level up
acquire skills, points, etc, for a character in a computer game;increase or improve something to make it the same as other things
level with
tell someone the truth, often when they had not known for some time
lie around
act in a lazy or unproductive way
lie down
rest
lie with
have the right to make a decision
lift off
leave the ground- rocket or spaceship
light out
leave suddenly
light up
light or start smoking a cigarette;illuminate
lighten up
be less serious
limber up
do some exercises to warm up before playing a sport or other physical activity
limber up for
prepare for something that will require a great effort
line up
arrange in a line;arrange something in a line;arrange events for someone
link up
connect, join
link up with
connect with someone or contact them
listen out for
listen for a particular noise or sound
listen up
pay attention (often used as a command)
live by
follow a belief system to guide your behaviour
live down
stop being embarrassed about something
live for
believe something is extremely important
live in
live in the place where you work or study
live it up
have a good time by spending a lot of money
live off
use money earned;be financially supported
live on
use money for basic necessities;not be forgotten
live out
stay somewhere until you die;fulfill an ambition or fantasy;not live at the place where you study or work
live through
experience different times
live together
have a relationship and live in the same place without marrying
live up to
meet expectations or standards
live with
accept something unpleasant;have a relationship and live in the same place without marrying
liven up
make something more interesting or exciting;improve someone's mood, make them feel more energetic or interested
load down
burden
load up
take illegal drugs;fill a machine or vehicle
load up on
consume a lot of something for a particular purpose
lock away
lock in a safe place;put someone in prison or a mental hospital for a very long time
lock down
make very secure
lock in
lock a place to stop someone leaving;commit someone in such a way that they cannot leave
lock onto
find a target and head for it
lock out
close a workplace to stop workers entering;lock a place to stop someone getting in
lock up
close all doors, windows, etc.;lock something in a safe place;put in prison or a mental hospital
lock yourself away
go somewhere away from people to study or work
log in
enter a restricted area on a computer system
log into
enter a restricted area of a computer system
log off
exit a computer system
log on
enter a computer system
log out
exit a computer system
look after
take care
look back
think about the past
look down on
have a low opinion of
look for
try to find
look forward to
wait for or anticipate something pleasant
look in
make a quick visit
look in on
visit briefly to see if everything's all right
look into
research, investigate
look on
watch something like a crime without helping
look on as
consider, regard
look out
be careful
look out for
take care of someone, make sure someone is cared for;keep alert and try to see
look over
inspect
look round
inspect a house
look through
read quickly
look to
expect, hope
look up
consult a reference work (dictionary, phonebook, etc.) for a specific piece of information;improve;find, trace an old friend
look up to
respect
look upon as
consider, regard
loosen up
become more relaxed or comfortable
lord it over
behave in a superior manner
lose out
be at a disadvantage
lose out on
not gain or have something advantageous
lose out to
be less successful
luck into
get something by chance
luck out
be very lucky
lust after
be attracted sexually;want something very much
magic away
make something disappear quickly
make after
chase
make away with
steal
make do with
accept something less satisfactory because there's no alternative
make for
head in a certain direction;produce a result or situation
make into
change something into something else
make it
arrive or get a result
make it up to
try to compensate for doing something wrong
make of
understand or have an opinion
make off
leave somewhere in a hurry
make off with
steal
make out
make a cheque payable to somebody;pretend;progress;kiss and pet;discern a small detail;be able to see or hear something;understand someone's nature or personality
make over
change appearance;give money or possessions to someone in a legal way
make towards
head in the direction
make up
stop being angry with someone;put on cosmetics;invent a story
make up for
compensate
make up to
increase a sum received to a higher figure
make with
give (usually used as an imperative)
man down
behave without courage or conviction
man up
behave with courage or conviction
mark down
give a student a lower grade for a particular reason;reduce the price of something
mark down as
consider someone or something to be of a certain group, type, etc.
mark off
tick, cross out or otherwise mark something to show that it has been dealt with
mark out
draw lines to enclose an area
mark out for
show promise for the future
mark out from
stand out because of certain qualities
mark up
increase the price of something
marry in
marry someone of the same ethnicity, religion, etc
marry off
find a husband or wife for someone, especially your children
marry out
marry someone of a different ethnicity, religion, etc
marry up
match, correspond;join together or compare to see if they're the same;marry someone from a higher social class or level
mash up
crush something until it becomes a paste;mix sources of audio, video or other computer sources;break or damage
max out
take something to the limit, reach a limit
measure against
evaluate or judge by comparison
measure off
measure something and mark the point where it ends or will be cut;mark a length on something to cut it
measure out
measure or weigh the amount needed;wigh or measure an exact amount
measure up
find the size of something;be good enough, meet the required standard;be good enough;find out the size of something
measure up to
be good enough or worthy of something
meet up
see someone after making an arrangement
meet up with
see someone after arranging to meet them
meet with
have something happen to you;receive or cause a reaction
melt down
heat something solid, especially metal, until it becomes liquid
mess about
not be serious, not use something properly;treat someone badly;have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship
mess about with
have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship;try to improve something, usually making things worse
mess around
not be serious, play with something;treat someone badly;have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship
mess around with
have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship;try to improve something, usually making things worse
mess over
treat someone badly
mess up
spoil or ruin;make something untidy or dirty
mess with
become involved in something damaging or dangerous;annoy, bother;associate (negative);try to repair or improve, usually unsuccessfully
mete out
give people harsh punishments or treatment
mill around
walk around without going anywhere
miss out
not do something enjoyable or rewarding;not include
miss out on
lose a chance, fail to achieve
mix up
confuse;make something lively
mock up
make a model of something to show or test it
moggy off
leave ('moggie off' is also used.)
