complete phrasal verbs list (A-G)

Accept or follow a decision or rule.

We have to ABIDE BY what the court says.

To explain.

They had to ACCOUNT FOR all the money that had gone missing.

Want something or someone a lot.

My partner's been away for a fortnight- I am ACHING FOR her.

To take action because of something like information received.

The police were ACTING ON a tip from an informer and caught the gang red-handed.

Affect.

The medicine only ACTS ON infected tissue.

Perform something with actions and gestures.

They ACTED OUT the story on stage.

Express an emotion in your behaviour.

Their anger is ACTED OUT in their antisocial behaviour.

Behave badly or strangely.

My computer's ACTING UP; I think I might have a virus.

To take action because of something like information received.

The police were ACTING UPON a tip-off.

Affect.

The enzyme ACTS UPON certain proteins.

Include in a calculation.

You have to ADD the VAT ON to the price they give.

To make a mathematical total.

We ADDED UP the bill to check it was correct.

Be a satisfactory explanantion for something.

She explained why the work wasn't ready, but her story doesn't ADD UP.

Have a certain result.

Trains delays are getting worse and with the high fares, it all ADDS UP TO misery for the commuters.

Come to a certain amount or figure.

The total costs ADD UP TO several million euros.

Affect- usually used in the negative to show that something has had a negative effect, especially is it makes you feel bad.

I feel terrible- that food didn't AGREE WITH my stomach.

To target.

The magazine is AIMED AT teenagers.

Intend to achieve.

They're AIMING AT reducing costs by ten percent.

Include something in a plan or calculation.

You should ALLOW FOR delays when planning a journey.

Make possible, permit.

The rules don't ALLOW OF any exceptions.

Try to get something indirectly, by hinting or suggesting.

He's been ANGLING FOR an invitation, but I don't want him to come.

To reply rudely to someone in authority.

Her mother was shocked when she started ANSWERING her BACK and refusing to help.

Be held responsible for a problem.

The government should be made to ANSWER FOR their failure to sort out the problem.

Speak on behalf of someone or from knowing them.

I can ANSWER FOR my partner because I know her position on this issue.

Beat someone in a debate, discussion or argument.

The teacher tried to ARGUE the girl DOWN, but she couldn't.

Persuade someone to drop the price of something they're selling.

She ARGUED him DOWN ten percent.

Try to persuade people not to accept a proposition, motion, etc.

They tried to ARGUE DOWN the proposal.

Argue about a problem to find a solution.

If we can't ARGUE our differences OUT, we'll have to take them to court.

Ask how someone is doing, especially professionally and in terms of health.

He ASKED ABOUT my father.

Enquire about someone's health, how life is going.

Jenny rang earlier and ASKED AFTER you, so I told her you were fine.

Ask a number of people for information of help.

I have no idea, but I'll ASK AROUND at work and see if anyone can help.

Invite someone.

We ASKED them AROUND for dinner.

To provoke a negative reaction.

You're ASKING FOR trouble.

Request to have or be given.

I ASKED FOR the menu.

To invite somebody into your house.

Jon's at the door.' 'ASK him IN.'.

To invite someone for a date.

He wanted to ASK her OUT but was too shy.

Invite.

They have ASKED us OVER for drinks on Friday.

Invite someone.

We ASKED John ROUND for diner.

Sell something in an auction.

They AUCTIONED OFF their property as they were heavily in debt.

Retreat or go backwards.

The crowd BACKED AWAY when the man pulled a knife.

Retract or withdraw your position or proposal in an argument.

She refused to BACK DOWN and was fired.

Enter a parking area in reverse gear.

He prefers to BACK his car INTO the garage.

Retreat.

The police told the protesters to BACK OFF.

Fail to keep an arrangement or promise.

He BACKED OUT two days before the holiday so we gave the ticket to his sister.

Fail to keep an agreement, arrangement.

