Special meanings 2 Flashcards
be down
Not working. Example: The computer system is down so we can’t do any work.
be up
Time is finished. Example: Our time is up.
Not asleep. Example: I was surprised that the kids were still up when I came home.
blow up
Explode. Example: Move away from the vehicle. It might blow up.
blow __ up
Destroy by explosion. Example: Guy Fawkes wanted to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
break down
Stop working. Example: We were late because our car broke down.
break up
End a relationship. Example: My friend is depressed because his girlfriend broke up with him.
chop __ up
Chop into smaller pieces. Example: Take a tomato and chop it up.
clean __ up
Make something clean. Example: Nobody can leave until this mess is cleaned up.
clear up
Clean or organize. Example: We always spend the last 5 minutes of the lesson clearing up.
close down
Cease operation. Example: The shop is closing down so they are selling everything for low prices.
cut __ up
Cut into pieces. Example: Take a piece of paper and cut it up.
give up
Stop trying. Example: I give up. I can’t do it.
keep __ up
Prevent from sleeping. Example: My neighbours had a party yesterday and they kept me up until 2am.
make up
Resolve a conflict. Example: We can’t make up until I believe that you are really sorry.
mess up
make a mistake. Example: I know that I messed up. Can you forgive me?
pack __ up
Gather things and pack them. Example: In the morning we packed up our tents and continued our journey.
rip __ up
Tear something completely. Example: She ripped up the letter and dropped it into the fire.
screw up
Make a serious mistake. Example: I got fired because I screwed up too many times.
screw __ up
Ruin something. Example: I gave you a chance but you screwed it up.
set __ up
Establish something. Example: Can you help me to set up a wifi network?
shut up
Stop talking. Example: Shut up and do your work.
shut __ down
Turn off a system. Example: Remember to shut down the computers before you leave.
split up
Separate. Example: The Beatles split up in 1970.
Divide into smaller parts. Example: If students can’t work together it is better to split them up.
start __ up
Begin operating. Example: I want to start up my own business one day.
stay up
Remain awake. Example: I often stay up late at the weekend watching films.
take up
Occupy space. Example: The sofa takes up half the room!
tear __ up
Tear into pieces. Example: He said he was not interested and tore up the contract.
tidy up
Put things in order. Example: Let’s go to bed. We can tidy up in the morning.
use __ up
Consume entirely. Example: I gave you three chances and you have used them up.
wait up
Stay awake waiting for someone. Example: The boy’s parents waited up until he came home.
wake up
Become awake. Example: Wake up! Breakfast is ready!
Wake someone. Example: My cat woke me up at 6am this morning!
wash up
Clean dishes. Example: I cooked so you should wash up.
wash __ up
Wash something. Example: I washed up the pans last time.
wipe __ up
Clean by wiping. Example: Oops! I spilt some milk. Can you give me something to wipe it up?
