complete phrasal verbs list (P-W)

Unwind (e.g., fishing line).

When he hooked the swordfish, his line rapidly PLAYED OUT.

Behave badly.

The children PLAYED UP all evening and drove the babysitter mad.

Flatter someone.

I'm PLAYING UP TO my boss at the moment because I want the promotion.

Behave in a way expected.

He's got a reputation for being trouble and PLAYS UP TO it.

Exploit a weakness.

They are PLAYING UPON people's concerns to get their way.

Touch and move something to occupy your hands.

He can't stop PLAYING WITH his beard.

Not eat much of a meal.

I wasn't hungry, so I just PLAYED WITH the food.

Consider something, but not seriously.

We PLAYED WITH the idea, but decided against it.

Plead guilty to get a reduced sentence or fine.

The CEO PLEADED OUT and blamed the CFO for the fraud.

Re-invest money you have made into a business.

We PLOUGHED BACK all the profits to grow the company.

Collide into at speed.

The bus skidded and PLOUGHED INTO the bus stop.

Continue doing something you don't want to.

It was really boring, but we PLOUGHED ON.

Eat a big meal.

We PLOUGHED THROUGH all seven courses.

Read something that is difficult or takes a lot of time.

It took me ages to PLOUGH THROUGH 'Ulysses'.

Move through somewhere where there is little space or there are obstacles.

The boat had to PLOUGH THROUGH the ice.

Break the surface of soil.

The tractor PLOUGHED UP the field so they could sow the seed.

Re-invest money you have made into a business.

We PLOWED BACK all the profits to grow the company.

Collide into at speed.

The bus skidded and PLOWED INTO the bus stop.

Continue doing something you don't want to.

It was really boring, but we PLOWD ON.

Eat a big meal.

We PLOWED THROUGH all eight courses.

Read something that is difficult or takes a lot of time.

It takes me ages to PLOW THROUGH any of Henry James' novels.

Move through somewhere where there is little space or there are obstacles.

The police car had to PLOW THROUGH the crowd.

Break the surface of soil.

The tractor PLOWED UP the field so they could sow the crop.

Pull or fiddle with something nervously.

He was PLUCKING AT his cuffs during the interview.

Muster, acquire, gather.

They PLUCKED UP the courage to complain.

Connect machines to the electricity supply.

He PLUGGED the TV IN and turned it on full blast.

Put something in a place without taking care.

He PLUMPED his bag DOWN and kicked his shoes off.

Choose.

I PLUMPED FOR the steak frites.

Make something like a cushion bigger and softer by shaking it.

I PLUMPED UP the pillow and lay down.

Sit down heavily.

She PLUMPED HERSELF DOWN next to me and started asking me what had happened.

Make someone aware of something.

He POINTED OUT that I only had two weeks to get the whole thing finished.

Move things around or search in a casual way to try to find something.

I POKED ABOUT in my CD collection to see if I could find it.

Move things around or search in a casual way to try to find something.

I POKED AROUND in my desk to see if the letter was there.

Finish, consume.

She POLISHES OFF half a bottle of gin every night.

Improve something quickly.

I need to POLISH UP my French before I go to Paris.

Pay for something.

I had to PONY fifty dollars UP for the meal.

Get too tired to do something.

I was going to write my essay, but I POOPED OUT and went to bed instead.

Fail to keep an appointment.

We were supposed to meet yesterday, but she POOPED OUT ON me at the last minute.

Travel in a leisurely way.

We were POOTLING ALONG at thirty miles an hour.

Visit for a short time.

He POPPED IN for a coffee on his way home.

Talk loudly, complain.

He's always POPPING OFF when things don't suit him.

Go out for a short time.

He's just POPPED OFF for a break but should be back in a few minutes.

Go out for a short time.

I'm just POPPING OUT to the shops. Do you need anything while I'm out?.

Appear, like windows and boxes opening on a computer screen.

The dialogue box POPPED UP up when I pressed Enter.

Appear unexpectedly.

I'm going to have to work late tonight because something has POPPED UP.

Read, look at or study carefully.

She PORED OVER the report looking for mistakes.

Spend time doing little things for pleasure.

On Saturday mornings, I POTTER ABOUT the garden if the weather's fine.

Spend some time doing little things for pleasure.

I POTTERED AROUND, sorting out my CDS and a few other things.

Rain hard.

It POURED DOWN all day so we had to remain indoors.

Emerge from a place in large numbers.

Useless statistics POUR FORTH from him.

Cut the electricity supply to a computer or electronic device.

I POWERED DOWN my computer and went for lunch.

Cut the electricity to a computer or device to turn it off.

You mustn't POWER it OFF while it is updating.