monkey around
not be serious
mooch about
spend time doing little or nothing
mooch around
spend time doing little or nothing
mop up
resolve a problem;kill or capture the last few enemy soldiers after a victory;eat a sauce with bread to finish it;remove a liquid that has been spilt
mope about
move around being miserable
mope around
move around being miserable
mount up
increase over time
mouth off
speak angrily about something
move ahead
make progress, often after a pause or delay
move along
tell someone to move from a place;develop or progress in a reasonable or satisfactory manner
move away
leave the area where you have been living
move away from
stop doing or using something to change to something different
move down
move a student to a lower level
move in
start living in a place
move in on
approach, often stealthily
move into
start living in a place
move on
change the subject or your job;make people move from a place
move out
leave a place you live or work in;remove;change lane or position to pass a vehicle
move towards
make preparations for something
move up
move to make space;move to a higher level
muddle along
continue without a clear aim or plan
muddle through
do or achieve something without knowing what is required or having a plan
muddle up
take things that are ordered or sequenced and mess them up;mistake a person or thing for someone or something else because they look similar
mug up
study quickly, revise
mug up on
study something quickly, revise
mull over
think about an issue or problem
muscle in
become involved in something when your involvement is not wanted
muscle in on
become involved in something despite opposition to your involvement
muscle into
become involved even though there is opposition to your involvement
muscle out
use power, contacts, etc, to force someone out
naff off
get lost, go away (used as imperative)
nag at
repeatedly criticise someone verbally
nail down
succeed in getting, achieve;understand fully;get full information from someone;succeed or achieve something
name after
give someone a name to remember another person
narrow down
remove less important options to make it easier to choose
nerd out
play safe and avoid taking a risk;discuss something in great detail
nip off
go somewhere quickly
nip out
go somewhere quickly
nod off
fall asleep
nod through
pass a law, regulation, etc, without considering or debating it seriously
nose about
look for something hidden or secret
nose around
look around for evidence
nose out
find out, discover- usually information, secrets, etc;narrowly beat someone
note down
write something short like a phone number for future reference
nut out
find an answer to a problem
occur to
enter one's mind
open up
start to talk freely about something;open a shop or business for the day;allow goods into a market
operate on
perform surgery
opt for
choose
opt in
choose to be part or a member of something
opt into
choose to be a member or part of something
opt out
choose not to be part of something
order about
boss or command someone in an unpleasant way
order around
boss or command someone in an unpleasant way
order in
have food delivered
order out
expel someone
order out for
have food delivered
order up
arrange to have something supplied or delivered
owe to
be the reason for something
own up
confess
pack away
put something where it belongs
pack in
stop doing something;end a relationship;fill a venue;break down, stop working
pack it in
stop doing something (used as an imperative)
pack off
send someone away
pack out
fill a venue
pack up
stop doing something;finish work;break down, stop working;collect things and put them where you keep them
pad down
sleep somewhere for the night
pad out
make a text longer by including extra content, often content that isn´t particularly relevant
pair off
begin a romantic relationship;introduce people, hoping they will start a relationship;form pairs
pair off with
form a pair with someone
pair up
form a pair
pal about
be friendly and spend time with someone
pal around
be friendly and spend time with someone
pal up
become friends
palm off
get someone to accept something that isn't true;pretend something is better than it is in order to sell it
pan out
the way a situation develops
paper over
try to conceal a problem without really fixing it
pare back
if you pare something back, you reduce the size or numbers
pare down
reduce, decrease
part with
give something away, especially when you don't want to
pass around
give out to everybody there
pass as
be believed to be something
pass away
die
pass back
return
pass by
go past without stopping;visit briefly;miss an opportunity
pass down
transmit information or give property to younger generations
pass for
be accepted as something, usually when not
pass off
convince something that something is real;happen in a certain way
pass on
give a message to someone;decline an invitation or opportunity;die
pass on to
change topic or subject
pass out
faint, lose consciousness;distribute
pass over
ignore someone and give a job, reward, etc, to someone more junior;ignore, refuse to discuss
pass round
distribute, give to people present
pass through
visit a place without stopping or only stopping briefly
pass to
give ownership or responsibility to someone;become owner of or responsible for something
pass up
decline a chance
pat down
search or frisk someone
patch together
create or assemble something quickly without much planning
patch up
fix or make things better;give an injured person basic medical treatment
pay back
repay money borrowed;take revenge on
pay down
pay a debt over time
pay for
purchase
pay into
deposit money
pay off
completely repay a debt;produce a profitable or successful result
peck at
eat very small amounts
peel away
leave a group by moving in a different direction
peel away from
leave a group by moving in a different direction
peel off
leave a group by moving in a different direction
peel off from
leave a group by moving in a different direction
peel out
accelerate rapidly from stationary
peg away
keep working at something
peg down
fasten something to the ground
peg it
die
peg out
put washing outside to dry;die;mark out an area of land by driving pegs into the ground
pen in
confine people or animals to an area and prevent them from leaving
pen up
keep people or animals in a restricted area and prevent them from leaving
pencil in
make a provisional appointment
pep up
make something more interesting;make someone more enthusiastic, energetic or interested
perk up
feel better or happier, make someone feel better or happier
peter out
lose impetus and stop
phase in
introduce gradually
phase out
remove gradually
phone in
telephone your place of work to pass on information;telephone a TV or radio programme;work or perform without much enthusiasm or effort
pick apart
criticise, find fault
pick at
eat unwillingly;criticise
pick off
target individuals to change a group
pick on
bother, annoy, criticize or make fun of someone
pick out
choose;identify from a picture
pick through
search something that is disordered for something
pick up
improve;learn quickly;collect;receive (a broadcast);collect (a person) (this differs from the 'collect a thing' meaning - as that means 'collect and bring back' whereas this means either (i) 'collect and drop off on your way' or (ii) 'collect and bring to the same destination'
pick up after
tidy a mess someone else has made
pick up on
correct someone when they say something wrong;notice something that most people don´t;react to something;comment on something said earlier in a conversation
pick yourself up
recover from a fall or problem
pig off
used to tell someone to get lost or leave you alone
pig out
eat a lot
pile in
enter a place quickly, in a disorganised way
pile into
