Phrasal Verbs Part One Flashcards
back [x] up
to support or defend someone
Ex.
When the class was making fun of me, only the teacher backed me up
Something break down
to stop working, especially in reference to machines
The ice cream machine at McDonald’s often breaks down.
Someone call around
to contact multiple people
Roy called around to find a nearby mechanic.
crack down on [x]
to attack or punish someone harshly; to penalize a behavior
Ever since last month’s accident, police have been cracking down on drunk driving.
dive into [x]
to eagerly begin a pursuit or activity
I’ll dive into that new TV show later tonight.
[Someone] Fall apart
to break into pieces
My new dress completely fell apart after just two washes.
to experience acute mental or emotional distress
He endured all kinds of harassment at work without flinching but fell apart when his cat got sick
fill [x] up
to put into a container as much as it can contain
Bruce filled his water bottle up to the brim. / Bruce filled up his water bottle to the brim.
Get [something] across to [someone]
to successfully communicate or explain something
The professor spoke for hours, but they didn’t get anything across to the students.
Someone get ahead
to succeed or progress
You’ll never get ahead at this company unless you follow the rules.
I would like to get ahead at boxing, it is like my frustrated dream
Someone gets around
to travel from place to place
In this city, it’s impossible to get around without a car.
get around to [x]
to do something eventually, to find time to do something
I’ll get around to that project after the playoffs.
get at [x]
to reach or gain access to something
I can’t quite get at this itch on my back. (to calm the itch they have on their back, they need to get through that)
Leave it there where we’ll be able to get at it easily (we’ll be able to have access to it)
2.
to indicate or suggest something
These graphs are getting at the fact that we’ll be bankrupt by next week. (The graphs are saying or supposing they will be broken or fail)
get back at [x]
to take revenge on someone
Laila promised herself that she would get back at whoever had started the rumor.
Get by [something]
to survive or manage at a minimum level
When Sheila lost her job, the family got by with only their savings.
Get [x] down
to write something, especially something that someone has said:
I didn’t manage to get down the last thing she said, about the meeting.
