Phrasal Verbs Word List: A-E | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) - CAT PDF Download

 Page 1


Complete Phrasal Verbs List
Phrasal 
Verb
Meaning Example
Abide by Accept or follow a decision or rule.
We have to ABIDE BY what the court 
says.
Account for To explain.
They had to ACCOUNT FOR all the 
money that had gone missing.
Ache for Want something or someone a lot.
My partner's been away for a fortnight- I 
am ACHING FOR her.
Act on
To take action because of something like 
information received.
The police were ACTING ON a tip from 
an informer and caught the gang red-
handed.
Act on Affect.
The medicine only ACTS ON infected 
tissue.
Act out
Perform something with actions and 
gestures..
They ACTED OUT the story on stage.
Act out Express an emotion in your behaviour.
Their anger is ACTED OUT in their 
antisocial behaviour.
Act up Behave badly or strangely.
My computer's ACTING UP; I think I 
might have a virus.
Act upon
To take action because of something like 
information received.
The police were ACTING UPON a tip-
off.
Act upon Affect.
The enzyme ACTS UPON certain 
proteins.
Add on Include in a calculation.
You have to ADD the V AT ON to the 
price they give.
Add up To make a mathematical total.
We ADDED UP the bill to check it was 
correct.
Add up
Be a satisfactory explanantion for 
something.
She explained why the work wasn't ready, 
but her story doesn't ADD UP.
Add up to Have a certain result.
Trains delays are getting worse and with 
the high fares, it all ADDS UP TO misery 
for the commuters.
Add up to Come to a certain amount or figure.
The total costs ADD UP TO several 
million euros.
Agree with
Affect- usually used in the negative to 
show that something has had a negative 
effect, especially is it makes you feel bad.
I feel terrible- that food didn't AGREE 
WITH my stomach.
Aim at To target. The magazine is AIMED AT teenagers.
Aim at Intend to achieve.
They're AIMING AT reducing costs by 
ten percent.
Allow for Include something in a plan or calculation.
You should ALLOW FOR delays when 
planning a journey.
Allow of Make possible, permit.
The rules don't ALLOW OF any 
exceptions.
Angle for
Try to get something indirectly, by hinting 
or suggesting.
He's been ANGLING FOR an invitation, 
but I don't want him to come.
Answer To reply rudely to someone in authority. Her mother was shocked when she started 
Page 2


Complete Phrasal Verbs List
Phrasal 
Verb
Meaning Example
Abide by Accept or follow a decision or rule.
We have to ABIDE BY what the court 
says.
Account for To explain.
They had to ACCOUNT FOR all the 
money that had gone missing.
Ache for Want something or someone a lot.
My partner's been away for a fortnight- I 
am ACHING FOR her.
Act on
To take action because of something like 
information received.
The police were ACTING ON a tip from 
an informer and caught the gang red-
handed.
Act on Affect.
The medicine only ACTS ON infected 
tissue.
Act out
Perform something with actions and 
gestures..
They ACTED OUT the story on stage.
Act out Express an emotion in your behaviour.
Their anger is ACTED OUT in their 
antisocial behaviour.
Act up Behave badly or strangely.
My computer's ACTING UP; I think I 
might have a virus.
Act upon
To take action because of something like 
information received.
The police were ACTING UPON a tip-
off.
Act upon Affect.
The enzyme ACTS UPON certain 
proteins.
Add on Include in a calculation.
You have to ADD the V AT ON to the 
price they give.
Add up To make a mathematical total.
We ADDED UP the bill to check it was 
correct.
Add up
Be a satisfactory explanantion for 
something.
She explained why the work wasn't ready, 
but her story doesn't ADD UP.
Add up to Have a certain result.
Trains delays are getting worse and with 
the high fares, it all ADDS UP TO misery 
for the commuters.
Add up to Come to a certain amount or figure.
The total costs ADD UP TO several 
million euros.
Agree with
Affect- usually used in the negative to 
show that something has had a negative 
effect, especially is it makes you feel bad.
I feel terrible- that food didn't AGREE 
WITH my stomach.
Aim at To target. The magazine is AIMED AT teenagers.
Aim at Intend to achieve.
They're AIMING AT reducing costs by 
ten percent.
Allow for Include something in a plan or calculation.
You should ALLOW FOR delays when 
planning a journey.
Allow of Make possible, permit.
The rules don't ALLOW OF any 
exceptions.