She BACKED OUT OF the agreement at the last minute.

Exit a parking area in reverse gear.

She BACKED the Rolls OUT OF its parking space.

Make a copy of computer data.

You should always BACK UP important files and documents so that you won't lose all your work if something goes wrong with the hardware.

Support.

The rest of the staff BACKED her UP when she complained about working conditions.

Drive a vehicle backwards.

Tom BACKED UP without looking and ran over his laptop.

Criticise.

Don't bag out BAG OUT Australian English.

Save, rescue.

The government had to BAIL OUT the airline because it was losing so much money.

Remove water from something that is flooded.

The boat was leaking so they had to BAIL it OUT.

Jump out of a plane because it is going to crash.

The pilot BAILED OUT when he saw that the engines had failed.

Pay a bond to release someone from jail.

I must BAIL my drunken brother OUT OF jail.

Stop supporting someone when they are in trouble.

Everybody BAILED OUT ON him when the scandal broke.

Talk to someone and delay them.

I was late because he BAILED me UP on the phone and wouldn't shut up.

Rob someone at gunpoint.

He was BAILED UP by a couple of muggers as he came out of the bank.

Confuse or make things complicated.

The new project has BALLED me UP- I have no idea what to do.

Roll or form into a round shape.

He BALLED UP his napkin when he had finished eating.

Spoil, ruin.

He BALLSED the presentation UP.

Move in a place making a lot of noise.

He's BANGING ABOUT in the kitchen.

Move in a place making a lot of noise.

I can hear him BANGING ABOUT upstairs.

Talk at great length.

He BANGED ON for half an hour but no one was listening.

Keep talking about something.

He's always BANGING ON ABOUT football.

Play a musical instrument loudly.

She BANGED the tune OUT on the piano.

Put someone in prison.

The judge BANGED him UP for eight years.

Damage badly.

He BANGED his car UP last night.

Count or rely on.

I'm BANKING ON your help; I can't do it alone.

Persuade someone to drop the price of something they're selling.

I BARGAINED her DOWN to half what she originally wanted.

Expect something to happen (usually negative).

I hadn't BARGAINED FOR so many people coming.

Expect something to happen (usually negative).

I hadn't BARGAINED ON him coming.

Enter a place and interrupt.

He keeps BARGING IN and asking stupid questions when I'm trying to work.

Enter a place and interrupt people rudely.

They BARGED INTO my office without knocking and started talking even though I was on the phone.

Mistreat physically.

If you BASH your monitor ABOUT like that, it won't last long.

Break, damage or injure by hitting.

The burglars BASHED the door IN to enter the house.

Write something quickly without much preparation.

I BASHED the essay OUT the night before I had to hand it in.

Break, damage or hurt by hitting.

They BASHED him UP in the fight in the pub last week and he had to go to hospital.

Scold, shout at someone.

She BAWLED me OUT for coming home drunk.

Scold.

She BAWLED Raj OUT for getting there late.

Sing or shout unpleasantly loudly.

He BAWLED OUT our names at the top of his voice.

Try to find or get.

The police ARE AFTER him because of the theft.

Arrive.

The next bus should BE ALONG in the next quarter of an hour or so.

Be elsewhere; on holiday, etc.

She's AWAY on business for three weeks.

Be suitable, have the necessary qualities.

She's not CUT OUT FOR this kind of work.

Be upset.

She was very CUT UP about coming second as she thought she deserved to win.

Be depressed.

He's BEEN DOWN since his partner left him.

Be reduced or less.

The firm's profits ARE DOWN by ten percent this quarter.

Have negative feelings toward someone.

After the argument, James is DOWN ON his boss.

Be ill.

Gul is DOWN WITH some bug and is off work today.

Be bored, upset or sick of something.

I AM FED UP of his complaints.

Be at home or at work.

They ARE never IN; I always get their answerphone.

Be submitted, arrive.

The application form must BE IN by 3pm on Friday.