Turn a computer or electronic device on so that it is ready to use.

I POWERED UP my laptop and started work.

Talk too much.

Geoff just PRATTLED ON instead of giving a straight answer.

Continue with something.

They PRESSED AHEAD with the elections despite the violence.

Apply pressure to get permission or to obtain something.

The workers are PRESSING FOR better pay and conditions.

Continue or go ahead with a project, process, plan, etc.

The government are PRESSING FORWARD WITH the new law.

Bring or force into use.

When the line was breached, reserve troops were PRESSED INTO service.

Continue with something.

We PRESSED ON to get to our destination before night fell.

Pressure someone to accept something offered.

The invitations were PRESSED UPON us and it was hard to say no.

Catch and kill an animal for food.

Spiders PREY ON insects.

Exploit or harm.

They PREY ON older people.

Catch and kill an animal for food.

Cats PREY UPON birds and mice.

Exploit or harm.

They PREY UPON people's fears about immigration.

Include the affects of possible future events when assessing the value of something.

Speculators have PRICED IN the risk of a war breaking out.

Charge more for something.

In rural areas where they have a monopoly, some garages PRICE UP fuel because there's nowhere else to buy it.

Make a hard copy of a computer document.

He PRINTED OUT the letter and checked through it carefully.

Support something, both physically and financially, politically, etc.

The council have PROPPED UP the museum for years with grants.

Work out or anticipate someone's intentions.

We have to try to PSYCH OUT our rivals.

Make someone less confident.

Boxers try to PSYCH their opponents OUT before the fight to gain an advantage.

Prepare someone mentally.

I PSYCHED myself UP for the exam.

Move your lips into position to receive a kiss.

She PUCKERED UP when he leant forwards to kiss her.

Overtake, move in front.

The lorry was going slowly but we managed to PULL AHEAD.

Destroy an argument, theory, etc.

My tutor PULLED my essay APART.

Stop people or animals fighting.

A fight broke out in the pub and it was hard to PULL the people involved APART.

Make someone unhappy or upset.

It PULLED me APART to see them arguing so much.

When a vehicle moves from a place.

The car PULLED AWAY from the lights at high speed.

Score a goal or point when losing.

They were two-nil down until five minutes before the end, when they PULLED BACK a goal.

Move away from a place, especially when talking about soldiers.

They have PULLED the troops BACK from the front line.

Move away from someone.

She PULLED BACK when he tried to kiss her.

Decide not to do something or not to be involved with it any longer.

They PULLED BACK from the deal.

Demolish.

They PULLED the old cinema DOWN to build a new shopping mall.

Make someone depressed.

Losing her job PULLED her DOWN.

Earn.

He's PULLING DOWN a fortune.

Support.

Who will you be PULLING FOR in the final?.

When a train arrives at a station.

The train PULLED IN and we rushed to meet her as she got off.

Attract.

Their last tour PULLED IN millions of fans.

Stop a car by the side of the road.

I PULLED IN to let the passengers out.

Areest or take someone to a police station for questioning.

The police PULLED them IN after the trouble.

Manage to do something difficult or tricky.

No-one thought that she would be able to do it, but she PULLED it OFF in the end.

Start moving (vehicles).

When the lights turned green, the car PULLED OFF.

Put clothes on.

I PULLED ON a jumper when the sun went in.

Start moving (train).

The train was PULLING OUT when I got there.

Move into traffic.

The traffic was so bad that it took me ages to PULL OUT.

Withdraw.

The project was going badly and they decided to PULL OUT.

Remove soldiers from an area.

People want the government to PULL the troops OUT.

Stop by the side of the road.

The police PULLED the car OVER.

Make a vehicle stop.

The police PULLED the car OVER and tested the driver for al*oh*l.

Recover from and illness or problem.

At one stage it looked as if she was going to die, but she PULLED THROUGH in the end.

Close a door or window that has been left open.

Could you PULL the door TO, please?.

Work together as a team.

If we all PULL TOGETHER, we'll have it finished in no time.

Slow and stop a car.

The cab PULLED UP outside my house and I got out.

Inform someone that they are wrong.

He PULLED me UP because I had got my facts wrong.

Become calm or regain control of your emotions.

He was so angry that he couldn't PULL HIMSELF TOGETHER.

Get in a queue without waiting.

She just PUSHED IN the queue in front of me at the supermarket checkout.

Communicate, convey a message.

He found it difficult to PUT ACROSS what he wanted to say at the meeting.

Put something back in the correct place.

He PUT the dictionary BACK on the shelf after he'd finished the crossword.

Put someone in prison.

The judge PUT him AWAY for ten years for robbery.

Rearrange something for a later time.

The AGM has been PUT BACK until July the seventeenth.