Angle for
Try to get something indirectly, by hinting 
or suggesting.
He's been ANGLING FOR an invitation, 
but I don't want him to come.
Answer To reply rudely to someone in authority. Her mother was shocked when she started 
back
ANSWERING her BACK and refusing to 
help.
Answer for Be held responsible for a problem.
The government should be made to 
ANSWER FOR their failure to sort out 
the problem.
Answer for
Speak on behalf of someone or from 
knowing them.
I can ANSWER FOR my partner because 
I know her position on this issue.
Argue down
Beat someone in a debate, discussion or 
argument.
The teacher tried to ARGUE the girl 
DOWN, but she couldn't.
Argue down
Persuade someone to drop the price of 
something they're selling.
She ARGUED him DOWN ten percent.
Argue down
Try to persuade people not to accept a 
proposition, motion, etc.
They tried to ARGUE DOWN the 
proposal.
Argue out Argue about a problem to find a solution.
If we can't ARGUE our differences OUT, 
we'll have to take them to court.
Ask about
Ask how someone is doing, especially 
professionally and in terms of health.
He ASKED ABOUT my father.
Ask after
Enquire about someone's health, how life 
is going.
Jenny rang earlier and ASKED AFTER 
you, so I told her you were fine.
Ask around
Ask a number of people for information of 
help.
I have no idea, but I'll ASK AROUND at 
work and see if anyone can help.
Ask around Invite someone. We ASKED them AROUND for dinner.
Ask for To provoke a negative reaction. You're ASKING FOR trouble.
Ask for Request to have or be given. I ASKED FOR the menu.
Ask in To invite somebody into your house. 'Jon's at the door.' 'ASK him IN.'
Ask out To invite someone for a date.
He wanted to ASK her OUT but was too 
shy.
Ask over Invite.
They have ASKED us OVER for drinks 
on Friday.
Ask round Invite someone. We ASKED John ROUND for diner.
Auction off Sell something in an auction.
They AUCTIONED OFF their property 
as they were heavily in debt.
Back away Retreat or go backwards.
The crowd BACKED AWAY when the 
man pulled a knife.
Back down
Retract or withdraw your position or 
proposal in an argument.
She refused to BACK DOWN and was 
fired.
Back into Enter a parking area in reverse gear.
He prefers to BACK his car INTO the 
garage.
Back off Retreat.
The police told the protesters to BACK 
OFF.
Back out Fail to keep an arrangement or promise.
He BACKED OUT two days before the 
holiday so we gave the ticket to his sister
Back out of Fail to keep an agreement, arrangement.
She BACKED OUT OF the agreement at 
the last minute.
Back out of Exit a parking area in reverse gear.
She BACKED the Rolls OUT OF its 
parking space.
Back up Make a copy of computer data. You should always BACK UP important 
Page 3


Complete Phrasal Verbs List
Phrasal 
Verb
Meaning Example
Abide by Accept or follow a decision or rule.
We have to ABIDE BY what the court 
says.
Account for To explain.
They had to ACCOUNT FOR all the 
money that had gone missing.
Ache for Want something or someone a lot.
My partner's been away for a fortnight- I 
am ACHING FOR her.
Act on
To take action because of something like 
information received.
The police were ACTING ON a tip from 
an informer and caught the gang red-
handed.
Act on Affect.
The medicine only ACTS ON infected 
tissue.
Act out
Perform something with actions and 
gestures..
They ACTED OUT the story on stage.
Act out Express an emotion in your behaviour.
Their anger is ACTED OUT in their 
antisocial behaviour.
Act up Behave badly or strangely.
My computer's ACTING UP; I think I 
might have a virus.
Act upon
To take action because of something like 
information received.
The police were ACTING UPON a tip-
off.
Act upon Affect.
The enzyme ACTS UPON certain 
proteins.
Add on Include in a calculation.
You have to ADD the V AT ON to the 
price they give.
Add up To make a mathematical total.
We ADDED UP the bill to check it was 
correct.
Add up
Be a satisfactory explanantion for 
something.
She explained why the work wasn't ready, 
but her story doesn't ADD UP.
Add up to Have a certain result.
Trains delays are getting worse and with 
the high fares, it all ADDS UP TO misery 
for the commuters.
Add up to Come to a certain amount or figure.
The total costs ADD UP TO several 
million euros.
Agree with
Affect- usually used in the negative to 
show that something has had a negative 
effect, especially is it makes you feel bad.