enter a place quickly, in a disorganised way
pile on
add or give more or something;exaggerate or talk in a way to affect someone's feelings
pile out
leave a place quickly, in a disorganised way
pile up
accumulate;accumulate in a pile or heap
pin down
get a fixed idea, opinion, etc, from someone;discover exact details about something
pin on
attach the blame to someone
pin up
fix something to a wall, or other vertical surface, with a pin
pine away
suffer physically because of grief, stress, worry, etc
pine for
want or miss something or someone
pipe down
be quiet (often as an imperative)
pipe up
to speak, raise your voice
pit against
compete or force to compete
pit out
go into the pits (car racing)
pitch for
try to persuade someone to give your work, business, a job, etc
pitch in
work together to help achieve an objective
pitch into
criticise severely or attack someone
plant out
put a young plant that has been grown in a pot or greenhouse into the ground
plate up
put food onto a plate to serve
play about
be silly;be sexually promiscuous or unfaithful
play along
pretend to agree or accept something in order to keep someone happy or to get more information
play around
be silly;be sexually promiscuous or unfaithful
play at
pretend to be something
play away
be sexually unfaithful when away from home
play back
listen to or watch something you´ve recorded
play down
try to make something seem less important
play off
play a game to decide who the winner is;make people compete against each other so that you benefit
play on
continue playing a sport though there might be a reason to stop;continue playing music;exploit a weakness;pun
play out
progress, often till it finishes;pretend that something is real and reduce its effect;play something to the end;unwind (e.g., fishing line)
play up
behave badly
play up to
flatter someone;behave in a way expected
play upon
exploit a weakness
play with
touch and move something to occupy your hands;not eat much of a meal;consider something, but not seriously
plead out
plead guilty to get a reduced sentence or fine
plough back
re-invest money you have made into a business
plough into
collide into at speed
plough on
continue doing something you don´t want toe
plough through
eat a big meal;read something that is difficult or takes a lot of time;move through somewhere where there is little space or there are obstacles
plough up
break the surface of soil
plow back
re-invest money you have made into a business
plow into
collide into at speed
plow on
continue doing something you don´t want to
plow through
eat a big meal;read something that is difficult or takes a lot of time;move through somewhere where there is little space or there are obstacles
plow up
break the surface of soil
pluck at
pull or fiddle with something nervously
pluck up
muster, acquire, gather
plug away
do something with determination despite any difficulties
plug in
connect machines to the electricity supply
plug into
be involved with, get information about
plump down
put something in a place without taking care
plump for
choose
plump up
make something like a cushion bigger and softer by shaking it
plump yourself down
sit down heavily
point out
make someone aware of something
poke about
move things around or search in a casual way to try to find something
poke around
move things around or search in a casual way to try to find something
polish off
finish, consume
polish up
improve something quickly
pony up
pay for something
poop out
get too tired to do something
poop out on
fail to keep an appointment
pootle along
travel in a leisurely way
pop down
travel somewhere to visit
pop down to
go somewhere quickly to do something, often to buy or get something
pop in
visit for a short time
pop off
talk loudly, complain;go out for a short time;kill, shoot
pop out
go out for a short time
pop up
appear, like windows and boxes opening on a computer screen;appear unexpectedly
pore over
read, look at or study carefully
potter about
spend time doing little things for pleasure
potter around
spend some time doing little things for pleasure
pour down
rain hard
pour forth
emerge from a place in large numbers
power down
cut the electricity supply to a computer or electronic device
power off
cut the electricity to a computer or device to turn it off
power up
turn a computer or electronic device on so that it is ready to use
prattle on
talk too much
press ahead
calk too much
press for
apply pressure to get permission or to obtain something
press forward with
continue or go ahead with a project, process, plan, etc
press into
bring or force into use
press on
continue with something
press upon
pressure someone to accept something offered
prey on
catch and kill an animal for food;exploit or harm
prey upon
catch and kill an animal for food;exploit or harm
price in
include the affects of possible future events when assessing the value of something
price up
charge more for something
print out
make a hard copy of a computer document
prop up
support something, both physically and financially, politically, etc.
pry out
obtain information someone is unwilling to give up
psych out
work out or anticipate someone´s intentions;make someone less confident
psych up
prepare someone mentally
pucker up
move your lips into position to receive a kiss
pull ahead
overtake, move in front
pull apart
destroy an argument, theory, etc;stop people or animals fighting;make someone unhappy or upset
pull away
when a vehicle moves from a place
pull back
score a goal or point when losing;move away from a place, especially when talking about soldiers;move away from someone;decide not to do something or not to be involved with it any longer
pull down
demolish;make someone depressed;earn
pull for
support
pull in
when a train arrives at a station;attract;stop a car by the side of the road;arrest or take someone to a police station for questioning
pull off
manage to do something difficult or tricky;start moving (vehicles)
pull on
put clothes on
pull out
start moving (train);move into traffic;withdraw;remove soldiers from an area
pull over
stop by the side of the road;make a vehicle stop
pull through
recover from and illness or problem
pull to
close a door or window that has been left open
pull together
work together as a team
pull up
slow and stop a car;inform someone that they are wrong
pull yourself together
become calm or regain control of your emotions
pump (money) into
invest in something
pump in
invest, put money in
pump out
remove liquids coming in using a pump;produce, emit a lot of something
pump up
encourage, make someone feel confident;fill with air;increase substantially
push about
bully, treat badly
push ahead
continue, especially when something is difficult
push along
leave, go home
push around
bully, treat badly
push in
get in a queue without waiting
push off
go away (imperative);push against the side of a pool, river bank, etc, tostartswimming
push on
continue
push out
force someone to leave
push over
push someone or something with enough force to make them or it fall
push through
force something to be accepted or legal
put across
communicate, convey a message
put away
put something back in the correct place;put someone in prison
put back
rearrange something for a later time
put by
save for the future
put down
kill an animal because it's old, ill, etc.;stop holding (but withdraw support gently)
put down for
commit to make a payment
put down to
give as an explanation
put forward
propose, suggest or nominate
put in
install
put in for
make a request
put off
postpone;stop liking something or somebody
put on
get fat;deceive, lie;start wearing
put out
broadcast;disturb or trouble someone;extinguish a cigarette, fire, etc.
put over
successfully execute (a scam, trick, etc.)
