phrasals Flashcards
to take part in
to be involved in, to participate in (also: to be in on)
- Martin was sick and could not take part in the meeting yesterday.
at all
to any degree (also: in the least)
Larry isn’t at all shy about expressing his opinions.
to look up:
to locate information in a directory, dictionary, book, etc. (S)
Ellen suggested that we look up Lee’s telephone number in the directory.
to wait on:
to serve in a store or restaurant
A very pleasant young clerk waited on me in that shop
at least:
a minimum of, no fewer (or less) than
I spend at least two hours every night on my studies
so far:
until now, until the present time (also: up to now, as of yet)
Hasta aqui, hasta ahora
This idiom is usually used with the present perfect tense.
So far, this year has been excellent for business. I hope that the good luck continues.
to take a walk, stroll, hike, etc.:
to go for a walk, stroll, hike, etc.
A stroll involves slow, easy walking; a hike involves serious, strenuous walking
Last evening we took a walk around the park.
to take a trip:
to go on a journey, to travel
I’m so busy at work that I have no time to take a trip.
to try on:
to wear clothes to check the style or fit before buying (S)
He tried on several suits before he picked out a blue one
to think over:
to consider carefully before deciding (S)
I’d like to think over your offer first. Then can we talk it over tomorrow?
to take place:
to occur, to happen according to plan
The regular meetings of the committee take place in Constitution Hall.
to put away:
to remove from slight, to put in the proper place (S)
Please put away your papers before you open the test booklet.
to look out:
to be careful or cautious (also: to watch out)
Both of these idioms can occur with the preposition for.
“Look out!” Jeffrey cried as his friend almost stepped in a big hole in the ground.
o Look out for reckless drivers whenever you cross the street.
o Small children should always watch out for strangers offering candy.
to shake hands:
to exchange greetings by clasping hands
When people meet for the first time, they usually shake hands.
to get back: to return (S)
to return (S)
Mr. Harris got back from his business trip to Chicago this morning
to catch cold: to become sick with a cold of the nose for throat
to become sick with a cold of the nose for throat
If you go out in this rain, you will surely catch cold.
to get over:
to recover from an illness; to accept a loss or sorrow
It took me over a month to get over my cold, but I’m finally well now.
to make up one’s mind:
to reach a decision, to decide finally
Sally is considering several colleges to attend, but she hasn’t made up her mind yet
to change one’s mind:
to alter one’s decision or opinion
We have changed our minds and are going to Canada instead of California this summer.
for the time being:
temporarily (also: for now)- de momento, por el momento, por ahora
For the time being, Janet is working as a waitress, but she really hopes to become an actress soon
for good:
permanently, forever
Ruth has returned to Canada for good. She won’t ever live in the United States again.
to call off:
to cancel (S)
The referee called off the soccer game because of the darkness
to put off:
to postpone (S)
Many student’s put off doing their assignments until the last minute.
in a hurry:
hurried, rushed (also: in a rush)
Alex seems in a hurry; he must be late for his train again.
under the weather:
not feeling well, sick
John stayed home from work because he was feeling under the weather.
to hang up:
to place clothes on a hook or hanger (S); to replace the receiver on the phone at the end of a conversation (S)
Would you like me to hang up your coat for you in the closet?