I feel terrible- that food didn't AGREE 
WITH my stomach.
Aim at To target. The magazine is AIMED AT teenagers.
Aim at Intend to achieve.
They're AIMING AT reducing costs by 
ten percent.
Allow for Include something in a plan or calculation.
You should ALLOW FOR delays when 
planning a journey.
Allow of Make possible, permit.
The rules don't ALLOW OF any 
exceptions.
Angle for
Try to get something indirectly, by hinting 
or suggesting.
He's been ANGLING FOR an invitation, 
but I don't want him to come.
Answer To reply rudely to someone in authority. Her mother was shocked when she started 
back
ANSWERING her BACK and refusing to 
help.
Answer for Be held responsible for a problem.
The government should be made to 
ANSWER FOR their failure to sort out 
the problem.
Answer for
Speak on behalf of someone or from 
knowing them.
I can ANSWER FOR my partner because 
I know her position on this issue.
Argue down
Beat someone in a debate, discussion or 
argument.
The teacher tried to ARGUE the girl 
DOWN, but she couldn't.
Argue down
Persuade someone to drop the price of 
something they're selling.
She ARGUED him DOWN ten percent.
Argue down
Try to persuade people not to accept a 
proposition, motion, etc.
They tried to ARGUE DOWN the 
proposal.
Argue out Argue about a problem to find a solution.
If we can't ARGUE our differences OUT, 
we'll have to take them to court.
Ask about
Ask how someone is doing, especially 
professionally and in terms of health.
He ASKED ABOUT my father.
Ask after
Enquire about someone's health, how life 
is going.
Jenny rang earlier and ASKED AFTER 
you, so I told her you were fine.
Ask around
Ask a number of people for information of 
help.
I have no idea, but I'll ASK AROUND at 
work and see if anyone can help.
Ask around Invite someone. We ASKED them AROUND for dinner.
Ask for To provoke a negative reaction. You're ASKING FOR trouble.
Ask for Request to have or be given. I ASKED FOR the menu.
Ask in To invite somebody into your house. 'Jon's at the door.' 'ASK him IN.'
Ask out To invite someone for a date.
He wanted to ASK her OUT but was too 
shy.
Ask over Invite.
They have ASKED us OVER for drinks 
on Friday.
Ask round Invite someone. We ASKED John ROUND for diner.
Auction off Sell something in an auction.
They AUCTIONED OFF their property 
as they were heavily in debt.
Back away Retreat or go backwards.
The crowd BACKED AWAY when the 
man pulled a knife.
Back down
Retract or withdraw your position or 
proposal in an argument.
She refused to BACK DOWN and was 
fired.
Back into Enter a parking area in reverse gear.
He prefers to BACK his car INTO the 
garage.
Back off Retreat.
The police told the protesters to BACK 
OFF.
Back out Fail to keep an arrangement or promise.
He BACKED OUT two days before the 
holiday so we gave the ticket to his sister
Back out of Fail to keep an agreement, arrangement.
She BACKED OUT OF the agreement at 
the last minute.
Back out of Exit a parking area in reverse gear.
She BACKED the Rolls OUT OF its 
parking space.
Back up Make a copy of computer data. You should always BACK UP important 
files and documents so that you won't 
lose all your work if something goes 
wrong with the hardware.
Back up Support.
The rest of the staff BACKED her UP 
when she complained about working 
conditions.
Back up Drive a vehicle backwards.
Tom BACKED UP without looking and 
ran over his laptop.
Bag out Criticise.
Don't bag out BAG OUT Australian 
English.
Bail out Save, rescue.
The government had to BAIL OUT the 
airline because it was losing so much 
money.
Bail out
Remove water from something that is 
flooded.
The boat was leaking so they had to 
BAIL it OUT.
Bail out
Jump out of a plane because it is going to 
crash.
The pilot BAILED OUT when he saw 
that the engines had failed.
Bail out of Pay a bond to release someone from jail.
I must BAIL my drunken brother OUT 
OF jail.
Bail out on
Stop supporting someone when they are in 
trouble.
Everybody BAILED OUT ON him when 
the scandal broke.
Bail up Talk to someone and delay them.
I was late because he BAILED me UP on 
the phone and wouldn't shut up.
Bail up Rob someone at gunpoint.
He was BAILED UP by a couple of 
muggers as he came out of the bank.
Ball up Confuse or make things complicated.
The new project has BALLED me UP- I 
have no idea what to do.
Ball up Roll or form into a round shape.