put through
connect someone by phone
put together
assemble
put towards
make a financial contribution
put up
allow someone to stay at your house for a night or a few days;increase prices, taxes, duties, etc.;show skill or determination in a contest, competition, fight, etc
put up to
encourage someone to do something
put up with
tolerate
quarrel out
argue with someone about a specific subject
quarrel with
dispute or disagree with something
queer up
mess up, ruin
quieten down
fall silent
quit on
stop working, associating or being friends with someone, especially when they need support;stop working or functioning
race off
hurry away, leave somewhere quickly
rack off
used to tell someone to go away because they're annoying you
rack out
sleep, take a nap
rack up
acquire a lot of something;damage
rain down on
fall in large numbers
rain off
be postponed or stopped by rain (usually passive)
rain out
be postponed or stopped by rain (usually passive)
rake in
earn, make money easily
rake it in
make a lot of money
rake off
cheat someone by charging them too much
rake over
talk, think, etc, about something negative in the past
rake up
bring something back to people´s attention
ramble on
talk at length without getting to the point
ramp up
increase amount, price, speed or power of something;strengthen
rap out
say something firmly and loudly
rat on
inform authorities about someone's wrongdoings;fail to keep a promise
rat out
inform the authorities about someone
rat through
look for something hurriedly
ratchet up
increase
rattle off
quote figures rapidly
reach out
stretch your arm to get something;try to help, or contact someone to try to help
reach out for
try to achieve something difficult
reach out to
ask for help;offer help;try to communicate and establish good relations with people
read off
read a list aloud for someone to write down
read out
read aloud rather than silently
read up on
research
reason out
come to a conclusion or solution after some thought
reckon on
the minimum expected
reel in
catch a fish on a line and pull the line to land;attract people, especially customers, to get them to do what you want them to
reel off
quote statistics or facts rapidly;score a lot of points or win a lot of games one after the other
reel out
unwind
rein in
control someone or something to stop them causing more trouble
rent out
let, grant a service or allow usage for a fee
ride off
go away on a bike, horse, etc
ride on
depend on
ride out
survive a difficult time
ride up
move higher on the body (of clothes)
ring back
return a phonecall
ring in
telephone to inform or confirm something
ring off
finish a phone conversation
ring out
make a sudden loud sound
ring round
telephone a number of people, usually to try to get some information
ring up
telephone;achieve an amount or number;enter figures into a till or cash register
ring with
when a place is full of a loud sound
rip off
charge excessively or obtain money unfairly
rip on
criticise or insult
rise above
not be affected by something negative like bad luck, criticism, etc.
rise to
respond positively or well to a difficult or challenging situation
rise up
revolt
rock up
arrive
roll back
retreat;reduce or remove
roll by
pass (time)
roll in
arrive somewhere, especially if late;arrive in large numbers, for military vehicles
roll off
produce or issue, usually from a machine
roll on
when something continues to happen;said when you can't wait for something nice in the future
roll out
launch or introduce a new product, initiative, etc.
roll up
to appear in large numbers for an event;an imperative used to attract people to a public event
romp in
win easily
romp through
do something easily or quickly
room in
to keep a mother and baby together after the birth
root about
look in a place to try to find something
root around
look in a place to try to find something
root for
support
root out
look for and find;find the source of a problem and remove it
root up
dig a plant out of the ground
rope in
get somebody to help
rope into
get someone to help or become involved, usually when they don't want to
rope off
extend ropes or barriers across or around an area
rough out
make a draft or sketch of something without much detail
rough up
assault
round down
reduce a number to the nearest whole number or number ending in zero
round off
finish something in a satisfactory manner;change a number, up or down, to the nearest whole number or number ending in zero;make an edge curved
round on
criticise or attack fiercely
round out
make something more complete
round up
increase a number to the nearest whole number or number ending in zero
row back
retreat from a position
rub along
have a reasonably good relationship
rub down
dry or clean something with a cloth;massage or rub someone to help them relax
rub in
apply a substance like cream or ointment and rub it until it is absorbed
rub it in
emphasise how bad a situation is to make someone feel worse
rub off on
pass a quality or characteristic to people
rub out
delete ink or pencil with an eraser;kill
rub up against
touch someone in a sensual or sexual way
rub up on
revise
rule out
exclude a possibility
run across
meet or find accidentally
run after
chase, pursue;try to become romantically involved with someone
run against
oppose, make difficulties
run along
go away, leave (often as an imperative)
run around
be very busy doing many things
run away
escape from people chasing you;leave home because of problems with other family members or to elope
run down
hit a pedestrian with a vehicle;lose energy or power;criticise, disparage;find the source or origin of something
run for
campaign for a position
run in
arrest, take to police station for questioning;drive a new car carefully in order not to damage the engine;pay a casual visit;insert
run into
cost;meet by accident
run off
make photocopies
run on
be powered by
run out of
have none left
run over
explain quickly;hit with a vehicle;exceed a time limit
run through
practise a dramatic work like a play quickly;stab or wound deeply with a knife, sword, etc.
run to
go to someone for help;include in things you like;have enough money to buy something, often negative
run up
move quickly to where someone is;hoist, raise a flag;do or make something very quickly;spend a lot of money on credit
run up against
encounter problems, often unexpected
run up on
approach someone without their knowing
run with
keep company, normally bad
rush away
leave a place in a hurry
rush in
enter or go indoors in a hurry;make someone enter somewhere quickly;do something without thinking carefully
rush into
do something too quickly
rush off
depart in a hurry
rush out
release or put something on sale quickly
rustle up
make something quickly without much preparation
sack out
fall asleep
saddle up
put a saddle on and prepare an animal to ride
saddle with
give someone a task or responsibility that is difficult or hard work
sag off
not go to school or work, or leave early when you shouldn´t
sail into
criticise angrily
sail through
pass easily, succeed
sally forth
leave somewhere safe or comfortable
sally out
leave somewhere safe or comfortable
salt away
save money
save on
reduce or avoid consumption to cut costs
save up
for money for a particular purpose;collect or store something for future use
saw off
to remove something by cutting it with a saw
saw up
cut into pieces with a saw
scale back
make something smaller than originally planned;reduce the activity or expenditure in your life
scale down
make something smaller than originally planned
scale up
increase, make bigger
scare away
frighten someone some much that they go away
scare off
make someone so frightened that he or she away
scout about
look in different places for something
scout around
look in different places for something
scout out
search for something
scout round
look in different places for something
scout up
try to find someone for a task or requirement
scrape along
manage with little money
scrape by
just manage to pass something
scrape in
just get enough to succeed, pass or be accepted
scrape into
be accepted somewhere, but only just
scrape through
pass a test but only just
scrape together
manage to collect enough of something you need, usually money
scrape up
manage to collect enough of something you need, usually money
scratch around for
search for something that is hard to find
screen off
separate a part of a room with something like a curtain, screen, etc.
