Phrasal Verbs Real-Life Dialogues

Phrasal Verbs List

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
No Phrasal Verb Meaning
1 ache for To strongly desire or long for something or someone
2 answer for To take responsibility for something, especially if it goes wrong
3 answer for To guarantee or vouch for the reliability or behavior of someone or something
4 get around to To finally get the time or chance to do something
5 ask over To invite someone to your home or place
6 back away To withdraw from a situation or plan
7 back into To enter or move into a place while facing backward
8 bargain down To persuade someone to reduce the price of something
9 barge into To enter a place or situation rudely or abruptly
10 bawl out To scold or shout at someone loudly
11 be drawn into To become involved in something, often unwillingly
12 be in on To be involved in or share knowledge of something
13 be out to To be aiming or trying to achieve something
14 be taken with To be attracted to or deeply impressed by something or someone
15 be up for To be a candidate for something or willing to take part in it
16 beat down To shine strongly or to fall heavily, as with sun or rain
17 beat down To persuade someone to lower the price
18 beat down To defeat or overpower someone
19 beat out To defeat someone or something in a competition
20 blank out To be unable to remember something suddenly
21 block off To close or stop access to an area
22 block out To try not to think about something
23 block up To fill or clog so that nothing can pass through
24 blow down To be knocked over by the wind
25 board up To cover or seal something with boards
26 bog down To become stuck or unable to move or progress
27 boil down To reduce to its essential meaning or form
28 boil over To spill out while boiling, or to lose control of emotions
29 boil up To rise or intensify, especially feelings
30 book into To make a reservation at a hotel or similar place
31 border on To be very close to or almost becoming something
32 bottom out To reach the lowest point before improving again
33 bounce off To share an idea to get someone’s reaction
34 box in To trap or prevent someone from moving freely
35 branch off To separate from a main route or path
36 bulk up To gain muscle or become bigger and stronger
37 bundle up To dress warmly in many layers
38 burn off To remove something by burning
39 burn up To become very angry
40 burn up To be consumed by fire
41 call around To make phone calls to several people or places
42 call in To phone a program, show, or office to participate
43 call up To cause something to be remembered
44 cancel out To remove or counteract the effect of something
45 get carried away To become so excited or involved that you lose control
46 carry away To make someone very excited or interested
47 cash in To exchange something for money
48 cash out To convert assets into cash and give them up
49 catch up in To become involved in something, often unwillingly
50 cater for To provide what is needed or wanted for a purpose or group
51 chase off To drive someone or something away
52 check over To examine carefully for errors or problems
53 chew on To think about something carefully
54 chew over To think about something deeply and discuss it
55 chew up To crush or break into pieces by chewing
56 choke up To become unable to speak or breathe properly, often from emotion
57 chuck away To throw something out (informal, British)
58 clean out To remove everything from a place or situation
59 cling on To hold tightly and not let go
60 cling on to To hold tightly to something and not release it
61 clog up To block or become blocked so that nothing can pass
62 close in To move closer and surround or approach
63 come out in To develop spots, rashes, or similar skin problems
64 come out of To result or emerge from something
65 come upon To find or meet something or someone by chance
66 count for To have value, importance, or influence
67 count out To exclude by counting or to not consider
68 creep in To enter slowly or gradually
69 creep into To slowly move or spread into something
70 dash off To write or draw something quickly
71 deal out To distribute or hand out to people
72 die for To strongly desire or long for something
73 dig into To dig the surface of something
74 dig into To get deeply involved in something or examine closely
75 dig out To remove or discover something by digging
76 dig up To remove something from the ground by digging; to discover or reveal hidden facts.
77 dip in To put something briefly into liquid; to place a hand or object inside something.
78 dish up To serve food onto plates for people to eat.
79 dole out To give or distribute something, especially money or food, in small amounts.
80 double as To also serve a second purpose or function.
81 double back To turn around and return in the direction you came from.
82 double up To bend your body over, often from pain or laughter.
83 double up To share something, such as a room or resources, with another person.
84 drag out To make something, such as a meeting or story, last longer than necessary.
85 draw back To move backward; to hesitate or show fear.
86 draw in To arrive at a place, especially about trains or vehicles.
87 draw into To involve someone in an activity or situation.
88 draw out To encourage someone to talk or express themselves.
89 draw out To make something continue longer than necessary.
90 dream up To invent or think of an unusual or imaginative idea.
91 drop back To move backward to a lower position or rank.
92 drown in To be covered by or overwhelmed with something, physically or figuratively.
93 ease into To slowly and gradually get used to a new situation.
94 ease off To become less strong, intense, or severe.
95 eat away To gradually damage or weaken something.
96 eat into To gradually use up or reduce something, such as time or money.
97 egg on To encourage someone to do something, often foolish or risky.
98 empty out To remove all the contents from something; to make empty.
99 fasten down To secure something firmly so it does not move.
100 feel out To carefully test or discover someone’s opinion or attitude.
101 fend for (usually *fend for oneself*) To take care of oneself without help from others.
102 file away To organize documents and store them for future use.
103 fill in on To provide someone with missing or extra information.
104 finish up with To complete an activity by ending with something specific.
105 finish with To stop being involved with someone or something; to have no further use for something.
106 firm up To make something more definite or solid.
107 fish for To try to obtain something such as praise or information indirectly.
108 fish out To pull or take something out, especially after searching for it.
109 flesh out To add more detail or substance to an idea or plan.
110 fly into To suddenly enter a state of strong emotion, such as anger.
111 frighten off To scare someone or something away.
112 fuel up To put fuel into a vehicle, plane, or machine.
113 gear to To adjust or design something to fit a particular purpose or group.