He BALLED UP his napkin when he had 
finished eating.
Balls up Spoil, ruin. He BALLSED the presentation UP.
Bang about Move in a place making a lot of noise. He's BANGING ABOUT in the kitchen.
Bang 
around
Move in a place making a lot of noise.
I can hear him BANGING ABOUT 
upstairs.
Bang on Talk at great length.
He BANGED ON for half an hour but no 
one was listening.
Bang on 
about
Keep talking about something.
He's always BANGING ON ABOUT 
football.
Bang out Play a musical instrument loudly.
She BANGED the tune OUT on the 
piano.
Bang up Put someone in prison.
The judge BANGED him UP for eight 
years.
Bang up Damage badly. He BANGED his car UP last night.
Bank on Count or rely on.
I'm BANKING ON your help; I can't do 
it alone.
Bargain 
down
Persuade someone to drop the price of 
something they're selling.
I BARGAINED her DOWN to half what 
she originally wanted.
Bargain for Expect something to happen (usually I hadn't BARGAINED FOR so many 
Page 4


Complete Phrasal Verbs List
Phrasal 
Verb
Meaning Example
Abide by Accept or follow a decision or rule.
We have to ABIDE BY what the court 
says.
Account for To explain.
They had to ACCOUNT FOR all the 
money that had gone missing.
Ache for Want something or someone a lot.
My partner's been away for a fortnight- I 
am ACHING FOR her.
Act on
To take action because of something like 
information received.
The police were ACTING ON a tip from 
an informer and caught the gang red-
handed.
Act on Affect.
The medicine only ACTS ON infected 
tissue.
Act out
Perform something with actions and 
gestures..
They ACTED OUT the story on stage.
Act out Express an emotion in your behaviour.
Their anger is ACTED OUT in their 
antisocial behaviour.
Act up Behave badly or strangely.
My computer's ACTING UP; I think I 
might have a virus.
Act upon
To take action because of something like 
information received.
The police were ACTING UPON a tip-
off.
Act upon Affect.
The enzyme ACTS UPON certain 
proteins.
Add on Include in a calculation.
You have to ADD the V AT ON to the 
price they give.
Add up To make a mathematical total.
We ADDED UP the bill to check it was 
correct.
Add up
Be a satisfactory explanantion for 
something.
She explained why the work wasn't ready, 
but her story doesn't ADD UP.
Add up to Have a certain result.
Trains delays are getting worse and with 
the high fares, it all ADDS UP TO misery 
for the commuters.
Add up to Come to a certain amount or figure.
The total costs ADD UP TO several 
million euros.
Agree with
Affect- usually used in the negative to 
show that something has had a negative 
effect, especially is it makes you feel bad.
I feel terrible- that food didn't AGREE 
WITH my stomach.
Aim at To target. The magazine is AIMED AT teenagers.
Aim at Intend to achieve.
They're AIMING AT reducing costs by 
ten percent.
Allow for Include something in a plan or calculation.
You should ALLOW FOR delays when 
planning a journey.
Allow of Make possible, permit.
The rules don't ALLOW OF any 
exceptions.
Angle for
Try to get something indirectly, by hinting 
or suggesting.
He's been ANGLING FOR an invitation, 
but I don't want him to come.
Answer To reply rudely to someone in authority. Her mother was shocked when she started 
back
ANSWERING her BACK and refusing to 
help.
Answer for Be held responsible for a problem.
The government should be made to 
ANSWER FOR their failure to sort out 
the problem.
Answer for
Speak on behalf of someone or from 
knowing them.
I can ANSWER FOR my partner because 
I know her position on this issue.
Argue down
Beat someone in a debate, discussion or 
argument.
The teacher tried to ARGUE the girl 
DOWN, but she couldn't.
Argue down
Persuade someone to drop the price of 
something they're selling.
She ARGUED him DOWN ten percent.
Argue down
Try to persuade people not to accept a 
proposition, motion, etc.
They tried to ARGUE DOWN the 
proposal.
Argue out Argue about a problem to find a solution.
If we can't ARGUE our differences OUT, 
we'll have to take them to court.
Ask about
Ask how someone is doing, especially 
professionally and in terms of health.
He ASKED ABOUT my father.
Ask after
Enquire about someone's health, how life 
is going.
Jenny rang earlier and ASKED AFTER 
you, so I told her you were fine.
Ask around
Ask a number of people for information of 
help.