screen out
exclude;block light;stop noticing something
screw around
waste time;be sexually promiscuous
screw over
treat harshly or cheat
screw up
do badly or fail
scuzz up
spiil, ruin, contaminate
see about
arrange, consider
see into
accompany someone into an office
see off
chase somebody or something away;go to the airport, station, etc., to say goodbye to someone
see out
accompany a guest to your front door when they are leaving your house
see through
continue with something to the end;realise someone is lying or being deceitful
see to
deal with something
seek out
search for something until you find it
sell off
sell a business or part of it;sell something cheaply because you need the money or don't need it
sell on
convince someone;buy something then sell it to someone else
sell out
have no more of something left because it has been bought;lose all artistic integrity in return for commercial success
sell up
sell a house or business to move somewhere or do something different
send back
return something
send for
ask someone to come and help
send in
order people into a place to handle a problem;write to get information
send off
expel a sports player from a match;post a letter
send off for
order something by post
send out
send something to a lot of people
send out for
order takeaway food by phone
send up
imitate/impersonate for comic effect
set about
start doing something;attack
set apart
dstinguish, be better than or different from others
set aside
overturn a court verdict or decision
set back
cost;delay
set forth
state or outline an opinion;start a journey
set in
change season noticeably
set off
explode a bomb;ring an alarm;start a journey;counterbalance a debt;provide a visual contrast that looks good;cause, trigger events
set on
attack
set out
display, show;start a journey;arrange, organise
set to
work hard or enthusiastically
set up
prepare equipment, software, etc., for use;start a company;provide someone with the money needed to live;trick, deceive
set upon
attack
settle down
start living a fixed and routine life
settle for
accept whatever is available
settle in
get used to
settle on
agree
settle up
pay a debt
sex up
change information to make it more attractive to the reader or listener
shack up
live with someone when you are in a relationship;live somewhere temporarily
shade in
make a part of a picture darker
shade out
leave a place without saying goodbye
shake down
search;extort or cheat money from someone
shake off
get rid of an illness
shake out
shake clothes, cloths, etc to remove dirt or creases
shake up
upset or shock;make major changes to improve or save a company, organisation, etc;mix things in a container by shaking hard
shape up
develop in a positive way;improve to reach an acceptable standard
share in
have a part in a project, activity, etc
share out
divide and distribute
shave by
reduce by a certain amount
shave from
remove, cut off
shave off
shave completely;reduce by a small amount
shell out
spend money on something, especially when you think it´s too expensive
ship off
send someone away, often because of a problem
ship out
send goods to a place;leave a place
shoot away
leave somewhere quickly
shoot back
return quickly
shoot for
have as a goal
shoot off
leave promptly and quickly
shoot out
go out for a short time
shoot up
increase quickly;take illicit drugs intravenously;damage with gun-shots;increase quickly, grow
shop around
look around for the best price, quality, etc.
shore up
support something to make it stronger
short out
short circuit
shout down
make so much noise to stop someone being heard
shout out
say something loudly, often to attract someone's attention
show around
take someone to a place to show them certain parts
show in
take someone into an office or other room
show off
behave in a way so as to attract attention;display something you are proud of;make the qualities of another thing more apparent
show out
take someone to out of a room or building
show over
take someone around a site
show round
take someone to a place to show them certain parts
show through
when a feeling can be seen despite attempts to conceal it
show up
attend something or arrive somewhere;become clear or apparent;make someone feel embarrassed or ashamed
shrug off
disregard something, not consider it important or harmful
shut away
imprison or remove someone's freedom
shut down
close a business, shop, etc.;turn a computer off
shut in
prevent someone from leaving
shut off
close, prevent access
shut out
exclude;not allow a player or team to score
shut out of
exclude someone from an activity, etc
shut up
top talking or making noise;close for a period of time
shut yourself away
withdraw from company
shy away
retreat or shrink from something unpleasant or frightening
shy away from
avoid doing something because you lack confidence
side with
support someone
sidle up to
approach someone discreetly
sift through
examine a lot of things carefully
sign away
give away legal or property rights
sign for
write a signature on behalf on someone
sign in
register in a hotel;open a computer program that requires a name and password;write your name when entering a place
sign into
open a particular computer program that requires a name and password
sign off
end a message;close a claim for unemployment benefit;stop doing something to leave;give someone a letter to be away from work
sign off on
give official approval
sign on
open a claim for unemployment benefit;agree to participate;start broadcasting;employ
sign on with
sign a document joining or agreeing to something
sign out
close a computer program that requires a name and password;sign something to show you have borrowed something
sign out of
close a particular computer program that requires a name and password
sign up
give your name to do something;subscribe
sign with
make a contract with
summer down
become calmer, make less noise;become less excited, noisy or angry
sing along
to sing when a piece of music is being played or performed by someone else
sing out
reply loudly;sing loudly
sing up
sing louder
single out
select or choose one from a group
sink in
slowly come to be understood
sit about
sit and do nothing, especially when you should be working
sit around
sit idly, doing nothing
sit back
wait for something to happen without making any effort;relax in a chair
sit by
not try to stop something
sit down
help someone to sit
sit for
pose for an artist or photographer;look after children while their parents are out
sit in
occupy a building to protest about something
sit in for
take on someone´s responsibilities while they are absent
sit in on
attend as an observer
sit on
be on a committee;to handle somebody firmly who behaves impertinently, conceitedly;hold information back or keep it secret
sit out
not take part
sit over
eat or drink slowly
sit through
stay till the end of something dull
sit up
suddenly take notice or pay attention;move from lying down to a sitting position
sit with
reconcile different positions
size up
assess a situation or person carefully;make something bigger or produce bigger products
skin up
make a cannabis joint
skive off
avoid doing work or other duty
slack off
reduce one´s effort, perform with less enthusiasm and energy
slacken off
become less busy or intense
slag off
criticise heavily
slant toward
favour one viewpoint, bias
sleep around
be sexually promiscuous
sleep in
sleep longer than usual
sleep off
sleep in order to recover from excess alcohol, drugs, etc.