Save for the future.

I try to PUT some money BY every month towards our summer holiday.

Kill an animal because it's old, ill, etc.

He had his dog PUT DOWN because it was in a lot of pain from its tumours.

Stop holding (but withdraw support gently).

PUT the gun DOWN slowly and keep your hands where I can see them.

Commit to make a payment.

PUT me DOWN FOR 50p per mile.

Give as an explanation.

He didn't score many, but we can PUT that DOWN TO inexperience.

Install.

They had to PUT IN a whole new central heating system because the house was so cold.

Make a request.

He PUT IN FOR a transfer to the new branch.

Postpone.

The concert's been PUT OFF until next month because the singer's got a throat infection.

Stop liking something or somebody.

I was really PUT OFF by the way he eats with his mouth open.

Get fat.

He's PUT ON a lot of weight since he gave up smoking.

Deceive, lie.

I am not PUTTING you ON.

Start wearing.

I PUT my coat ON before we went out.

Broadcast.

Several charities PUT OUT an appeal on TV for money for the victims of the flooding in Mozambique.

Disturb or trouble someone.

Would it be PUTTING you OUT greatly if I asked to change to another day.

Extinguish a cigarette, fire, etc.

He PUT OUT his cigarette before entering the building.

Successfully execute (a scam, trick, etc.).

They PUT OVER a clever practical joke on us.

Connect someone by phone.

Could you PUT me THROUGH to extension 259 please.

Make a financial contribution.

She PUT $250 TOWARDS the cost of the repairs and we had to pay the rest.

Allow someone to stay at your house for a night or a few days.

She PUT me UP for the night because I'd missed the last bus and there were no night buses running.

Increase prices, taxes, duties, etc.

The government has PUT tuition fees for undergraduate students UP again.

Show skill or determination in a contest, competition, fight, etc.

They PUT UP a great fight but lost.

Encourage someone to do something.

His friends PUT him UP TO stealing it.

Tolerate.

I can't PUT UP WITH my neighbour's noise any longer; it's driving me mad.

Argue with someone about a specific subject.

The girl's mother was QUARRELING OUT with her daughter about the party.

Dispute or disagree with something.

I am not QUARRELLING WITH their idea, but I think there are other possibilities.

Mess up, ruin.

I QUEERED the exam UP.

Fall silent.

The audience QUIETENED DOWN when the lights were switched off in the auditorium and the play was ready to begin.

Stop working, associating or being friends with someone, especially when they need support.

They QUIT ON me just when things got rough.

Stop working or functioning.

My phone has QUIT ON me- can I borrow yours?.

Hurry away, leave somewhere quickly.

They RACED OFF when the police arrived.

Used to tell someone to go away because they're annoying you.

He told her to RACK OFF.

Sleep, take a nap.

I'm tired- I'm going to RACK OUT.

Acquire a lot of something.

He's RACKED UP a number of convictions for speeding.

Damage.

They RACKED UP the car in an accident.

Fall in large numbers.

Bombs RAINED DOWN ON the city all night.

Be postponed or stopped by rain (usually passive).

The match was RAINED OFF.

Be postponed or stopped by rain (usually passive).

The game was RAINED OUT.

Earn, make money easily.

She's RAKING IN thousands a day.

Make a lot of money.

It's the only shop in the area and they're RAKING IT IN.

Cheat someone by charging them too much.

They RAKE tourists OFF all the time.

Talk, think, etc, about something negative in the past.

They keep RAKING OVER the rows we had last year.

Bring something back to people's attention.

The press have RAKED UP some scandals from her past.

Talk at length without getting to the point.

Quit RAMBLING ON- I'm tired of listening to you.

Increase price, speed or power of something.

The company has RAMPED its prices UP because of higher oil prices.

Say something firmly and loudly.

She RAPPED OUT the command.

Inform authorities about someone's wrongdoings.

She RATTED ON her neighbours to the police because they were smuggling al*oh*l from France.

Fail to keep a promise.

He always RATS ON his promises.

Inform the authorities about someone.

He RATTED me OUT to the police.

Look for something hurriedly.

I RATTED THROUGH the papers on my desk but couldn't find the letter.

Increase.

The media are trying to RATCHET UP the pressure on the president.

Quote figures rapidly.

She RATTLED OFF loads of statistics which nobody could understand.

Stretch your arm to get something.

I REACHED OUT and caught the ball.

Try to achieve something difficult.

They are REACHING OUT FOR major economic reforms.

Ask for help.

I REACHED OUT TO you when I was in trouble and you were a great help.

Offer help.

Charities are REACHING OUT TO those who lost their homes in the floods.

Try to communicate and establish good relations with people.

The candidates are REACHING OUT TO the poor to get their votes.