114 get about To travel or move around different places; to become widely known.
115 get after To scold or criticize someone for doing wrong.
116 get after To pursue or chase someone or something.
117 get ahead of To progress faster or be more successful than someone else.
118 get along in To manage or progress well in age, work, or life.
119 get back at To take revenge on someone.
120 get in on To become involved in or take part in something.
121 get on to To realize or become aware of something; to contact someone.
122 get onto To begin dealing with something; to get on or board a vehicle.
123 get round To persuade someone to agree; to avoid or bypass rules or problems. (British)
124 get up to To do something, especially mischievous or improper. (British, informal)
125 go down to To decrease to a lower level; to be defeated by someone or something.
126 go forward To move ahead or make progress.
127 go in for To take part in an activity; to have a liking for something.
128 go over to To change to another side or position
129 go over to To go to a different place.
130 go towards To be used or allocated for a particular purpose; to move in the direction of something.
131 goof around To spend time playing or acting silly instead of working. (informal, US)
132 grind away To work or study hard for a long time, often tediously.
133 grow back To return or regrow after being cut or removed.
134 grow from To develop or increase starting from something.
135 grow to To gradually reach the point of doing or feeling something.
136 grow up on To be raised while regularly experiencing or consuming something.
137 hand off To transfer responsibility to someone else.
138 hang about To spend time doing nothing in particular; to loiter. (British)
139 hang back To be unwilling to act or move forward; to stay behind others.
140 happen on To meet or find something or someone by chance.
141 have it out with To discuss a problem openly and directly to settle it.
142 hide out To stay in a secret place to avoid being found.
143 hinge on To depend entirely on something.
144 hit upon To discover or think of something by chance.
145 hold against To blame or resent someone for something.
146 hold back from To stop yourself from doing or saying something.
147 hold together To remain united and not fall apart.
148 hook up to To connect a machine or device to a power source or another system.
149 hush up To keep something secret or prevent it from becoming known.
150 joke around To make jokes and behave playfully.
151 keep around To keep something nearby for use when needed.
152 keep back To stay at a distance from something or someone.
153 keep back To withhold information or not reveal something.
154 keep in To keep someone or something inside; to not let something be known.
155 kill off To destroy or eliminate something completely; to kill in large numbers.
156 knock around To spend time doing little or nothing; to wander. (informal, British)
157 knuckle down To start working hard and seriously.
158 land in To get into a difficult or unpleasant situation.
159 lash out against To react angrily and attack with words or actions.
160 latch on To begin to understand something
161 latch on To hold tightly or cling to someone or something.
162 laugh off To treat something as not serious by joking about it.
163 lay into To criticize someone severely or to attack physically.
164 leap at To accept or seize an opportunity eagerly.
165 leave off To stop doing something; to discontinue.
166 let up To become less strong, severe, or intense.
167 level out To become flat, even, or stable.
168 live by To follow a principle or belief as a guide in life.
169 live in To reside at the place where you work. (British)
170 live it up To enjoy life in a lively or luxurious way. (informal)
171 live out To experience and fulfill something, such as a dream or ambition.
172 live out To spend the remaining part of one’s life in a particular way or place.
173 live through To experience and survive something difficult or unpleasant.
174 lock away To put someone in prison or keep something in a safe place.
175 lock in To keep someone inside a place; to secure or fix something firmly.
176 look in To make a short visit to a place. (mainly British)
177 look in on To visit someone briefly to check how they are.
178 look on as To regard or consider someone or something in a particular way.
179 look round To walk around and see what is in a place. (British)
180 make of To understand or form an opinion about something.
181 make off To leave quickly, especially after stealing something.
182 man up To face a difficult situation bravely; to behave like a strong man. (informal)
183 mark off To separate an area with marks or lines; to check items on a list.
184 mark out To draw lines to show boundaries; to identify or distinguish something.
185 measure up To be good enough to reach a particular standard or expectation.
186 mess about with To spend time playing or doing things without purpose; to handle something carelessly. (mainly British)
187 mount up To gradually increase or accumulate.
188 muddle up To confuse or mix things so they are not clear or ordered.
189 nag at To annoy by repeatedly finding fault; to cause worry that stays in one’s mind.
190 pair off To form couples, especially in a romantic or social way.
191 pair up To join with another person to form a pair or team.
192 pass as To be accepted or regarded as something else.
193 pass for To be considered or accepted as someone or something.
194 pass on to To give or transfer something to another person.
195 pass over To ignore or fail to choose someone; to decide not to act on something.
196 pay into To deposit money into a bank account.
197 peel off To remove the outer layer or skin from something; to leave a group or movement.
198 pencil in To write down a plan or appointment as a temporary or tentative arrangement.
199 pep up To make someone or something more lively, energetic, or interesting.
200 pick at To eat small amounts of food without interest; to touch or pull at something repeatedly.
201 pick up after To clean or tidy things left behind by someone else.
202 pick (someone) up To recover after a setback or difficulty.
203 pile on To add or increase something in large amounts; to heap criticism or pressure on.
204 pipe down To stop talking or making noise; to be quiet. (informal)
205 pipe up To suddenly begin to speak.
206 poke about(around) To search through or look around in a casual way.
207 press on To continue moving forward or working despite difficulties.
208 prey on To exploit or harm those who are weaker
209 prey on To trouble someone’s mind with fear, worry, or anxiety.
210 prop up To support something physically; to give help or encouragement.
211 psych up To prepare mentally for a difficult task; to get excited or motivated.
212 pull ahead To move into the lead in a race or competition.
213 pull apart To damage or destroy a relationship.
214 pull apart To separate or tear something into pieces.
