Phrasal Verb of the Day

 Phrasal Verb of the Day

23 April 2024

1. GET AT


The phrasal verb "get at' has a couple of different meanings.

1. To criticize some one repeatedly.

When we say someone is 'getting at' another person, it means they are constantly criticizing them. 

For example:

* He's always 'getting at' me for small mistakes.

*  The boss is always 'getting at' me, and it's affecting my morale.


2. To discover the true facts about something .

In this context, 'get at' means trying to uncover or find out something.  

For example:

* The truth is sometimes difficult to 'get at'.

* We need to 'get at' the root cause of the problem.  

* The ball  is stuck high in the tree: how can we 'get at' it?

* Make sure to 'get at' the important points in the lecture notes and create concise study guides.


24 April 2024

2. ACT ON

If you act on somebody's advice, you do as they suggest.

Example: 

* I really should 'act on' my doctor's advice and try to eat less and do more exercise.

* Whenever she was in trouble, Lisa 'acted on' her lawyer's advice.

What's the difference between 'act on' and 'act upon'?

Both have the same meaning and usage, but 'act upon' is more formal than 'act on'.

* The police were 'acting upon' a tip off.


25 April 2024

3. FIGHT OFF
Meaning

When you 'fight off' something, you actively defend yourself against an attack or threat.

* If you get the flu, it's essential to rest and give your body the chance to 'fight off' .
* Unfortunately theses drugs are quite toxic and hinder the body's ability to 'fight off' infection.

Origin :
The term 'fight off' dates back to the early 1800s, originally meant to " repel an enemy" i.e., physically defending oneself,   but over the time, its figurative use has evolved. Today it refers to resisting or overcoming something undesirable, such as an illness, temptation or harmful impulse.
* I've been 'fighting off' a cold all week.
* She has been 'fighting off' the urge to eat the last piece of cake,
  

26 April 2024

4. Come through
[= to survive a difficult or dangerous situation or time.]

Example
* My grandparents 'came through' some really tough times, including  two World Wars. 
* Despite the challenges, he always 'comes through' for his team.
* After a difficult surgery, he 'came through' and is now recovering well. 


27 April 2024.

5. KEEP DOWN

[ = If you 'keep something down', you stop it  from increasing in size or number]

Example

* You should 'keep down' the noise so we don't disturb the neighbours. 

* The prime aim of the government is to 'keep inflation down'.

* She tried to 'keep down' her anger during the heated argument.


28 April 2024

6. CALL OFF

[ = to cancel an event that was planned or scheduled]


Example: 

* We 'called off" the meeting because the Chairman wasn't well enough to come.

* If a storm comes, we'll have to 'call the game off' 

Note: 'Call off' can be used to mean ordering someone or something to stop.  

Example:

* I shouted to him to 'call his dog off', but he just laughed at me.

* I had to 'call off' my friend from telling a secret when someone entered the room.


Synonyms to 'Call off":

Cancel, Abandon, Terminate Halt Revoke

 

04 May 2024

7. HAVE ON

1. [= If you 'have something on'  you are wearing it.]


Example

* What did the girl 'have on' when she went missing?

* He 'had a cap on' when he entered the hall.

* Boxers usually 'have a pair of gloves on' as they step into the boxing ring.

* What did she 'have on' at the party?


2. [= Try to make somebody believe something that is not true, usually as a joke]

Example

* You didn't really, did you? You are not 'having me on', are you? 


06 May 2024

8. Do in

[ = to cause someone to feel very tired or worn out; Synonym = Exhaust]

Example

1. That walk up the mountain really 'did me in'.

2. Smith looks like he's been 'done in' by all that running. I guess, he isn't used to it. 

3. That project really 'did me in'. I feel exhausted.



9. 09 May 2024

PASS UP

[ = If you 'pass up' an opportunity, or an invitation, you choose not to take the opportunity or accept the invitation.]


Example

* He 'passed up' the opportunity to study music in a top university. He formed his own band instead.

* I had to 'pass the invitation up' as I had an appointment at that time.

* I can't believe she 'passed up' the chance to go to Australia.

* He 'passed up' the invitation for dinner, saying that he was too busy.





 






























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































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