Read a list aloud for someone to write down.

I READ OFF the figures and she wrote them down in her notebook.

Read aloud rather than silently.

The teacher READ OUT the names of the students who'd passed.

Research.

I've been READING UP ON Japan as I'm going to live there next year.

Come to a conclusion or solution after some thought.

He REASONED OUT the answer to the math problem.

The minimum expected.

Jeff says we can RECKON ON there being at least fifty people there tonight.

Catch a fish on a line and pull the line to land.

He REELED IN a ten-pound salmon.

Attract people, especially customers, to get them to do what you want them to.

They hope the discounts will REEL people IN.

Quote statistics or facts rapidly.

The minister REELED OFF a load of figures to support her position.

Score a lot of points or win a lot of games one after the other.

They REELED OFF five victories and became the champions.

Unwind.

I REELED OUT the hose and watered the lawn.

Control someone or something to stop them causing more trouble.

They had to REIN the minister IN after her dreadful performance on TV.

Let, grant a service or allow usage for a fee.

They RENTED their house OUT while the were abroad.

Go away on a bike, horse, etc.

She got on her motorbike and RODE OFF.

Depend on.

His reputation is RIDING ON this deal working out.

Survive a difficult time.

They managed to RIDE OUT the recession.

Move higher on the body (of clothes).

Her skirt RODE UP when she sat down.

Return a phonecall.

I phoned and left a message this morning but she still hasn't RUNG me BACK.

Telephone to inform or confirm something.

I RANG IN and told them I would be late.

Finish a phone conversation.

Dave RANG OFF guiltily when he saw his boss coming.

Make a sudden loud sound.

Two shots RANG OUT and then we heard a scream.

Telephone a number of people, usually to try to get some information.

I RANG ROUND to see if anyone knew where she'd gone.

Telephone.

Helen RANG me UP earlier.

Achieve an amount or number.

They RANG UP several victories.

Enter figures into a till or cash register.

They RANG UP the bill for the groceries.

When a place is full of a loud sound.

The room RANG WITH their laughter.

Charge excessively or obtain money unfairly.

Tourists get RIPPED OFF a lot when they don't speak the language.

Retreat.

The army ROLLED BACK when they came under attack.

Reduce or remove.

The government want to ROLL BACK the freedom of the press.

Pass (time).

The years ROLLED BY.

Arrive somewhere, especially if late.

They ROLLED IN very drunk at three o'clock in the morning.

Arrive in large numbers, for military vehicles.

The tanks ROLLED IN and took control of the capital city.

When something continues to happen.

The competition ROLLED ON despite the administrative problems.

Said when you can't wait for something nice in the future.

Roll on Friday! It's been a dreadful week.

Launch or introduce a new product, initiative, etc.

The company ROLLED OUT its takeover plans last week.

To appear in large numbers for an event.

Thousands ROLLED UP to see the stars at the film premiere.

An imperative used to attract people to a public event.

Roll up! Come and see the circus tonight.

Win easily.

In the first race, the favourite ROMPED IN.

Do something easily or quickly.

We ROMPED THROUGH the tasks because they were so simple.

To keep a mother and baby together after the birth.

Nowadays, most hospitals have a policy of ROOMING IN mothers and their babies.

Look in a place to try to find something.

He ROOTED ABOUT in his briefcase, trying to find a pen.

Look in a place to try to find something.

I ROOTED AROUND my flat trying to find the letter.

Support.

Everyone was ROOTING FOR Arsenal to win the Champions League.

Look for and find.

The police ROOTED OUT the informer.

Find the source of a problem and remove it.

They are trying to ROOT OUT the troublemakers.

Dig a plant out of the ground.

He ROOTED UP the plants and replanted them.

Get somebody to help.

The teacher ROPED her students IN to carry her stuff when she had to change classroom.

Get someone to help or become involved, usually when they don't want to.

I got ROPED INTO helping them set the stall up.

Extend ropes or barriers across or around an area.

The celebrity entrance was ROPED OFF from the general public.

Assault.

The mugger ROUGHED him UP when he refused to hand his wallet over.

Finish something in a satisfactory manner.

Winning the FA Cup ROUNDED OFF a wonderful season for Arsenal.

Retreat from a position.

The prime minister refused to ROW BACK and lost the vote.

Have a reasonably good relationship.

They're not friends, but we RUB ALONG.

Dry or clean something with a cloth.

She RUBBED the horse DOWN with a towel after riding it.

Massage or rub someone to help them relax.

The trainer RUBBED her DOWN after the race.

Apply a substance like cream or ointment and rub it until it is absorbed.

He applied the steroid cream and RUBBED it IN.

Emphasise how bad a situation is to make someone feel worse.