215 pull away To move ahead of someone or something; to start moving away.
216 pull back To turn back or retreat from a position.
217 pull back To move backward or withdraw.
218 pull in To earn or receive a particular amount of money; to arrive at a place.
219 pull up To improve performance, behavior, or results.
220 put by To keep something for future use.
221 put by To save money or resources for later.
222 put through To make someone experience something difficult or unpleasant.
223 rattle off To say or list things quickly and easily, often from memory.
224 read off To read aloud from a list or text.
225 reel off To say or write a long series of things quickly and easily.
226 rise above To overcome difficulties or not be affected by negative feelings.
227 roll in To arrive or appear in large numbers or amounts.
228 roll up To fold or twist something into a round shape.
229 roll up To arrive or appear at a place, often unexpectedly. (informal)
230 round off To complete something in a satisfactory or suitable way.
231 round up To gather people, animals, or things together; to arrest a group of people.
232 rub in To apply a substance by rubbing it into a surface; to remind someone of something unpleasant.
233 rub off on To pass a quality or influence from one person to another.
234 run against To collide with something; to oppose someone in an election.
235 run on To operate using a particular type of power or fuel; to continue for too long.
236 run up To go quickly upwards; to accumulate debts or bills.
237 run up against To experience or face a difficulty or problem.
238 scare away To frighten someone or something so that they go away.
239 scare off To frighten someone or something so that they go away.
240 scoop up To pick up something quickly with a sweeping motion; to lift someone in your arms.
241 scout out To search for and find something by looking carefully.
242 scrape up To manage to collect something, especially money or information, with difficulty.
243 screen out To remove something or someone by a selection process.
244 send for To request the presence of someone or the delivery of something.
245 send out for To order food or goods to be delivered from outside. (informal)
246 set apart To make someone or something seem different and special from others.
247 set down To put something or someone onto the ground; to place something.
248 set down To write or record something.
249 shy away To avoid doing something because of fear or lack of confidence.
250 sift through To examine something carefully by sorting through it.
251 sign off To officially announce the end of work, a message, or a broadcast.
252 sign on To agree to a contract or to register for something.
253 simmer down To become calmer or quieter after excitement or anger.
254 sit by To remain inactive while something happens; to do nothing.
255 sit for To take an exam or have one’s picture or portrait done.
256 sleep off To recover from the effects of alcohol, fatigue, or illness by sleeping.
257 slice off To cut something away in thin pieces.
258 slice up To cut something into thin or small pieces.
259 slip by To pass quickly or unnoticed, especially about time.
260 slip off To leave quietly without being noticed; to fall off or come off easily.
261 smash up To badly damage or destroy something by breaking it into pieces.
262 smooth over To make a problem or difficult situation seem less serious or easier to accept.
263 snap off To break suddenly with a sharp sound; to cause something to break this way.
264 snap out of To stop being in a negative state and return to normal.
265 sniff out To discover or detect something by searching carefully or instinctively.
266 sober up To become less drunk; to regain self-control or clarity.
267 soften up To make something softer in texture; to make someone’s attitude less severe.
268 sound out To carefully ask questions to discover someone’s opinion or intentions.
269 spill out To flow or fall out in large amounts; to be expressed freely.
270 spruce up To make oneself or something neat, clean, and attractive.
271 spur on To encourage or urge someone to act or achieve more.
272 stack up against To compare with someone or something in terms of quality or ability.
273 stand in for To take the place of someone temporarily.
274 step aside To move to one side; to give up a position for someone else.
275 step on it To hurry up or go faster, especially when driving. (imperative)
276 stir in To mix an ingredient into other food by stirring.
277 storm off To leave angrily and suddenly.
278 storm out To rush out of a place in anger.
279 straighten up To sit or stand with proper posture; to tidy or clean a place.
280 strike out To fail in an attempt.
281 strike out To start doing something independently.
282 strike out To cross out words with a line.
283 strike out To hit something forcefully, especially in sports.
284 stumble across(upon) To find something or someone by chance.
285 stumble on To discover something unexpectedly.
286 suck in To draw something inside; to deceive or trick someone.
287 suck up To try to gain favor by flattering someone. (informal)
288 suit up To put on special clothing or equipment for a task or sport.
289 sweep through To move quickly and forcefully through a place; to spread rapidly.
290 tack on To add something extra, especially in a careless or unnecessary way.
291 tail off To gradually decrease or become weaker.
292 take aside To move someone to a private place to speak with them quietly.
293 talk down To persuade someone not to do something; to speak in a way that belittles others.
294 talk out To settle an issue by discussing it thoroughly.
295 talk out of To persuade someone not to do something.
296 talk up To praise something highly or promote it.
297 tear apart To pull something into pieces; to cause someone deep emotional pain.
298 tear away To force someone to leave something; to strongly attract or absorb someone.
299 tear off To remove something quickly and forcefully; to leave in a hurry.
300 tear out To pull something out with force; to rip something from its place.
301 throw in To add something extra, often as a bonus or free addition.
302 throw off To quickly remove clothing; to get rid of something unwanted.
303 throw together To make or prepare something quickly with whatever is available.
304 tide over To help someone survive or manage during a difficult time.
305 tie down To fasten something firmly; to restrict someone’s freedom or activity.
306 tighten up To make rules, controls, or muscles stricter or firmer.
307 trade off To balance or exchange one thing for another in a compromise.
308 try out for To compete or test for a place in a team, role, or organization.
309 tuck away To hide or store something safely; to eat something secretly or quickly.
310 tuck in To make someone comfortable in bed by arranging the covers; to eat eagerly. (informal, British)
311 urge on To encourage or drive someone to continue or achieve more.
