

To sum up, we need more time and more money.

+1 more meaning · C1

try onB2Separable

put on clothes or shoes to see if they fit or look good

Can I try on these jeans, please?

try outB2Separable

use something to find out if it works or if you like it

I want to try out the new pizza place tonight.

+1 more meaning · B2

use upB2Separable

use all of something so that none is left

Who used up all the hot water?

walk outB2No object

leave a meeting or show suddenly because you are angry or unhappy

Half the audience walked out before the end of the film.

+2 more meanings · C1

watch outB2No object

be careful, because something dangerous may happen (used as a warning)

Watch out! There’s a car coming!

+1 more meaning · B2

wear outB2Separable

use something so much that it becomes thin or no longer works

I wore out two pairs of shoes on the trip.

+1 more meaning · C2

wear offB2No object

slowly become weaker and then stop, like a feeling or the effect of a drug

The painkiller is starting to wear off.

+1 more meaning · B2

wind downB2No object

slowly relax after a busy or stressful time

I read for half an hour to wind down before bed.

+1 more meaning · C1

wind upB2No object

finally be in a place or situation you did not plan (informal)

We got lost and wound up in a tiny village.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

mix upB2Separable

think that one person or thing is another one

Sorry, I mixed you up with your cousin.

+1 more meaning · B2

put forwardC1Separable

suggest an idea or a plan so people can discuss it

She put forward a plan to save money.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

bring aboutC1Separable

make something happen, usually a change

The new manager brought about some big changes.

run overC1Separable

hit someone or something with a vehicle and drive over them

Slow down! You’ll run over a cat.

+2 more meanings · B2

set backC1Separable

make something happen later or more slowly than planned

The storm set the building work back by a month.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

fall forC1Not separable

start to love someone, often quickly

She fell for a French student during her year abroad.

+1 more meaning · B2

cut outC1Separable

remove a shape from paper or cloth by cutting

The kids cut out paper stars for the window.

+3 more meanings · B2, C1

back downC1No object

stop saying you are right or stop demanding something, because others are strongly against you

The company backed down after thousands of customers complained.

bump intoC1Not separable

meet someone you know by chance

I bumped into my old teacher at the supermarket.

+1 more meaning · B1

catch onC1No object

become popular or fashionable

Electric scooters caught on really fast in our city.

+1 more meaning · C2

count onC1Not separable

trust that someone will help you or do what they promised

You can always count on me. Just call.

+1 more meaning · C1

pay offC1No object

be successful and bring good results

All that practice finally paid off. She won!

+2 more meanings · C1

pull overC1No object

drive to the side of the road and stop

I felt sick, so Dad pulled over.

+1 more meaning · C2

pull upC1No object

stop a car or other vehicle, often for a short time

A taxi pulled up outside the hotel.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

rip offC1Separable

make someone pay too much for something (informal)

That taxi driver ripped us off. It’s only two kilometres!

+2 more meanings · B2, C2

talk overC1Separable

discuss something with someone before you decide what to do

I need to talk it over with my wife first.

+1 more meaning · C1

tear upC1Separable

pull paper or cloth into many small pieces

She tore up his old letters and threw them away.

+2 more meanings · C1

tell offC1Separable

speak angrily to someone because they did something wrong

Mum told me off for coming home late.

think overC1Separable

think carefully about something before you decide

Thanks for the offer. Can I think it over?

write offC1Separable

accept that money is lost and will not be paid back

The bank wrote off the small debt.

+2 more meanings · B2, C2

come apartC2No object

break into pieces

The old book came apart in my hands.

+1 more meaning · C1

come throughC2No object

arrive or be officially approved, like a visa or results

My visa finally came through last week.

+2 more meanings · C2

look overC2Separable

check something quickly, to see if it is right

Can you look over my essay before I hand it in?

+1 more meaning · C1

set outC2No object

start doing something with a clear aim

She set out to become a doctor, and she did it.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2

hold backC2Separable

stop someone or something from making progress

Fear of failing is holding you back.

+3 more meanings · B2, C1, C2

hold offC2No object

wait before you do something or make a decision

I’d hold off on buying a phone until the sales.

+1 more meaning · B2

fall throughC2No object

not happen, used for a plan or agreement

Our holiday plans fell through when the airline went bust.

lay offC2Separable

stop employing workers because there is not enough work or money

The factory laid off two hundred workers last month.

+1 more meaning · C1

open upC2No object

start to talk honestly about your feelings

It took months before he opened up to me.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2, C1

pass outC2No object

suddenly stop being awake, for example because of heat or pain

It was so hot on the train that a woman passed out.

+2 more meanings · B2, C1

settle downC2Separable

become calm and quiet, or make someone calm

OK, everyone, settle down. The lesson is starting.

+3 more meanings · B1, B2, C1

sign upC2No object

put your name on a list to join a course, club or website

I’ve signed up for a Spanish course in the evenings.

+1 more meaning · C2

wipe outC2Separable

destroy or remove something completely

The flood wiped out the whole village.

+2 more meanings · B2, C2