Even though the minister had resigned, the press RUBBED IT IN by publishing more details of the scandal.

Pass a quality or characteristic to people.

His enthusiasm RUBS OFF ON everyone around him.

Delete ink or pencil with an eraser.

He RUBBED OUT the figure and wrote the correct one in.

Kill.

The gangsters RUBBED him OUT for stealing from them.

Touch someone in a sensual or s*x*al way.

The cat RUBBED UP AGAINST my leg purring.

Revise.

I need to RUB UP ON my Portuguese before I go to Brazil.

Exclude a possibility.

The police have RULED OUT suicide and are treating it as a case of murder.

Meet or find accidentally.

I RAN ACROSS an old friend in the library.

Chase, pursue.

The police RAN AFTER the guy who'd stolen it, but he was too fast for them.

Try to become romantically involved with someone.

He was RUNNING AFTER her for ages never managed to get a date.

Oppose, make difficulties.

Opinion is RUNNING AGAINST his policies and he has very little support.

Go away, leave (often as an imperative).

They kept disturbing him, so he told them to RUN ALONG and leave him in peace.

Be very busy doing many things.

I'm exhausted- I've been RUNNING AROUND all day.

Escape from people chasing you.

He RAN AWAY from his attackers.

Leave home because of problems with other family members or to elope.

She RAN AWAY to avoid a forced marriage.

Hit a pedestrian with a vehicle.

The minicab RAN him DOWN on the zebra crossing.

Lose energy or power.

You should only recharge the battery when it has fully RUN DOWN.

Criticise, disparage.

They're always RUNNING me DOWN and I am sick and tired of it.

Find the source or origin of something.

The police RAN DOWN all the leads they had and caught them.

Campaign for a position.

She's thinking about RUNNING FOR the presidency.

Arrest, take to police station for questioning.

They RAN him IN last night.

Drive a new car carefully in order not to damage the engine.

She RAN the car IN for a thousand miles.

Pay a casual visit.

We RAN IN and chatted for an hour.

Insert.

He RAN a graph IN next to the text.

Cost.

The project has RUN INTO millions of dollars without any prospect of a return on this investment.

Meet by accident.

I RAN INTO James in a bar in the City on Friday.

Make photocopies.

Could you RUN OFF two hundred copies of this report, please.

Be powered by.

The van RUNS ON diesel.

Have none left.

We've RUN OUT OF sugar; I'm going to the shops for some.

Explain quickly.

Could you RUN OVER that point again; I'm afraid I didn't quite understand it.

Hit with a vehicle.

The driver couldn't stop in time and RAN the fox OVER when it ran in front of his car.

Exceed a time limit.

The meeting RAN OVER by twenty minutes.

Practise a dramatic work like a play quickly.

The cast RAN THROUGH the play the day before it opened to the public.

Stab or wound deeply with a knife, sword, etc.

The musketeer RAN his enemy THROUGH with a sword and killed him.

Go to someone for help.

Whenever he gets into debt, he RUNS TO his parents for help.

Include in things you like.

His musical tastes RUN TO the Residents, who are hated by most people.

Have enough money to buy something, often negative.

Things are a bit tight and won't RUN TO going abroad for a holiday.

Move quickly to where someone is.

He RAN UP next to me and started shouting.

Hoist, raise a flag.

They RAN UP the Union Jack.

Do or make something very quickly.

He RAN UP a few examples for them to look at.

Spend a lot of money on credit.

He RAN UP a lot of bills at the hotel.

Encounter problems, often unexpected.

They RAN UP AGAINST a lot of opposition to the construction.

Approach someone without their knowing.

Robert was sitting in his car and a guy RAN UP ON him and shot through the car but missed.

Keep company, normally bad.

She RUNS WITH some dodgy characters.

Leave a place in a hurry.

They RUSHED AWAY when the police arrived.

Do something too quickly.

They don't want to be RUSHED INTO giving an answer and have asked for more time.

Depart in a hurry.

Zac RUSHED OFF to get to his medical appointment.

Release or put something on sale quickly.

They RUSHED the single OUT after it started getting airplay.

Make something quickly without much preparation.

We RUSTLED UP dinner from what was in the fridge.

Put a saddle on and prepare an animal to ride.

She SADDLED UP the horse and rode off.

Give someone a task or responsibility that is difficult or hard work.

They SADDLED me WITH preparing the visit.

Not go to school or work, or leave early when you shouldn't.

I was bored so I SAGGED OFF work early and went home.

Criticise angrily.

He SAILED INTO me for turning up an hour late.

Pass easily, succeed.

He SAILED THROUGH the final test.

Leave somewhere safe or comfortable.