312 wade through To read or deal with something long or difficult with effort.
313 walk off with To steal something or take it without permission; to win or obtain easily.
314 walk up To approach someone or something by walking closer.
315 wander off To move away from a place or group without purpose; to get lost.
316 wash down To swallow food or medicine with a drink; to clean something with water.
317 wash out To be destroyed or carried away by water; to fail completely.
318 wash over To suddenly affect someone strongly, especially as an emotion.
319 watch over To guard or protect someone or something carefully.
320 wave off To signal goodbye with a wave; to dismiss or refuse something.
321 wear away To become thin or weak from constant use or erosion.
322 weigh down To burden someone or something with weight or responsibility.
323 weigh down on To cause pressure or distress on someone’s mind or body.
324 weigh in To join a discussion or argument with an opinion; to measure one’s weight.
325 weigh on To cause worry or stress; to be a heavy influence or burden.
326 weigh up To carefully consider or judge the value of something.
327 well up To rise to the surface, especially about tears or strong emotions.
328 whip out To take something out quickly and suddenly.
329 work off To get rid of negative feelings or extra energy by doing activity.
330 write in To add written information to a text; to send a letter with comments or requests.
331 air out To freshen or ventilate a room or space by letting air in.
332 ask after To inquire about someone’s health or well-being.
333 auction off To sell something by offering it in a public auction.
334 bargain for To expect or anticipate something, often used in negatives.
335 bargain on To expect or rely on something happening.
336 blank out To cover or erase something so it cannot be seen; to be unable to think clearly.
337 blast off To launch into the air or space, especially about rockets.
338 bolster up To make something stronger or support it more firmly.
339 book in To check in or register at a hotel or event.
340 break in on To interrupt someone or something suddenly.
341 break out in To suddenly develop spots, sweat, or other skin reactions.
342 cast aside To throw away or reject something, especially as useless or unwanted.
343 cast off To discard something; to untie a boat so it can sail away.
344 cloud over To become covered with clouds; to darken in appearance or mood.
345 cobble together To make or put something together quickly and roughly from available parts.
346 come after To follow or pursue someone or something.
347 come before To appear in front of someone or something; to be presented formally to a court or authority.
348 count off To count numbers aloud in turn, often in sequence.
349 deal in To buy and sell a particular product; to be involved with something.
350 die away To become gradually weaker and disappear, especially about sound or light.
351 drill into To teach something to someone by repeating it until it is learned.
352 dwell upon To speak or write about something at length.
353 dwell upon To think about something too much, especially in a worrying way.
354 fatten up To make a person or animal fatter, usually by feeding more.
355 fence in To enclose with a fence; to restrict someone’s freedom.
356 fence off To separate an area with a fence or barrier.
357 fiddle around To spend time aimlessly or waste time; to handle things without purpose. (informal)
358 figure on To expect or plan for something; to rely on something happening.
359 filter in To enter gradually or little by little.
360 fizzle out To gradually fail, weaken, or end without success.
361 flame up To suddenly burst into flames; to suddenly show anger.
362 fool with To handle or play with something, often carelessly.
363 freeze over To become covered with ice, usually about lakes or rivers.
364 gang up against To join together as a group to oppose or attack someone.
365 give it to To punish or scold someone severely. (informal)
366 give it up for To applaud or cheer someone. (informal)
367 go out to To express sympathy or compassion toward someone.
368 goof up To make a mistake or do something badly. (informal)
369 have down To know something well; to have mastered or memorized it. (informal)
370 hold over To postpone or delay something; to extend the showing of a movie or event.
371 horse around To behave in a silly or playful way. (informal)
372 hunker down To crouch close to the ground; to prepare to stay in one place and deal with something.
373 kick around with To spend time with someone socially. (informal)
374 latch on to To understand something; to physically hold onto something or someone.
375 let on To reveal a secret or pretend to know something.
376 lift off To rise into the air, especially about rockets or spacecraft.
377 limber up To prepare the body for exercise by stretching or doing warm-up movements.
378 live down To cause people to forget a mistake or embarrassing event by behaving well afterward.
379 make off with To steal something and take it away quickly.
380 mill around To move about without a clear purpose, usually in a crowd.
381 monkey around To behave in a silly or playful way; to tamper with something. (informal)
382 mop up To clean up liquid by wiping; to finish dealing with remaining enemies or tasks.
383 muddle through To manage to get by or cope, even without a clear plan.
384 opt in To choose to join or take part in something.
385 pare down To reduce the size, number, or amount of something.
386 pass off To pretend that something is genuine or acceptable; to deceive others.
387 patch together To put together something quickly and roughly, often from different parts.
388 peel away To come off in layers; to leave a group or formation.
389 phase in To introduce something gradually, in stages.
390 pick off To shoot, hit, or remove targets one by one.
391 pick over To examine carefully in order to select the best or remove the unwanted.
392 pick through To search or examine something item by item.
393 pile in To enter a place or vehicle quickly and in a large group.
394 suck up To draw liquid, air, or another substance into oneself
395 pile into To enter a place or vehicle quickly and in large numbers.
396 pile out To leave a place or vehicle quickly in a crowd.
397 pit against To set someone or something in competition or conflict with another.
398 plough through To move or progress with great effort through something difficult or boring.
399 pluck up To gather or summon courage or confidence.
400 plump for To choose or decide in favor of something. (informal, British)
401 press ahead To continue moving forward with determination despite difficulties.
402 rack up To accumulate or achieve something, such as losses, points, or profits.
403 rain down To fall in large amounts from above, like rain or missiles.