sleep on
think about something
sleep over
spend the night at someone else's house
sleep through
not wake up
sleep together
have sex
slice off
cut, remove an amount or part of something
slice up
cut completely into pieces or slices
slip away
lose an opportunity or the chance of winning, succeeding, etc;pass quickly (time)
slip by
pass quickly (time);lose an opportunity or the chance of winning, succeeding, etc
slip down
be enjoyable to drink or eat
slip in
try to include something discreetly when speaking
slip into
put clothes on quickly;acquire bad habits or fall into a bad or negative state or condition
slip off
leave a place discreetly;remove clothes
slip off to
go somewhere discreetly
slip on
put clothes on quickly
slip out
leave discreetly
slip through
escape notice and be approved
slip up
make an error
slob about
be lazy, do nothing
slob around
be lazy, do nothing
slope off
leave somewhere without letting others know
slough off
get rid of, dispose;lose or shed outer layers of skin;ignore or trivialize an injury or insult
slow down
reduce speed;become less active
slow up
slow the progress of something
slug it out
fight or argue
smack of
appear to have a negative quality
smash down
demolish or break something down
smash in
break something by hitting it repeatedly
smash up
destroy, break into many pieces
smoke out
force someone out of a place they're hiding in
snaffle up
consume, take, buy something other people may want
snap off
break a piece off something
snap out of
control negative emotions
snap to it !
do something quickly
snap up
get, acquire or buy something quickly
snarl up
entangle
sneak out
depart furtively
sneak up on
approach someone furtively
sneeze at
to dismiss casually, usually used negatively
sniff around
look around to see how good something is or to try to find something better
sniff at
disapprove or be scornful
sniff out
find something by smell (usually for dogs);find out information, especially when people don't want anyone to know
snitch on
divulge secrets, inform authorities about someone
snuff out
extinguish a small flame by covering it;kill;end something suddenly
soak up
absorb;spend time doing or experiencing something enjoyable
sober up
stop showing the effects of alcohol or drugs
sock away
save money in a bank account, investment, etc
sock in
close access to a place because of bad weather
soften up
weaken;do things to please someone in the hope that they will do what you want
soldier on
continue even when things get difficult
sort out
resolve a problem
sound off
to express your opinions forcefully
sound out
check what someone thinks about an issue, idea, etc.
space out
become detached from reality and unaware of what is happening around you, usually through drug use
spaff away
waste (money, time, resources, etc)
spark off
cause something, usually unpleasant, to happen
spark up
light a cigarette or joint
speak out
talk openly and freely
speak up
talk more loudly
speed up
move faster;make something faster
spell out
explain something in great detail;write or say the individual letters that make up a word
spew out
expel, throw out
spew up
vomit
spice up
add spices or herbs to increase flavour;make something more interesting or exciting
spiff up
make something smart or more presentable
spike up
increase sharply
spill out
when large numbers of people leave a place at the same time;come or flow out of a box, container, etc;express or display emotions openly
spill over
when something bad has a wider impact on other people or situations;flow over the edge or top of a container
spin off
produce an unexpected additional benefit;form a separate company from part of an existing one;create a TV show using characters from a popular show
spin out
lose control (vehicle);make something last as long as possible
spirit away
remove someone secretly from a place
spirit off
remove someone secretly from a place
spit it out
an informal way of telling someone to say something they are unwilling to say
spit out
say something angrily
splash down
land in the sea (space capsules)
splash out
spend a lot of money on something that is not essential
splash out on
spend a lot of money on something
split up
divide into groups;finish a relationship
spoil for
really want something
sponge down
clean something with a sponge
sponge off
accept free food and support without any shame or qualms
sponge on
accept or get money without doing any work
spring back
return to original position after being bent, forced or when pressure is removed
spring for
pay for, often generously
spring from
appear suddenly and unexpectedly;be the cause of something
spring on
surprise someone
spring up
appear suddenly
spruce up
to smarten, make something neat and tidy
spur on
encourage someone to continue
square away
finish or sort something out
square off
confront someone or prepare to fight them
square off against
confront someone or prepare to fight them
square up
pay back a debt;confront someone or prepare to fight them
square up to
accept responsibility or guilt
square with
match, conform to;check with someone that something is OK
squeeze up
get more people into a space than normal or comfortable
stack up
put things in a pile;accumulate;increase, accumulate something;be logical, make sense;build up the number of planes waiting to land at an airport
stack up against
be as good as something
staff up
employ someone for something specific
stamp out
get rid of something
stand about
spend time in a place waiting or doing nothing or very little
stand around
spend time in a place waiting or doing nothing or very little
stand aside
leave a position so that someone else can take it
stand back
keep a distance from something;try to understand something by taking a different perspective
stand by
support someone;be ready and waiting for something to happen
stand down
leave a job or position so that someone else can take it;finish being asked questions in a court
stand for
accept or tolerate behaviour;the words represented by certain initials
stand in for
substitute someone temporarily
stand out
be extraordinary and different
stand up
move from a sitting or lying down to a vertical position;fail to keep an appointment
stand up for
defend, support
stand up to
keep your principles when challenged by an authority;resist damage
stare down
look at someone until they cannot look at you
start off
make something start;begin life, a career or existence;begin a journey;make someone laugh
start off on
help someone to start a piece or work or activity
start on
begin to use or consume;criticise angrily
start on at
criticise or nag
start out
begin a journey
start out as
begin life, existence or a career
start out to
intend, plan
start over
begin something again
start up
open a business;begin, especially sounds;when an engine starts working;make an engine work;sit or stand upright because someone has surprised you
stash away
store or hide something in a safe place
stave in
push or break something inwards
stave off
delay, prevent something from happening
stay away
not come
stay away from
avoid, not come
stay in
not go out
stay on
remain longer than anticipated
stay out
not go home
stay over
stay overnight
stay up
not go to bed
steal away
leave a place quietly or secretly
steal out
leave in a stealthy or quiet manner
steal over
be gradually overcome by an emotion or feeling
steal up
approach quietly or secretly
steal up on
approach a place or someone quietly or secretly
steer clear of
avoid
stem from
originate, be caused by
step aside
leave a job or position so that someone else can take over
step back
look at something from a different perspective
step down
leave a job or position so that someone can take over;reduce
step forward
offer help
step in
get involved by interrupting something
step on it
an imperative used to tell someone to go faster, especially when driving
step out
leave a place for a very short time
step to
confront;chat, talk to
step up
increase
stick around
stay in a place for some time
stick at
continue doing something despite difficulties
stick by
support someone when they are having difficulties;support a plan, opinion or decision
stick down
write something quickly or without thinking about it;join surfaces with glue
stick it to
criticise someone;treat someone badly or unfairly
stick out
be easily noticed;extend part of your body;continue doing something difficult or unpleasant
stick out for
demand a salary raise
stick to
not change;restrict or limit and not change
stick together
support each other
stick up
stand on end;rob using weapons
stick up for
support or defend
stick with
not change something;stay near someone;not be forgotten;continue with something difficult or unpleasant
stiffen up
become rigid;make something rigid
stir up
make trouble for someone else
stitch up
sew something so that it is closed;finalise a deal;cheat someone or make them look guilty when they aren´t
stomp off
leave somewhere angrily
stomp on
treat badly or defeat
stop around
visit someone for a short time.