I have no idea, but I'll ASK AROUND at 
work and see if anyone can help.
Ask around Invite someone. We ASKED them AROUND for dinner.
Ask for To provoke a negative reaction. You're ASKING FOR trouble.
Ask for Request to have or be given. I ASKED FOR the menu.
Ask in To invite somebody into your house. 'Jon's at the door.' 'ASK him IN.'
Ask out To invite someone for a date.
He wanted to ASK her OUT but was too 
shy.
Ask over Invite.
They have ASKED us OVER for drinks 
on Friday.
Ask round Invite someone. We ASKED John ROUND for diner.
Auction off Sell something in an auction.
They AUCTIONED OFF their property 
as they were heavily in debt.
Back away Retreat or go backwards.
The crowd BACKED AWAY when the 
man pulled a knife.
Back down
Retract or withdraw your position or 
proposal in an argument.
She refused to BACK DOWN and was 
fired.
Back into Enter a parking area in reverse gear.
He prefers to BACK his car INTO the 
garage.
Back off Retreat.
The police told the protesters to BACK 
OFF.
Back out Fail to keep an arrangement or promise.
He BACKED OUT two days before the 
holiday so we gave the ticket to his sister
Back out of Fail to keep an agreement, arrangement.
She BACKED OUT OF the agreement at 
the last minute.
Back out of Exit a parking area in reverse gear.
She BACKED the Rolls OUT OF its 
parking space.
Back up Make a copy of computer data. You should always BACK UP important 
files and documents so that you won't 
lose all your work if something goes 
wrong with the hardware.
Back up Support.
The rest of the staff BACKED her UP 
when she complained about working 
conditions.
Back up Drive a vehicle backwards.
Tom BACKED UP without looking and 
ran over his laptop.
Bag out Criticise.
Don't bag out BAG OUT Australian 
English.
Bail out Save, rescue.
The government had to BAIL OUT the 
airline because it was losing so much 
money.
Bail out
Remove water from something that is 
flooded.
The boat was leaking so they had to 
BAIL it OUT.
Bail out
Jump out of a plane because it is going to 
crash.
The pilot BAILED OUT when he saw 
that the engines had failed.
Bail out of Pay a bond to release someone from jail.
I must BAIL my drunken brother OUT 
OF jail.
Bail out on
Stop supporting someone when they are in 
trouble.
Everybody BAILED OUT ON him when 
the scandal broke.
Bail up Talk to someone and delay them.
I was late because he BAILED me UP on 
the phone and wouldn't shut up.
Bail up Rob someone at gunpoint.
He was BAILED UP by a couple of 
muggers as he came out of the bank.
Ball up Confuse or make things complicated.
The new project has BALLED me UP- I 
have no idea what to do.
Ball up Roll or form into a round shape.
He BALLED UP his napkin when he had 
finished eating.
Balls up Spoil, ruin. He BALLSED the presentation UP.
Bang about Move in a place making a lot of noise. He's BANGING ABOUT in the kitchen.
Bang 
around
Move in a place making a lot of noise.
I can hear him BANGING ABOUT 
upstairs.
Bang on Talk at great length.
He BANGED ON for half an hour but no 
one was listening.
Bang on 
about
Keep talking about something.
He's always BANGING ON ABOUT 
football.
Bang out Play a musical instrument loudly.
She BANGED the tune OUT on the 
piano.
Bang up Put someone in prison.
The judge BANGED him UP for eight 
years.
Bang up Damage badly. He BANGED his car UP last night.
Bank on Count or rely on.
I'm BANKING ON your help; I can't do 
it alone.
Bargain 
down
Persuade someone to drop the price of 
something they're selling.
I BARGAINED her DOWN to half what 
she originally wanted.
Bargain for Expect something to happen (usually I hadn't BARGAINED FOR so many 
negative). people coming.
Bargain on
Expect something to happen (usually 
negative).
I hadn't BARGAINED ON him coming.
Barge in Enter a place and interrupt.
He keeps BARGING IN and asking 
stupid questions when I'm trying to work.
Barge into Enter a place and interrupt people rudely.
They BARGED INTO my office without 
knocking and started talking even though 
I was on the phone.
Bash about Mistreat physically.
If you BASH your monitor ABOUT like 
that, it won't last long.
Bash in Break, damage or injure by hitting.
The burglars BASHED the door IN to 
enter the house.
Bash out
Write something quickly without much 
preparation.
I BASHED the essay OUT the night 
before I had to hand it in.