404 rake it in To earn a large amount of money easily. (informal)
405 reckon on To expect or rely on something happening. (British)
406 reel in To pull something toward oneself, especially by winding a line; to attract or win over someone.
407 ring off To end a telephone call. (British)
408 roll by To pass by, especially about time.
409 roll on To pass or continue, especially about time.
410 roll on (Informal) To express eagerness for something to happen soon, e.g. “Roll on Friday!”
411 root out To find and remove something completely; to eliminate.
412 scrape together To gather something, especially money, with difficulty.
413 set forth To begin a journey; to present or explain an idea.
414 shave off To remove hair or a thin layer by shaving.
415 show in To lead someone into a room or building.
416 show out To accompany someone to the exit.
417 snarl up To cause or become tangled or blocked; to create traffic or other confusion. (British)
418 sneak up on To approach someone quietly and secretly.
419 spark off To cause something to start suddenly.
420 spring back To return quickly to a former position or condition.
421 spring from To originate in something; to arise suddenly from something.
422 stand down To resign from a position; to withdraw from duty.
423 start out to To begin to do something; to set out with the intention of doing it.
424 stave off To prevent something bad from happening, at least temporarily.
425 stub out To extinguish a cigarette by pressing the end against a surface.
426 summon up To bring a quality, memory, or feeling into one’s mind; to call forth.
427 swing at To try to hit someone or something with a swinging motion, usually with a fist or object.
428 tap out To send a short repeated signal by tapping; to type or enter data by tapping keys. (also to surrender by tapping in combat/sport)
429 top out To reach the highest point or maximum level.
430 touch off To cause something to start or happen suddenly.
431 tow away To remove and take a vehicle away by towing, often for illegal parking.
432 train up To teach or prepare someone by training; to develop skills in someone.
433 usher in To introduce or mark the beginning of something new or important.
434 waste away To become very thin and weak, usually because of illness or lack of food.
435 wave down To signal a vehicle to stop by waving at the driver.
436 wriggle out of To avoid doing something or escape responsibility by clever or dishonest means.
437 zone in on To direct all attention or focus toward a particular person, thing, or issue.
438 smash in To break something open or force entry by hitting it hard, especially a door or window.
439 close out To bring a business, activity, or account to an end; to finish completely.
440 dry out To remove all moisture from something
441 dry out To stop drinking alcohol and become sober.
442 chat up To talk to someone in a friendly or flirtatious way to attract their interest. (informal, British)
443 pitch for To actively try to obtain support, business, or a contract.
444 run in To use a new vehicle or machine carefully until it is ready for normal operation; (British) to arrest someone.
445 sit on To be a member of a committee or group; to deliberately delay taking action on something.
446 make up to To try to gain favor with someone; to compensate or apologize to someone.
447 hone in on To focus closely on something or move directly toward it. (common variant of “home in on”).
448 hook into To connect something to a system or network.
449 hook into To become deeply involved in or very interested in something.
450 down on To have a negative opinion of or hostile attitude toward someone or something.
451 run to To reach a particular total, amount, or level.
452 close in on To move closer to someone or something in order to attack, capture, or surround.
453 leap on To jump onto or attack something quickly and suddenly.
454 blow in To arrive or appear suddenly and unexpectedly. (informal)
455 act on To affect or influence something; to take action based on information or advice.
456 back away To move backward away from someone or something, usually because of fear.
457 bail out To pay money to release someone from jail; to rescue someone from difficulty.
458 be onto To have discovered or realized the truth about something or someone.
459 boil down To reduce something to its essential points or form.
460 boil over To overflow while boiling; to lose one’s temper or for anger to erupt.
461 break away To escape or separate suddenly from a group or situation.
462 break out of To escape from a place or situation by force.
463 brighten up To become happier or more cheerful in mood.
464 brighten up To become lighter, clearer, or more filled with light.
465 bring on To cause something to happen, especially something unpleasant.
466 brush off To refuse to listen to or ignore someone or something.
467 bump up To increase the amount, cost, or level of something, often suddenly. (informal)
468 call on To ask someone to speak, recite, or answer a question.
469 call on To depend on or make use of someone or something.
470 cater to To provide what is wanted or needed by someone, often in a way that indulges them.
471 choke up To become unable to speak clearly because of emotion.
472 chuck out To get rid of or throw away something; to expel someone. (informal, British)
473 churn out To produce something in large amounts, especially quickly and without much quality.
474 cling to To hold tightly to something; to refuse to stop believing or doing something.
475 come in for To receive something, especially blame, criticism, or punishment.
476 come up against To be faced with or confront a problem, difficulty, or opponent.
477 crank up To increase the level, volume, or power of something. (informal)
478 do away with To get rid of something; to abolish or eliminate.
479 draw on To make use of something such as knowledge, experience, or resources.
480 drive up To arrive at a place in a vehicle.
481 drive up To cause prices, costs, or values to rise quickly.
482 dwell on To think about something too much or for too long; to consider in detail.
483 ease up To become less severe or intense; to relax effort or pressure.
484 feed on To eat something regularly as a main food source.
485 feed on To gain strength, energy, or motivation from something.
486 filter out To remove or block something by using a filter or selection process.
487 flip through To quickly look at the pages of a book, magazine, or document without reading carefully.
488 free up To make something available by releasing it; to create free time, space, or resources.
489 get at To be able to reach or touch something.
490 get at To suggest or imply something indirectly.
491 get at To repeatedly criticize, nag, or annoy someone.
492 get by with To manage to survive or cope using only what is available.
493 give in to To finally agree to or accept something after resisting; to yield or surrender to something.
494 give rise to To cause something to happen or exist.