The townspeople SALLIED FORTH to fight the invading army.

Leave somewhere safe or comfortable.

Though it was pouring with rain, we SALLIED OUT to meet her.

Save money.

She's making a lot of money, but SALTS it AWAY rather than spending it.

Reduce or avoid consumption to cut costs.

I use Skype to SAVE ON my phone bills.

For money for a particular purpose.

He's SAVING UP to buy a car.

Collect or store something for future use.

I'm SAVING UP the receipts to claim on them all at once.

To remove something by cutting it with a saw.

He SAWED OFF the legs of the chair.

Cut into pieces with a saw.

We SAWED the plank UP to make the shelves.

Make something smaller than originally planned.

They had to SCALE BACK the project because of the costs.

Make something smaller than originally planned.

They have had to SCALE DOWN the project because of the costs.

Increase, make bigger.

They are SCALING UP the programme because it has been so successful.

Frighten someone some much that they go away.

The cat SCARED the birds AWAY.

Make someone so frightened that he or she away.

The vicious Doberman guard-dog SCARED the burglars AWAY.

Look in different places for something.

The company is SCOUTING ABOUT for new staff.

Look in different places for something.

We SCOUTED AROUND to find the best price.

Search for something.

The researcher spent months SCOUTING OUT the answer.

Look in different places for something.

I SCOUTED ROUND for a bargain.

Try to find someone for a task or requirement.

We'd better SCOUT UP a replacement for her.

Manage with little money.

I've been SCRAPING ALONG on temporary work since I lost my job.

Just manage to pass something.

I thought I was going to fail, but SCRAPED BY with 51%.

Just get enough to succeed, pass or be accepted.

The government SCRAPED IN with 51% of the votes cast.

Be accepted somewhere, but only just.

She got mediocre grades and just SCRAPED INTO university.

Pass a test but only just.

I did no revision and only just SCRAPED THROUGH the final exams.

Manage to collect enough of something you need, usually money.

I had to search my flat for money to SCRAPE TOGETHER what I needed.

Manage to collect enough of something you need, usually money.

It took me ages to SCRAPE UP the money for the tickets.

Separate a part of a room with something like a curtain, screen, etc.

We SCREENED OFF the area where we had the discussion from the rest of the meeting.

Exclude.

Applicants without the right qualifications were SCREENED OUT.

Block light.

The sun cream SCREENS OUT UV light.

Stop noticing something.

There are so many notices and signs that I have started SCREENING them OUT.

Waste time.

He spent the afternoon SCREWING AROUD and got nothing done.

Be s*xu*lly promiscuous.

He SCREWED AROUND a lot at university.

Treat harshly or cheat.

The IRS really SCREWED him OVER.

Do badly or fail.

David SCREWED UP his oral exam but still managed to scrape a pass.

Arrange, consider.

I'll SEE ABOUT whether we can manage it.

Accompany someone into an office.

Her secretary SAW me INTO her office.

Chase somebody or something away.

A cat came into the back garden but the dog soon SAW it OFF.

Go to the airport, station, etc., to say goodbye to someone.

I went to the station to SEE them OFF.

Accompany a guest to your front door when they are leaving your house.

Are you sure you're going? I'll get your coats and SEE you OUT.

Continue with something to the end.

They had a lot of difficulties in implementing the project, but the team SAW it THROUGH successfully.

Realise someone is lying or being deceitful.

The police quickly SAW THROUGH her disguise and arrested her.

Deal with something.

He SAW TO the arrangements and everything ran smoothly and efficiently.

Sell a business or part of it.

They SOLD OFF their research subsidiary.

Sell something cheaply because you need the money or don't need it.

She SOLD OFF her furniture before she emigrated.

Convince someone.

We managed to SELL him ON the expansion plans.

Buy something then sell it to someone else.

We buy them wholesale and SELL them ON to the public.

Have no more of something left because it has been bought.

The tickets for the Primal Scream concert at the Brixton Academy SOLD OUT in a couple of hours.

Lose all artistic integrity in return for commercial success.

Most bands SELL OUT when they sign to a major record label, and forget all their principles when pursuing chart success.

Sell a house or business to move somewhere or do something different.

We want to SELL UP and move to the country.

Return something.

I SENT my food BACK because it was overcooked.

Ask someone to come and help.

I had to SEND FOR a plumber because the radiator was leaking.

Order people into a place to handle a problem.

The police were SENT IN to quell the riot as the protesters had started burning cars and wrecking shops.

Write to get information.

If you want to enter the competition, you have to SEND IN for an entry form.

Expel a sports player from a match.

The football striker was SENT OFF for arguing with the referee's decision.

Post a letter.

I must SEND this letter OFF today otherwise it won't get there in time.