Bash up Break, damage or hurt by hitting.
They BASHED him UP in the fight in the 
pub last week and he had to go to 
hospital.
Bawl out Scold, shout at someone.
She BAWLED me OUT for coming home 
drunk.
Bawl out Scold.
She BAWLED Raj OUT for getting there 
late.
Bawl out Sing or shout unpleasantly loudly.
He BAWLED OUT our names at the top 
of his voice.
Be after Try to find or get.
The police ARE AFTER him because of 
the theft.
Be along Arrive.
The next bus should BE ALONG in the 
next quarter of an hour or so.
Be away Be elsewhere; on holiday, etc.. She's AWAY on business for three weeks.
Be cut out 
for
Be suitable, have the necessary qualities.
She's not CUT OUT FOR this kind of 
work.
Be cut up Be upset.
She was very CUT UP about coming 
second as she thought she deserved to 
win.
Be down Be depressed.
He's BEEN DOWN since his partner left 
him.
Be down Be reduced or less.
The firm's profits ARE DOWN by ten 
percent this quarter.
Be down on Have negative feelings toward someone.
After the argument, James is DOWN ON 
his boss.
Be down 
with
Be ill.
Gul is DOWN WITH some bug and is off 
work today.
Be fed up Be bored, upset or sick of something. I AM FED UP of his complaints.
Be in Be at home or at work.
They ARE never IN; I always get their 
answerphone.
Be in Be submitted, arrive.
The application form must BE IN by 3pm 
on Friday.
Be in on Be involved in. Susan was the only one who WASN'T IN 
Page 5


Complete Phrasal Verbs List
Phrasal 
Verb
Meaning Example
Abide by Accept or follow a decision or rule.
We have to ABIDE BY what the court 
says.
Account for To explain.
They had to ACCOUNT FOR all the 
money that had gone missing.
Ache for Want something or someone a lot.
My partner's been away for a fortnight- I 
am ACHING FOR her.
Act on
To take action because of something like 
information received.
The police were ACTING ON a tip from 
an informer and caught the gang red-
handed.
Act on Affect.
The medicine only ACTS ON infected 
tissue.
Act out
Perform something with actions and 
gestures..
They ACTED OUT the story on stage.
Act out Express an emotion in your behaviour.
Their anger is ACTED OUT in their 
antisocial behaviour.
Act up Behave badly or strangely.
My computer's ACTING UP; I think I 
might have a virus.
Act upon
To take action because of something like 
information received.
The police were ACTING UPON a tip-
off.
Act upon Affect.
The enzyme ACTS UPON certain 
proteins.
Add on Include in a calculation.
You have to ADD the V AT ON to the 
price they give.
Add up To make a mathematical total.
We ADDED UP the bill to check it was 
correct.
Add up
Be a satisfactory explanantion for 
something.
She explained why the work wasn't ready, 
but her story doesn't ADD UP.
Add up to Have a certain result.
Trains delays are getting worse and with 
the high fares, it all ADDS UP TO misery 
for the commuters.
Add up to Come to a certain amount or figure.
The total costs ADD UP TO several 
million euros.
Agree with
Affect- usually used in the negative to 
show that something has had a negative 
effect, especially is it makes you feel bad.
I feel terrible- that food didn't AGREE 
WITH my stomach.
Aim at To target. The magazine is AIMED AT teenagers.
Aim at Intend to achieve.
They're AIMING AT reducing costs by 
ten percent.
Allow for Include something in a plan or calculation.
You should ALLOW FOR delays when 
planning a journey.
Allow of Make possible, permit.
The rules don't ALLOW OF any 
exceptions.
Angle for
Try to get something indirectly, by hinting 
or suggesting.
He's been ANGLING FOR an invitation, 
but I don't want him to come.
Answer To reply rudely to someone in authority. Her mother was shocked when she started 
back
ANSWERING her BACK and refusing to 
help.
Answer for Be held responsible for a problem.
The government should be made to 
ANSWER FOR their failure to sort out 
the problem.
Answer for
Speak on behalf of someone or from 
knowing them.
I can ANSWER FOR my partner because 
I know her position on this issue.
Argue down
Beat someone in a debate, discussion or 
argument.
The teacher tried to ARGUE the girl 
DOWN, but she couldn't.
Argue down
Persuade someone to drop the price of 
something they're selling.
She ARGUED him DOWN ten percent.
Argue down
Try to persuade people not to accept a 
proposition, motion, etc.