Be involved in.

Susan was the only one who WASN'T IN ON the plan.

Be unacceptable.

The way he's behaving IS just NOT ON.

Be bad (of food).

This yoghurt must BE OFF; it smells foul.

Depart, leave.

I'm OFF home; it's five o'clock.

Be functioning (of machines).

The computer IS ON.

Take place.

The show IS ON for the next three months.

Take medication or dr*gs, especially when they affect the person badly.

He IS ON anti-depressants and has become very difficult to please.

Be at the top of one's game, performing very well.

He IS really ON right now- three goals in five minutes!

Mean, try to say.

I couldn't understand what he WAS ON ABOUT- it made no sense.

Pursue, be aware of someone's true nature.

He's being very careful because he thinks the police ARE ONTO him.

Be absent from a place.

She IS OUT on a visit for the day.

Have no more left.

We're OUT OF coffee so I'll have to go and get some.

Attempt.

She IS OUT TO get him sacked because she hates him.

Have too much work.

We're completely SNOWED UNDER at work because it's the end of the tax year.

Be shocked or surprised.

I WAS TAKEN ABACK when I saw him because he's lost all his hair.

Like something.

I WAS very TAKEN WITH the performance- it was superb.

Be out of bed.

She's not UP yet.

Have increased or risen.

The company's profits ARE UP by fifteen percent.

When the time for something finishes or expires.

Time's UP, please finish your drinks and leave.

Be enthusiastic about an upcoming event.

ARE you UP FOR the climb of Mt. Blanc?.

Be good enough.

He's not UP TO the job; get someone else.

Doing something naughty or wrong.

What are those kids UP TO?.

Move towards.

She spotted him on the other side of the room and BORE DOWN ON him.

Influence, affect.

The judge's character may well BEAR ON the final decision.

Confirm that something is correct.

Statistics BEAR OUT the government's positions on the issue.

Resist pressure.

How are you BEARING UP under the strain?.

Cope with something difficult or stressful.

He's BEARING UP UNDER the pressure.

Be patient.

Please BEAR WITH me a moment while I finish this email.

Strong sunshine.

The sun WAS really BEATING DOWN and we couldn't stay outdoors.

Get someone to lower the price of something.

I managed to BEAT him DOWN to fifty Euros.

Narrowly win in competition.

The marathon runner barely BEAT OUT his rival at the tape.

Attack violently.

The mugger BEAT him UP and stole his wallet.

Work hard.

She's BEAVERING AWAY before her exams.

Work hard doing something.

I have to BEAVER AWAY AT it or else I will fail the course.

Sleep somewhere less comfortable than normal.

We had to BED DOWN on the floor for the night.

Become established or successful over time.

The new government has found it hard to BED DOWN and become accepted.

Move a plant outside.

I BEDDED the plants OUT when the weather warmed up.

Make something stronger or more solid.

The company BEEFED UP their case when they saw that the public wouldn't accept their first explanation of the accident.

Be a member.

He BELONGS TO a secret society.

Be connected to a time, place, belief, thing, etc.

Their ideas BELONG TO the nineteenth century and seem old-fashioned now.

Be in the correct or appropriate location with other items.

Does this disc BELONG WITH those on the shelf?.

Sing something loudly.

They BELTED OUT the national anthems before the game.

Be quiet.

She told the students to BELT UP because they were making so much noise.

Fasten your seatbelt.

I told the kids to BELT UP before I started the car.

Lower the top half of your body.

I BENT DOWN to pick it up off the floor.

Lower the top part of your body.

I BENT OVER to do my shoes up.

Do a lot to try to help or please someone.

I BENT OVER BACKWARDS for them and they didn't even thank me.

Exaggerate the importance.

He BIGS himself UP all the time.

Increase the size of muscles by exercise.

They work out a lot to BIG themselves UP.

Spoil or ruin something.

I BITCHED UP the interview.