Order something by post.

I SENT OFF FOR some jeans that I liked in the catalogue.

Send something to a lot of people.

They SENT OUT a mailshot to all their existing customers.

Order takeaway food by phone.

We couldn't be bothered to cook, so we SENT OUT FOR a pizza.

Imitate/impersonate for comic effect.

The mischievous schoolboy was standing at the front of the class, SENDING the teacher UP, when the teacher opened the door behind him.

Start doing something.

We SET ABOUT the cleaning and got it done before lunchtime.

Attack.

The gang SET ABOUT her as she left the bank.

Distinguish, be better than or different from others.

The quality of their work SETS them APART from their rivals.

Overturn a court verdict or decision.

The Appeal Court SET ASIDE the guilty verdict because the evidence was unsatisfactory and declared her not guilty.

Cost.

The car repairs SET me BACK eight hundred pounds.

Delay.

The accident SET the project BACK several months.

State or outline an opinion.

He SET FORTH his ideas in his autobiography.

Start a journey.

We SET FORTH at daybreak for the summit of the mountain.

Change season noticeably.

Winter has SET IN; it's started snowing.

Explode a bomb.

Terrorists SET OFF a car bomb in the city centre last night. Fortunately, no-one was hurt or killed.

Ring an alarm.

The smoke SET the fire alarm OFF.

Start a journey.

We SET OFF for work at seven-thirty.

Counterbalance a debt.

The company SET OFF its overseas debts against it profits at home.

Provide a visual contrast that looks good.

The dark frame SETS the pale drawing OFF well.

Cause, trigger events.

The pay freeze SET OFF a wave of strikes.

Attack.

He was SET ON when he left the bar.

Display, show.

The figures are SET OUT in the council's annual report.

Start a journey.

The explorers SET OUT for the South Pole yesterday morning.

Arrange, organise.

The contract SETS OUT all the details of the agreement.

Work hard or enthusiastically.

If we all SET TO, we should be able to finish this in a few hours.

Prepare equipment, software, etc., for use.

The technician SET UP the computer network perfectly.

Start a company.

They SET UP a dot com company, floated it a couple of years later on the Stock Exchange and made an absolute fortune.

Provide someone with the money needed to live.

Winning the lottery SET them UP for life.

Trick, deceive.

The police SET them UP.

Attack.

They SET UPON her when she was in the car park.

Start living a fixed and routine life.

After years of partying and drinking, she finally got married and SETTLED DOWN.

Accept whatever is available.

We were upset not to win and had to SETTLE FOR the second prize.

Get used to.

It took him a while to SETTLE IN when he moved to Japan.

Agree.

They couldn't agree at first on a name for their daughter, but finally SETTLED ON Alice.

Pay a debt.

Let's SETTLE UP for the dinner the other night.

Change information to make it more attractive to the reader or listener.

The government denied that they had SEXED UP the report to make the front page.

Live with someone when you are in a relationship.

They SHACKED UP a few months after they started going out.

Live somewhere temporarily.

We had to SHACK UP with friends while our house was being decorated.

Make a part of a picture darker.

She SHADED IN the area under the tree.

Search.

The police SHOOK the house DOWN looking for dr*gs.

Extort or cheat money from someone.

He SHOOK the guy DOWN with some story about needing the money for an operation.

Get rid of an illness.

It took me ages to SHAKE OFF the cough.

Shake clothes, cloths, etc to remove dirt or creases.

He took the tablecloth outside and SHOOK it OUT after dinner.

Upset or shock.

The news of her death really SHOOK me UP.

Make major changes to improve or save a company, organisation, etc.

The management are SHAKING things UP and getting rid of a lot of workers.

Mix things in a container by shaking hard.

Pour the ingredients into a container and SHAKE them UP.

Develop in a positive way.

Things are SHAPING UP at work- everything's going well again.

Improve to reach an acceptable standard.

If they don't start SHAPING UP, they're going to lose their jobs.

Shave completely.

He has SHAVED OFF his moustache and looks much younger.

Reduce by a small amount.

He SHAVED a few thousand OFF the budget for the year.

Spend money on something, especially when you think it's too expensive.

I had to SHELL OUT a hundred pounds on the dinner.

Send someone away, often because of a problem.

He was causing a lot of trouble, so they SHIPPED him OFF to another branch.

Send goods to a place.

We SHIPPED the order OUT two days ago.

Leave a place.

If you've finished your work, I'm ready to SHIP OUT.

Leave somewhere quickly.

He SHOT AWAY as soon as the bell rang for the end of the lesson.

Return quickly.

I'm SHOOTING BACK home to pick up some things I forgot to bring with me.

Have as a goal.

I'm SHOOTING FOR nothing less than the presidency.