495 go down in To be remembered or recorded in a particular way, especially in history.
496 go on to To continue or proceed to do something after finishing another action.
497 go under To fail in business and become bankrupt; to sink below the surface of water.
498 hammer out To reach an agreement or solution after long discussion or effort.
499 head up To be in charge of or lead an organization, group, or activity.
500 keep to To follow or obey rules, schedules, or limits; to stay on a path.
501 knock down To reduce the price of something; to strike or bring something to the ground.
502 lash out To suddenly attack someone physically or verbally.
503 level off To become stable after a period of increase or decrease.
504 lock down To close off or secure an area so that movement is strictly controlled.
505 lock out To prevent someone from entering a place, usually by securing the doors.
506 loosen up To make less tight; to relax or become more at ease.
507 make it up to To do something good for someone because you have done something bad to them.
508 map out To plan something in detail.
509 mark down To reduce the price of something.
510 mark down To make a note of something in writing.
511 mark down To give someone a lower grade or score.
512 mark up To increase the price of something.
513 melt down To melt into liquid; to become very upset or lose control emotionally.
514 move ahead To make progress or continue forward with something.
515 mull over To think about something carefully for a long time.
516 nail down To make a decision or agreement definite; to fasten something with nails.
517 pan out To turn out well or be successful. (informal)
518 pass down To give or transfer something to later generations.
519 phase out To gradually stop using or providing something.
520 pin down To force someone to stay in a place; to make something clear or definite.
521 pore over To read something carefully and with close attention.
522 pore over To examine or study something with great focus.
523 press for To demand or request something strongly.
524 press on To continue doing something in spite of difficulties.
525 prop up To support or strengthen something, especially to prevent it from failing.
526 push through To cause a law, plan, or proposal to be accepted or completed, often with effort.
527 put through To make something, such as a plan or project, be completed or carried out
528 rake in To earn or receive a large amount of money easily. (informal)
529 ramp up To increase or strengthen something, often production or activity. (informal)
530 read up on To study or gather information about something by reading.
531 ride out To survive or endure a difficult situation until it ends.
532 roll back To reduce or reverse something, such as prices, policies, or progress.
533 roll out To spread something flat, like dough; to launch or introduce a product or service.
534 round up To gather people, animals, or things together in one place.
535 scale back To make something smaller in size, amount, or scope.
536 scale down To reduce something in size, amount, or scale gradually.
537 screw up To twist or contract one’s face; to make a serious mistake. (informal)
538 sell off To sell goods cheaply or dispose of assets, often quickly.
539 set about To begin doing something, especially with determination.
540 set back To delay or slow the progress of something; to cause a setback.
541 settle on To decide on or choose something after consideration.
542 shake up To cause major change or reform in an organization or system.
543 shape up To develop or progress in a good way; to take proper form.
544 shoot for To aim at or try to achieve something.
545 shoot up To rise quickly in amount or level; to grow rapidly.
546 single out To choose one person or thing from a group for special attention.
547 size up To evaluate or judge a situation or person.
548 slip into To gradually or quickly enter into a state or condition.
549 speak for To express the views of someone else; to act as a representative.
550 spell out To explain something clearly and in detail.
551 spit out To eject something from the mouth; to say something quickly and forcefully.
552 stack up To accumulate or pile up
553 start out as To begin one’s career, role, or activity in a particular way.
554 stir up To provoke or cause strong feelings or trouble.
555 straighten out To resolve a problem; to organize or correct something.
556 strike up To begin a conversation, relationship, or performance.
557 swear by To have complete confidence in something; to trust it fully.
558 talk down to To speak to someone in a condescending or patronizing way.
559 tell on To inform on someone; to have a harmful effect on someone.
560 think up To invent or create an idea, plan, or solution in one’s mind.
561 throw yourself into To begin to do something with great energy and enthusiasm.
562 tick off To scold or reprimand someone. (informal, especially British)
563 tie in with To be connected with or match something.
564 tip off To secretly give someone information or a warning.
565 trade in To exchange something old for credit toward a new purchase.
566 tune out To stop paying attention to something; to ignore it.
567 turn against To change from supporting to opposing someone or something.
568 walk into To become involved in something unpleasant or difficult without intending to.
569 walk out on To abandon or leave someone or something, especially a responsibility.
570 wear down To gradually weaken or exhaust someone or something.
571 whip up To prepare food or something quickly and easily.
572 whip up To excite or arouse strong feelings in people.
573 win over To persuade someone to support or agree with you.
574 wind down To gradually relax or reduce activity after being busy or tense.
575 wrestle with To struggle to deal with a difficult problem or decision.
576 write up To produce a detailed written account or report.
577 act upon To have an effect or influence on something.
578 act upon To take action based on information, advice, or a rule.
579 give way to To yield or surrender to something; to be replaced by something else.
580 opt out To choose not to participate in something; to withdraw from involvement.
581 rack up To achieve or accumulate something such as points, scores, or profits.
582 scale up To increase the size, amount, or scale of something.
583 spill over To spread or extend beyond normal limits, often causing wider effects.
584 crank out To produce large amounts of something quickly and mechanically.
585 conjure up To bring a memory, image, or idea into the mind.
586 trade on To unfairly use something, such as a weakness or advantage, for personal gain.
587 home in on To move directly toward a target; to focus attention closely on something.
588 catch out To expose someone’s mistake or dishonesty; to put someone in a difficult position. (British)
589 tell on To show its negative effect on someone or something.
590 trade up To replace something with a more expensive or better version.
591 rain out To cause an event, such as a game, to be canceled because of rain. (US)
592 sit in on To attend a meeting or class without actively participating; to observe.