They tried to ARGUE DOWN the 
proposal.
Argue out Argue about a problem to find a solution.
If we can't ARGUE our differences OUT, 
we'll have to take them to court.
Ask about
Ask how someone is doing, especially 
professionally and in terms of health.
He ASKED ABOUT my father.
Ask after
Enquire about someone's health, how life 
is going.
Jenny rang earlier and ASKED AFTER 
you, so I told her you were fine.
Ask around
Ask a number of people for information of 
help.
I have no idea, but I'll ASK AROUND at 
work and see if anyone can help.
Ask around Invite someone. We ASKED them AROUND for dinner.
Ask for To provoke a negative reaction. You're ASKING FOR trouble.
Ask for Request to have or be given. I ASKED FOR the menu.
Ask in To invite somebody into your house. 'Jon's at the door.' 'ASK him IN.'
Ask out To invite someone for a date.
He wanted to ASK her OUT but was too 
shy.
Ask over Invite.
They have ASKED us OVER for drinks 
on Friday.
Ask round Invite someone. We ASKED John ROUND for diner.
Auction off Sell something in an auction.
They AUCTIONED OFF their property 
as they were heavily in debt.
Back away Retreat or go backwards.
The crowd BACKED AWAY when the 
man pulled a knife.
Back down
Retract or withdraw your position or 
proposal in an argument.
She refused to BACK DOWN and was 
fired.
Back into Enter a parking area in reverse gear.
He prefers to BACK his car INTO the 
garage.
Back off Retreat.
The police told the protesters to BACK 
OFF.
Back out Fail to keep an arrangement or promise.
He BACKED OUT two days before the 
holiday so we gave the ticket to his sister
Back out of Fail to keep an agreement, arrangement.
She BACKED OUT OF the agreement at 
the last minute.
Back out of Exit a parking area in reverse gear.
She BACKED the Rolls OUT OF its 
parking space.
Back up Make a copy of computer data. You should always BACK UP important 
files and documents so that you won't 
lose all your work if something goes 
wrong with the hardware.
Back up Support.
The rest of the staff BACKED her UP 
when she complained about working 
conditions.
Back up Drive a vehicle backwards.
Tom BACKED UP without looking and 
ran over his laptop.
Bag out Criticise.
Don't bag out BAG OUT Australian 
English.
Bail out Save, rescue.
The government had to BAIL OUT the 
airline because it was losing so much 
money.
Bail out
Remove water from something that is 
flooded.
The boat was leaking so they had to 
BAIL it OUT.
Bail out
Jump out of a plane because it is going to 
crash.
The pilot BAILED OUT when he saw 
that the engines had failed.
Bail out of Pay a bond to release someone from jail.
I must BAIL my drunken brother OUT 
OF jail.
Bail out on
Stop supporting someone when they are in 
trouble.
Everybody BAILED OUT ON him when 
the scandal broke.
Bail up Talk to someone and delay them.
I was late because he BAILED me UP on 
the phone and wouldn't shut up.
Bail up Rob someone at gunpoint.
He was BAILED UP by a couple of 
muggers as he came out of the bank.
Ball up Confuse or make things complicated.
The new project has BALLED me UP- I 
have no idea what to do.
Ball up Roll or form into a round shape.
He BALLED UP his napkin when he had 
finished eating.
Balls up Spoil, ruin. He BALLSED the presentation UP.
Bang about Move in a place making a lot of noise. He's BANGING ABOUT in the kitchen.
Bang 
around
Move in a place making a lot of noise.
I can hear him BANGING ABOUT 
upstairs.
Bang on Talk at great length.
He BANGED ON for half an hour but no 
one was listening.
Bang on 
about
Keep talking about something.
He's always BANGING ON ABOUT 
football.
Bang out Play a musical instrument loudly.
She BANGED the tune OUT on the 
piano.
Bang up Put someone in prison.
The judge BANGED him UP for eight 
years.
Bang up Damage badly. He BANGED his car UP last night.
Bank on Count or rely on.
I'm BANKING ON your help; I can't do 
it alone.
Bargain 
down
Persuade someone to drop the price of 
something they're selling.
I BARGAINED her DOWN to half what 
she originally wanted.
Bargain for Expect something to happen (usually I hadn't BARGAINED FOR so many 
negative). people coming.
Bargain on
Expect something to happen (usually 
negative).
I hadn't BARGAINED ON him coming.