Leave promptly and quickly.

I'll have to SHOOT OFF as soon as the lesson finishes, otherwise I'll miss my train.

Go out for a short time.

I'm SHOOTING OUT to the shops for a paper.

Increase quickly.

The share prices of internet companies have been SHOOTING UP lately.

Take illicit dr*gs intravenously.

The heroin-user would SHOOT UP in shop doorways.

Damage with gun-shots.

The gangsters SHOT UP the pub.

Increase quickly, grow.

Johnny has SHOT UP since I last saw him.

Look around for the best price, quality, etc.

If you SHOP AROUND, you can find some real bargains for air tickets.

Short circuit.

The battery SHORTED OUT when it got wet.

Make so much noise to stop someone being heard.

His efforts to raise the issue were SHOUTED DOWN.

Say something loudly, often to attract someone's attention.

She SHOUTED OUT my name.

Take someone to a place to show them certain parts.

The estate agent SHOWED us AROUND the house but we didn't like it much.

Take someone into an office or other room.

The secretary SHOWED me IN to speak to the manager.

Behave in a way so as to attract attention.

The children were SHOWING OFF and irritated me.

Display something you are proud of.

He wanted to SHOW OFF his new sound system.

Make the qualities of another thing more apparent.

The shirt really SHOWED OFF his new tie.

Take someone to out of a room or building.

Her secretary SHOWED me OUT after the interview.

Take someone around a site.

He SHOWED us OVER the scene of the accident.

Take someone to a place to show them certain parts.

The guide SHOWED them ROUND the historic part of the city.

When a feeling can be seen despite attempts to conceal it.

His anger SHOWED THROUGH despite his smile.

Attend something or arrive somewhere.

Very few SHOWED UP at the meeting.

Become clear or apparent.

The downturn in sales SHOWED UP in the company's accounts.

Make someone feel embarrassed or ashamed.

He SHOWED us UP when he arrived drunk and started arguing.

Disregard something, not consider it important or harmful.

He SHRUGGED OFF the criticism and carried on the same way.

Imprison or remove someone's freedom.

Many people have been SHUT AWAY in psychiatric hospitals for disagreeing with the government.

Close a business, shop, etc.

The shop SHUT DOWN when the out-of-town supermarket opened.

Turn a computer off.

You should close all programs before you SHUT a computer DOWN.

Prevent someone from leaving.

I SHUT the cat IN until it was time to go to the vet.

Close, prevent access.

They SHUT the water OFF while they did the repairs.

Exclude.

You have to SHUT your feelings OUT to deal with it.

Not allow a player or team to score.

The Dodgers SHUT OUT the Giants 3-0.

Exclude someone from an activity, etc.

He's been SHUT OUT OF the discussions.

Stop talking or making noise.

He told us to SHUT UP and start working.

Close for a period of time.

They SHUT the shop UP for a fortnight while they were on holiday.

Withdraw from company.

She's SHUT herself AWAY to revise for her exams.

Avoid doing something because you lack confidence.

Many learners SHY AWAY FROM using phrasal verbs.

Support someone.

The lecturer SIDED WITH her students and got sacked for her pains.

Approach someone discreetly.

He SIDLED UP TO me and whispered his name.

Examine a lot of things carefully.

We had to SIFT THROUGH thousands of files before we found what we were looking for.

Give away legal or property rights.

He SIGNED AWAY his rights to compensation when he signed the contract.

Write a signature on behalf on someone.

My boss was out for the day, so I SIGNED her letters FOR her.

Register in a hotel.

We SIGNED IN and went straight to bed.

Open a computer program that requires a name and password.

I SIGNED IN and started chatting online.

Write your name when entering a place.

You have to SIGN IN before you can enter the club.

Open a particular computer program that requires a name and password.

I SIGN INTO MSN Messenger automatically when I boot up.

End a message.

I'll SIGN OFF now, but will write again next week.

Close a claim for unemployment benefit.

I SIGNED OFF when I got my new job.

Stop doing something to leave.

I'm SIGNING OFF now and going home- I'm shattered.

Give someone a letter to be away from work.

My doctor SIGNED me OFF for a month with back problems.

Give official approval.

The director SIGNED OFF ON the plans to increase sales.

Open a claim for unemployment benefit.

I had to SIGN ON when I lost my job.

Agree to participate.

I've SIGNED ON to help at the village fete.

Start broadcasting.

He SIGNS ON the same way every show.

Employ.

We've SIGNED ON two new teachers.

Sign a document joining or agreeing to something.

He's SIGNED ON WITH Manchester United for the next three years.

Close a computer program that requires a name and password.

I SIGNED OUT and then shut the computer down.

Sign something to show