stop back
return somewhere
stop behind
stay somewhere when other people leave
stop by
visit somewhere briefly or quickly
stop in
stay at home;visit briefly
stop off
break a journey
stop out
be out late, especially when you are expected home
stop over
stay somewhere when on a journey
stop up
stay up late;fill or block something
store up
memorise or commit something to memory for later use;do something that will probably cause problems later;keep or accumulate something to use later
storm off
leave a place angrily
storm out
leave a place angrily
stow away
hide in a vehicle to travel without people knowing;store something in a safe place
straighten out
make something straight;deal with a problem;make clear and resolve;improve someone´s behaviour
straighten up
stand straight;tidy
stretch out
lie down with your limbs extended in a relaxed manner
stretch to
manage to supply an amount of money even though it is more than you would like to give or pay
stretcher off
carry an injured player off the pitch, field, etc.
strike back
attack, take action against someone who has hurt you
strike down
kill;make someone ill;disallow a law, decision, etc
strike off
remove someone's professional licence to practise
strike on
have a good idea
strike out
start doing something new and different;try to hit someone;start going towards a place;cross writing out;fail
strike up
start (conversation, relationship);start performing music
strike upon
have a good idea
string along
deceive someone for a long time;accompany someone because you haven´t got anything better to do
string out
make something last as long as possible
string together
put words together into a coherent text
string up
hang somebody
strip away
reduce or remove
strip down
remove parts to make something more efficient or basic
strip down to
remove clothing to a certain level
strip of
remove a title, award or position
strip off
remove clothes
strip out
remove;remove details like unnecessary figures to make something clear
strip to
remove clothing to a certain level
stub out
extinguish a cigarette
stuff up
make a mistake, do badly, spoil
stumble across
find something accidentally
stumble upon
find something accidentally
stump up
pay for something
suck in
become involved in something unpleasant
suck into
become involved in something unpleasant
suck up
try to ingratiate yourself
suck up to
ingratiate yourself with someone
suit up
get dressed or put on a uniform for an activity or task;wear a condom
sum up
summarise
summon up
get the energy or courage to do something
suss out
come to understand
swallow up
take control of something much smaller, like a company or state;consume or take a lot of time, money, etc;destroy, make disappear
swan about
move in a dramatic or affected manner
swan around
move in a dramatic or affected manner
swan in
enter in a dramatic or attention-seeking manner
swan off
leave somewhere in a defiant or pompous manner
swear by
have great confidence in
swear down
promise that something is true
swear in
take an oath to hold a public office
swear off
decide to stop doing something, usually something harmful
sweep through
pass easily, succeed;move quickly through
swing around
change your opinion quickly;turn around quickly
swing at
try to hit
swing by
visit a person or place on your way somewhere
swing round
change your opinion quickly;turn around quickly
switch off
stop a machine or something electrical working;stop paying attention
switch on
start a machine or something electrical working;feel an emotion of behave in a certain way
switch over
change from one provider or source to another
syphon off
take business, support or votes from someone;divert money illegally
tack on
add something that wasn´t planned
tack onto
add or attach something that wasn´t planned to something
tag along
accompany someone, especially if they haven´t specifically invited you
tag on
add an additional point to something written or spoken
tag onto
add an additional point to something written or spoken
tag with
add a keyword link or bookmark to a blog entry or webpage
tail away
become silent or inaudible
tail back
form a traffic jam
tail off
become silent or inaudible;decrease
take aback
surprise or shock
take after
look like, resemble
take apart
take something to pieces
take aside
get someone alone to talk to them
take away
remove
take back
make someone nostalgic;retract a statement, admit that something was wrong
take down
make notes or write down in full;remove
take in
absorb information;deceive;make clothes smaller;assume care or support
take it
accept criticism
take it out on
abuse someone because you're angry
take it upon yourself
take responsibility, often without consulting other people
take off
make great progress;reduce the price of an item;when a plane departs or leaves the ground;remove
take on
allow passengers on a ship or plane;assume a responsibility;employ
take out
borrow a library book;borrow money from a bank or other official lender;extract or remove;go out socially with someone, especially a date;obtain insurance;kill, murder
take over
assume control of a company or organisation;start a job or position that someone had occupied before you
take through
explain something to someone
take to
make a habit of something
take up
fill or occupy time or space;make clothes shorter;start a new hobby, pastime, etc.