Fall unconscious.

He BLACKED OUT and collapsed on the floor.

Lose light.

Everything BLACKED OUT when the power supply failed.

Censor text so that words cannot be read.

The email addresses were BLANKED OUT in the documents shown to the court.

Have a temporary memory failure.

I was so nervous in the interview that I just BLANKED OUT and couldn't answer their questions properly.

A loud sound or music.

The music was BLARING OUT and I couldn't get to sleep.

Leave the ground- spaceship or rocket.

The space shuttle BLASTED OFF on schedule yesterday.

Fire a gun repeatedly.

The shooters BLAZED AWAY at the pheasants.

Cause sufficient blood loss to result in death.

They BLED OUT their calves.

Be extremely relaxed and happy.

I BLISSED OUT on the beach all week.

Park a car and obstruct another car.

I couldn't drive here this morning because someone had BLOCKED me IN.

Shade or fill in.

He BLOCKED IN the events in his calendar.

Obstruct an exit to prevent people from leaving.

The police BLOCKED OFF the road after the murder.

Stop light from entering or leaving.

The trees BLOCK the sun OUT most of the day.

Try not think about or feel something because it is upsetting or painful.

It was so unpleasant that I try to BLOCK it OUT- otherwise, I'd just be angry all the time.

Fill a space so that nothing can pass.

The pipe's BLOCKED UP and no water gets through.

Kill.

He grabbed a gun and BLEW the police officer AWAY.

Beat rivals or competitors by a large margin.

Their new product has BLOWN all the others AWAY.

Impress greatly.

Her first novel BLEW me AWAY.

When the wind moves something from a place.

The flag BLEW AWAY in the storm; we'll have to buy a new one.

When the wind forces something to fall.

A tree was BLOWN DOWN in the storm.

Arrive, sometimes suddenly or unexpectedly.

He BLEW IN from Toronto early this morning.

Not keep an appointment.

We were going to meet last night, but she BLEW me OFF at the last minute.

Ignore, not do something.

I BLEW the homework OFF and did badly.

Expel gas from the anus.

He BLEW OFF in front of everybody.

Extinguish candles, matches, etc.

She BLEW the candles OUT on her birthday cake.

Defeat decisively.

The Broncos BLEW OUT the Raiders 55-0.

When a scandal gets forgotten.

The scandal BLEW OVER within a fortnight when the press found someone else to attack.

Explode.

The bomb BLEW UP without any warning.

Inflate.

The pressure was low, so I BLEW the tyre UP.

Enlarge (e.g., photograph).

BLOW UP that photo so we can see his face.

The beginning of a storm.

A storm BLEW UP while we were out walking.

Lose your temper, become angry.

They BLEW UP when they heard what I had done wrong.

Say something quickly without thinking, especially if you shouldn't.

I was really angry when he BLURTED OUT the secret.

Arrange for pets to stay somewhere while you're away.

We BOARD our dog OUT with friends when we go abroad.

Cover windows or doors with wood, metal, etc.

They BOARDED UP all the windows to stop people getting into the empty houses.

Slow make progress.

Yasini got BOGGED DOWN in his research and didn't finish the project in time.

Eat enthusiastically.

We were starving and BOGGED IN when the food was served.

Eat something enthusiastically.

They BOGGED INTO the lunch.

Get lost.

He lost his temper and told her to BOG OFF.

Simplify, reduce to the essentials.

The report's so long, I BOILED it DOWN into a two-page summary.

Amount to.

It all BOILS DOWN TO money at the end of the day.

When a hot liquid spills out of a container.

I left the milk on the cooker and it BOILED OVER.

When people lose their tempers and things get nasty.

The tension had been building up and it BOILED OVER in the meeting.

Feel a negative emotion strongly.

The anger BOILED UP in me when I saw what they had done.

Cook or heat something to boiling point.

I BOILED UP some water for a cup of coffee.