Barge in Enter a place and interrupt.
He keeps BARGING IN and asking 
stupid questions when I'm trying to work.
Barge into Enter a place and interrupt people rudely.
They BARGED INTO my office without 
knocking and started talking even though 
I was on the phone.
Bash about Mistreat physically.
If you BASH your monitor ABOUT like 
that, it won't last long.
Bash in Break, damage or injure by hitting.
The burglars BASHED the door IN to 
enter the house.
Bash out
Write something quickly without much 
preparation.
I BASHED the essay OUT the night 
before I had to hand it in.
Bash up Break, damage or hurt by hitting.
They BASHED him UP in the fight in the 
pub last week and he had to go to 
hospital.
Bawl out Scold, shout at someone.
She BAWLED me OUT for coming home 
drunk.
Bawl out Scold.
She BAWLED Raj OUT for getting there 
late.
Bawl out Sing or shout unpleasantly loudly.
He BAWLED OUT our names at the top 
of his voice.
Be after Try to find or get.
The police ARE AFTER him because of 
the theft.
Be along Arrive.
The next bus should BE ALONG in the 
next quarter of an hour or so.
Be away Be elsewhere; on holiday, etc.. She's AWAY on business for three weeks.
Be cut out 
for
Be suitable, have the necessary qualities.
She's not CUT OUT FOR this kind of 
work.
Be cut up Be upset.
She was very CUT UP about coming 
second as she thought she deserved to 
win.
Be down Be depressed.
He's BEEN DOWN since his partner left 
him.
Be down Be reduced or less.
The firm's profits ARE DOWN by ten 
percent this quarter.
Be down on Have negative feelings toward someone.
After the argument, James is DOWN ON 
his boss.
Be down 
with
Be ill.
Gul is DOWN WITH some bug and is off 
work today.
Be fed up Be bored, upset or sick of something. I AM FED UP of his complaints.
Be in Be at home or at work.
They ARE never IN; I always get their 
answerphone.
Be in Be submitted, arrive.
The application form must BE IN by 3pm 
on Friday.
Be in on Be involved in. Susan was the only one who WASN'T IN 
ON the plan.
Be not on Be unacceptable. The way he's behaving IS just NOT ON.
Be off Be bad (of food).
This yoghurt must BE OFF; it smells 
foul.
Be off Depart, leave. I'm OFF home; it's five o'clock.
Be on Be functioning (of machines). The computer IS ON.
Be on Take place.
The show IS ON for the next three 
months.
Be on
Take medication or drugs, especially when 
they affect the person badly.
He IS ON anti-depressants and has 
become very difficult to please.
Be on
Be at the top of one’s game, performing 
very well.
He IS really ON right now- three goals in 
five minutes!
Be on about Mean, try to say.
I couldn't understand what he WAS ON 
ABOUT- it made no sense.
Be onto Pursue, be aware of someone's true nature.
He's being very careful because he thinks 
the police ARE ONTO him.
Be out Be absent from a place. She IS OUT on a visit for the day.
Be out of Have no more left.
We're OUT OF coffee so I'll have to go 
and get some.
Be out to Attempt.
She IS OUT TO get him sacked because 
she hates him.
Be snowed 
under
Have too much work.
We're completely SNOWED UNDER at 
work because it's the end of the tax year.
Be taken 
aback
Be shocked or surprised.
I WAS TAKEN ABACK when I saw him 
because he's lost all his hair.
Be taken 
with
Like something.
I WAS very TAKEN WITH the 
performance- it was superb.
Be up Be out of bed. She's not UP yet.
Be up Have increased or risen.
The company's profits ARE UP by fifteen 
percent.
Be up
When the time for something finishes or 
expires.
Time's UP, please finish your drinks and 
leave.
Be up for Be enthusiastic about an upcoming event.
ARE you UP FOR the climb of Mt. 
Blanc?
Be up to Be good enough.
He's not UP TO the job; get someone 
else.
Be up to Doing something naughty or wrong. What are those kids UP TO?
Bear down 
on
Move towards.
She spotted him on the other side of the 
room and BORE DOWN ON him.
Bear on Influence, affect.
The judge's character may well BEAR 
ON the final decision.
Bear out Confirm that something is correct.
Statistics BEAR OUT the government's 
positions on the issue.
Bear up Resist pressure.
How are you BEARING UP under the 
strain?
Bear up 
under
Cope with something difficult or stressful.
He's BEARING UP UNDER the 
pressure.