593 call forth To bring out or evoke a reaction, response, or feeling.
594 lap up To accept or enjoy something eagerly or with great enthusiasm.
595 palm off To trick someone by passing something false, worthless, or unwanted to them.
596 duck out of To avoid or escape from a duty, responsibility, or situation.
597 run with To proceed with or make use of an idea, plan, or opportunity.
598 trot out To present or mention something, especially a tired excuse or old idea, often repeatedly.
599 walk into To obtain something, such as a job, easily and with little effort.
600 drum up To try to create or increase support, business, or interest.
601 throw in To stop competing and withdraw from a game, contest, or effort.
602 zip by To pass very quickly, especially about time. (US)
603 while away To spend time in a relaxed or leisurely way.
604 rub it in To keep reminding someone of a mistake or failure in a way that makes them feel worse.
605 wean off To gradually cause someone to stop doing or using something, such as a habit or drug.
606 walk in on To enter a place suddenly and see someone unexpectedly.
607 pat down To search someone by patting the outside of their clothing with the hands.
608 snitch on To secretly tell someone in authority about another person’s wrongdoing. (informal)
609 carve out To achieve or create a successful position, time, or opportunity through effort.
610 walk back To retract or withdraw a statement; to move backward from a previous position. (US)
611 crash out To fall asleep suddenly from tiredness. (British, informal)
612 run up To cause costs or debts to increase quickly.
613 wise up To become aware of the truth about a situation.
614 bail out of To withdraw from or stop being involved in something.
615 bear out To confirm or prove that something is true.
616 harp on To talk or complain about something repeatedly, often in an annoying way.
617 suck up to To try to gain favor with someone by excessive flattery or praise. (informal)
618 creep out To make someone feel uneasy or frightened. (US, informal)
619 drone on To talk for a long time in a dull or boring way.
620 ramble on To talk or write at length in a confused or aimless way.
621 mess about To spend time doing unimportant things or being playful; to tinker with something. (British)
622 hang with To spend time with someone; to socialize. (US, informal)
623 tell on To have a noticeable harmful effect on someone’s health, mood, or condition.
624 creep up on To approach someone quietly and unnoticed.
625 dip into To read or look at only a small part of a book or document.
626 dip into To take and use a small amount of money from savings or funds.
627 weigh in on To give one’s opinion or take part in a discussion about something.
628 gang up on To join together as a group to attack or criticize someone.
629 smack of To seem to have or suggest the qualities of something; to give the impression of.
630 grow on To gradually become more liked or appealing to someone.
631 bowl over To greatly surprise or impress someone.
632 zone out To lose concentration and stop paying attention; to become absent-minded. (US, informal)
633 gloss over To try to conceal or make something seem less serious than it really is.
634 blow off To deliberately not attend or ignore something, such as a class, meeting, or appointment. (US, informal)
635 carry off To succeed in doing or achieving something difficult.
636 cut across To go across or through something; to challenge or oppose an established idea or trend.
637 chase down To search for and find someone or something, often with effort.
638 lead on To mislead someone by making them believe something that is not true, especially in relationships.
639 lash out at To suddenly attack someone or express anger toward them.
640 load up on To obtain or take a large amount of something, especially for future use or consumption.
641 ferret out To discover or uncover something that is hidden.
642 bone up on To study something intensively in a short period of time. (informal)
643 hold out for To refuse to accept something until you get what you want.
644 sit on To suppress or withhold something, such as information or action.
645 boss around To give orders to someone in an arrogant or domineering way.
646 go it alone To do something independently, without help from others.
647 stow away To hide on a ship, plane, or other vehicle in order to travel secretly.
648 luck out To have good fortune or success unexpectedly. (US)
649 back off To stop being involved in a situation; to withdraw or stop interfering.
650 dumb down To make something simpler or easier to understand, often by reducing its complexity.
651 cotton on To begin to understand or realize something. (British, informal)
652 talk down to To speak to someone in a condescending or patronizing way.
653 chew out To scold someone severely. (US, informal)
654 chime in To interrupt or join a conversation by adding a comment.
655 cave in To surrender or give in to pressure; to collapse physically.
656 soldier on To continue doing something despite difficulties or challenges.
657 sit out To choose not to participate in something; to remain until the end without taking part.
658 be snowed under To be overwhelmed with too much work or too many tasks.
659 buy out To purchase another person’s share or business interest.
660 peter out To gradually decrease and come to an end.
661 dress down To scold or reprimand someone.
662 dress down To wear casual or informal clothing.
663 rustle up To quickly prepare or find something, especially food.
664 edge out To gradually force someone out of a position or situation.
665 chip away To gradually reduce or weaken something, bit by bit.
666 drill down To examine or analyze something in greater detail. (business/IT)
667 put in for To formally apply or make a request for something, such as a job or leave.
668 type up To produce a clean or formal version of text by typing it.
669 crack up To suffer a mental or emotional breakdown.
670 forge ahead To move forward with progress or determination.
671 double over To bend one’s body forward, usually from pain or laughter.
672 run against To compete as an opposing candidate in an election. (US)
673 bear up To remain strong and endure under pressure or hardship.
674 suss out To investigate or figure out something; to understand. (British, informal)
675 chuck out To force someone to leave a place; to discard something. (British, informal)
676 throw out To suggest or propose an idea; to put something forward informally.
677 top off To complete or finish something in a satisfying way; to fill to the top.
678 gang up To join together as a group, often to oppose or attack someone.
679 stop over To stay somewhere temporarily while traveling to another destination.
680 keel over To suddenly fall down, often from fainting, illness, or weakness.
681 stick up To protrude or extend upward from a surface.