talk around
persuade;talk about a problem or issue without really dealing with it
talk at
talk to someone and not give them a chance to reply or listen to them
talk back
respond rudely to a person in authority
talk down
try to make something sound less important;persuade someone not to jump off a high place to kill themselves
talk down to
talk in a way to show your superiority not communicate
talk into
persuade someone to do something
talk out
discuss a problem or issue to find a solution
talk out of
persuade someone not to do something
talk over
discuss
talk round
persuade;talk about a problem or issue without really dealing with it
talk through
guide someone through an issue
talk up
make something appear more important or significant than it really is
talk yourself out
talk until you have nothing left to say
tap for
get money off someone
tap into
use or exploit a plentiful resource for your benefit
tap off with
have sex with
tap out
play a rhythm quietly;use all the money available
tap up
approach a footballer illegally to get them to change teams
taper off
gradually become smaller or weaker until stopping
team up
work with someone or a group to achieve something
tear apart
disturb or upset greatly
tear at
pull or try to pull something to pieces
tear away
stop someone doing something unwillingly;remove a surface violently
tear down
demolish
tear into
criticise strongly or angrily
tear off
remove part of a form or letter using your hands, not scissors;leave at high speed;remove with force;remove completely
tear out
depart rapidly
tear up
rip into pieces;destroy;have eyes fill with tears
tee off
start or launch an event;place a golf ball on a short plastic or wooden stick before hitting it at the start of a hole;annoy someone
tee off on
criticise
tee up
place a golf ball on a short plastic or wooden stick before hitting it at the start of a hole;make preparations before starting or launching something
tell apart
see a difference between two things
tell off
chide; talk angrily to someone about something they've done wrong
tell on
report someone to an authority
tense up
become nervous, tense or unable to relax
text out
cancel an appointment by sending a text message
think over
consider something carefully
think through
consider all the possibilities and outcomes of a situation
think up
create or invent something, especially when lying
thrash out
discuss for a long time until an agreement is reached
throw away
discard something when no longer needed
throw in
join, accompany;add something to a deal
throw off
remove item of clothing quickly;get rid of;produce light or heat
throw on
put clothes on quickly
throw out
get rid of;dislocate;reject;produce heat, fumes;expel
throw over
end a relationship with someone;reject, refuse to accept
throw together
make or arrange quickly
throw up
vomit;produce problems, results, ideas, etc;leave a job or position suddenly;create clouds of dust or splash water into the air
throw yourself at
make it clear you are sexually attracted to someone
throw yourself into
do something enthusiastically or energetically
tick along
make reasonable progress without any serious problems
tick away
pass (of time)
tick by
pass (of time)
tick off
annoy;scold;put a mark on an item in a list when it has been dealt with
tick over
continue working, but without improving;operate but without moving (engines)
tickle up
improve a document
tide over
use something carefully so as not to finish it
tidy up
put things in the correct place in a room
tie back
fasten or secure so that it doesn´t obstruct
tie down
secure something to prevent it moving;remove or restrict freedom;stop people (often police or military) going where they are needed
tie in
agree, be connected or support;associate with
tie in with
occur at the same time
tie up
tie or fasten something securely;stop someone doing something;fasten;block a road, etc
tighten up
make something more secure or function better
time out
end or close because of a time limit;end or close something because of a time limit
tip off
secretly inform the police or authorities
tip over
spill, make something fall on its side
tire of
get bored of something
tire out
make someone exhausted
toddle off
leave, go home
tone down
make something sound more moderate
tone in with
combine in a pleasing way
tone up
make stronger or firmer
tool up
provide equipment;arm yourself or somebody
tootle off
leave, depart
top off
finish something in a special way;fill something completely that is not empty
top out
stop increasing, reach the highest point
top up
refill something that isn't empty yet
toss about
discuss something freely and openly, but not very seriously
toss around
discuss something freely and openly, but not very seriously
toss aside
discard, throw away
toss back
drink quickly
toss down
drink quickly
toss for
make a decision by throwing a coin and seeing which side lands face up
toss off
write something quickly and carelessly
toss up
decide something by throwing a coin and seeing which side lands face up
touch down
land (planes)
touch for
borrow money
touch off
cause a problem to occur
touch on
mention
touch up
improve the appearance of something;touch someone in a sexual way
touch upon
mention
toughen up
make stronger
tow away
remove a vehicle, especially if parked illegally
toy around with
treat or deal with something without taking it seriously
toy at
pretend to think about or think about in a casual way
toy over
think about something
toy with
not eat much of a meal;consider something, but not very seriously;move or play with something to occupy your hands;treat insincerely
track down
find after a long search
trade down
sell something and replace it with something cheaper
trade in
exchange something old as part of the price of something new;leave your wife or husband to marry someone younger
trade off
bargain, make a deal or compromise;accept something you don´t really want to get something you do want
trade on
exploit, use something to your advantage
trade up
buy larger or more expensive items;leave your wife or husband and marry someone better looking, richer, etc
trade upon
exploit, use to your advantage
train up
teach someone the specific skills they will need to carry out a job or task
trickle down
pass benefits from economic expansion through the economy to the less fortunate
trickle up
when financial benefits given to poor people or small businesses pass on to the wealthy
trigger off
make someone angry;start, set off
trip out
be under the influence of psychoactive drugs
trip over
fall;fall because you hit an obstacle
trip up
make a mistake
trot off
leave
trot off to
go somewhere
trot out
make a statement (meant negatively)
trudge through
do something slowly, with difficulty, unwillingly or considerable effort
trump up
charge or accuse someone falsely
try back
phone back
try for
make an attempt to get something
try it on
provoke someone by being annoying or behaving badly;attempt to get something, usually by deceit, without great hopes of success
try on
put clothes on to see if they fit
try out
test;test something to see if you like it or want to buy it
try out for
be tested for a sports team
tuck away
put something in a safe place;eat a lot
tuck in
tidy the ends of items of clothing by placing them inside something;start eating enthusiastically;arrange the sheets, duvet or blankets to make someone, usually a child, comfortable in bed
tuck into
start eating something
tuck up
arrange the sheets, duvet or blankets to make someone, usually a child, comfortable in bed
tune in
watch or listen to a TV or radio show
tune in to
watch or listen to a TV or radio programme
tune out
ignore, not pay attention
tune up
improve the performance of a machine or engine;tune a musical instrument before playing
turf out
force someone to leave;get rid of, throw away
turn against
stop liking and start disliking
turn around
make something successful or profitable that has been doing badly;produce or complete work;react negatively
turn away
not allow someone to enter a place
turn down
reduce volume, temperature, etc.;reject an offer, invitation, etc.;fold the top covers of a bed down to make it ready for someone to go to sleep
turn in
go to bed;hand in, submit
turn into
become
turn off
stop a machine
turn on
cause someone to feel attraction or pleasure;start a machine;attack
turn out
produce;produce an unexpected result;stop a light;attend
turn over
give to the authorities
turn to
try to get help;take up a habit
turn up
appear;increase volume, temperature, etc.
type in
enter computer data or text
type out
write a full or finished version of a text on a computer
type up
type a finished version
urge on
encourage;persuade or pressure to accept something
urge upon
persuade or pressure to accept something
use up
finish or consume all of something
usher in
be at, mark or celebrate an important point in time;make important changes happen
vacuum up
consume
vamp up
make something more exciting, attractive, etc;invent, maker up, improvise
veg out
relax, do nothing