682 stick up To rob someone by threatening them with a weapon.
683 knock up To prepare or make something quickly. (British)
684 buy up To purchase large amounts of something, often to control the supply.
685 spin off To produce something as a byproduct; to separate part of a company into a new entity.
686 bone up To study intensively, especially in preparation for something. (informal)
687 cave in To collapse physically; to give way under pressure.
688 rat out To inform on someone; to betray them to authorities. (US, informal)
689 set aside To annul, overturn, or declare something invalid, especially in law.
690 zip it To stop talking; to be quiet. (informal, imperative)
691 rein in To control or limit something; to restrain.
692 hit up To contact someone, usually by phone or message. (US, informal)
693 hit up To stop by or visit a place. (US, informal)
694 breeze through To complete something easily and successfully.
695 cut out for To be naturally suited or well equipped for something.
696 chip away at To gradually reduce or weaken something over time.
697 clamp down on To take strict measures to stop or control something.
698 flick through To quickly look at the pages of a book, magazine, etc. without reading in detail. (British)
699 follow through To continue an action or plan until it is fully completed.
700 crack down on To enforce rules or laws more strictly in order to stop something.
701 buy into To accept or believe in an idea or concept.
702 dawn on To gradually become clear or apparent to someone.
703 cash in on To take advantage of a situation for personal gain, often financially.
704 wind up To close or finish something, especially by bringing a business to an end.
705 chip in To contribute something, especially money, or to join in a conversation. (informal)
706 sign off on To give formal approval or authorization for something. (US, business)
707 block in To park so as to prevent another vehicle from moving. (British)
708 dash down To write something quickly and roughly.
709 drop around To visit someone informally, without planning. (British)
710 even up To make things equal or fair; to balance a situation.
711 have round To invite someone to your home. (British)
712 knock about To spend time doing very little; to wander around. (British, informal)
713 measure off To mark or divide something by measuring.
714 race off To leave very quickly, often driving fast.
715 see into To make sure something is taken care of; Also, to accompany someone into a place.
716 strike on To suddenly discover or think of something.
717 type out To type all of the contents of something.
718 ask round To ask several people for information or help. (British)
719 bang about (around) To move around noisily, often causing disturbance.
720 bang out To play music or a tune loudly and often without much skill.
721 bash about To treat something roughly or carelessly. (British, informal)
722 bash in To break or smash something by hitting it forcefully.
723 book out To check out or leave a place, especially a hotel. (British, informal)
724 brace up To prepare oneself mentally or physically for something difficult.
725 enter for To apply or register for an exam, competition, or event. (British)
726 fiddle about To waste time or play with something without purpose; to tinker. (British, informal)
727 fluff out To spread or shake something so it becomes full and soft.
728 fluff up To make something soft, light, or fluffy.
729 go before To appear in front of someone or something; to precede in time.
730 go below To move to a lower level, especially on a ship.
731 listen out for To pay attention so as to hear something. (British)
732 nip out To go out briefly, usually for a short errand. (British, informal)
733 peg down To fasten or secure something with pegs or stakes.
734 plant out To move a young plant from a container and put it into the ground outside. (British)
735 plow up To break up or turn over soil with a plow; to dig up. (US; British spelling: plough up)
736 plump up To make something rounder, fuller, or fatter.
737 potter about(around) To spend time in a relaxed way, doing unimportant things. (British, informal)
738 ride off To leave a place riding a horse, bike, or other vehicle.
739 saw off To cut something using a saw.
740 sing out To say or sing something loudly and clearly.
741 stop up To stay awake later than usual; to block or seal a hole or opening.
742 trump up To invent false information or charges, especially to accuse someone unfairly.
743 squeeze up To move closer together to make space for others. (British, informal)
744 hinge upon To depend entirely on something. (formal/literary)
745 give over to To devote or dedicate something to a particular purpose.
746 book up To become fully reserved or have no availability. (British)
747 call after To name someone after another person.
748 change over To switch from one system, method, or situation to another.
749 choose up To divide into teams or choose sides, especially for a game. (US, informal)
750 come into use To begin to be used.
751 drum into To teach or instill something by repeating it many times.
752 feed up To give someone plenty of food, especially to help them recover. (British, old-fashioned)
753 fly around To circulate widely, such as rumors, stories, or objects.
754 get it on To begin doing something; also used as slang for engaging in sexual activity. (US, informal)
755 give over to To hand something to someone else’s control; to devote something to a purpose.
756 grey out To display something in gray to show it is unavailable. (British spelling: grey out; US spelling: gray out)
757 make over To legally transfer ownership of something; to renovate or redesign.
758 move in on To approach or take action against a person or place; to intervene.
759 nose around To search or look into something in a curious or secretive way. (British, informal)
760 press forward with To continue to advance or push ahead with something, especially a plan.
761 run to To turn to someone for help or support.
762 set forth To present or explain something clearly. (formal)
763 smash down To break or destroy something by force.
764 walk back from To retract or withdraw from a previous statement or position. (US)
765 wriggle out To escape from or avoid responsibility in a clever or dishonest way.
766 start on To begin working on or dealing with something.
767 zip around To move quickly from place to place. (informal)
768 kick around(about) To discuss something informally; to spend time aimlessly. (informal)
769 contract out To arrange for work to be done by an outside supplier. (business)
770 swing around(round) To turn around quickly.
771 tag on To add something extra.
772 come off To end up in a particular condition
773 ship out To be sent on a trip or to ship goods out for delivery.
774 sniff around To snoop or investigate in a curious way.
775 press into To push or squeeze something into a space.
776 sing up To sing loudly. (informal)
777 wrap around To twist or fold something around another thing.