Give support, reinforce, strengthen.

We were all scared but she BOLSTERED UP our courage.

Study hard for a reason.

I will have to BONE UP to get a good result.

Study hard for a goal or reason.

I need to BONE UP ON my French grammar for the test.

Make a reservation in advance.

I'll BOOK us IN at the Intercontinental.

Check in at a hotel.

WE took a taxi from the airport to the hotel and BOOKED IN.

Make a reservation in advance.

I've BOOKED us INTO a hotel in the centre of town for three nights.

Check in at a hotel.

We BOOKED INTO the first hotel we could find.

Leave a place in a hurry.

I don't like the look of the people arriving- let's BOOK OUT.

Reserve.

The flight's fully BOOKED UP; I'll have to go the following day.

Start a computer.

He BOOTED UP the computer and started work.

Be located next to a place.

Portugal BORDERS ON Spain.

Be very nearly something.

What he did was BORDERING ON betrayal.

Use excessive authority to control people.

She BOSSES everyone ABOUT.

Use excessive authority to control people.

He BOSSES everyone AROUND.

Ruin or spoil something.

I BOTCHED UP the whole project and it had to be cancelled.

Store up.

He kept his feelings BOTTLED AWAY.

Lack courage to do something.

She was going to tell her boss exactly what she thought, but BOTTLED OUT in the end.

Not express your feelings.

She BOTTLED UP her feelings even though she was furious with them and kept quiet.

Pass the lowest point and start rising.

The recession BOTTOMED OUT and the economy is recovering well.

Force someone.

They have BOUNCED the government INTO calling an early election.

Recover.

The economy is BOUNCING BACK from the recession.

Test ideas.

They BOUNCED ideas OFF each other in a brainstorming session.

Hit someone's wicket in cricket with the ball.

He BOWLED the player OUT first ball.

Surprise someone greatly.

I was BOWLED OVER by the news.

Knock someone to the ground.

He was BOWLED OVER by the crowd rushing out.

Prevent something from moving, especially vehicles.

I was BOXED IN by the bus and couldn't change lane.

Pack things in boxes to move them.

At the end of term, I BOXED my books UP and sent them home.

Feel more confident or optimistic about something.

You should BRACE UP and stop worrying.

Move into a different area of business, etc.

The supermarkets have BRANCHED OUT into banking.

Leave an organisation, usually to form a new one.

The SDP BROKE AWAY from the Labour Party.

End negotiations unsuccessfully.

The talks between management and the unions BROKE DOWN acrimoniously.

Start crying.

He BROKE DOWN in tears.

Stop working.

My car's BROKEN DOWN, so I came by taxi.

Remove a barrier or obstacle.

He had to BREAK DOWN their opposition to his ideas.

Go into a building to steal something.

The burglars BROKE IN and stole the TV and video.

Interrupt something.

I'm sorry to BREAK IN on your conversation, but there's a problem.

Train a horse to be ridden.

It took ages to BREAK the horse IN.

Carefully use new products until they are fully functional.

I must watch my speed until I BREAK IN my new Volvo.

Break a piece from something.

She BROKE OFF a square of chocolate and gave it to her dog.

End a relationship.

She BROKE OFF their engagement when she found out that he'd been unfaithful.

Start (war, conflict).

They're worried that war will BREAK OUT.

Sweat heavily, develop skin sores or irritation.

The measles caused me to BREAK OUT IN a rash.

Escape.

Three dangerous Category A prisoners BROKE OUT OF Wandsworth Prison last night.

Pass a barrier or obstacle.

The crowd BROKE THROUGH the police barriers and attacked the hunters.

Break into many pieces.

The plate BROKE UP when he dropped it on the floor.

Close an educational institution for the holidays.

Schools BREAK UP at the end of June for the summer holidays.

Finish a relationship.

They had been going out for a couple of years before they BROKE UP.

Become inaudible over the telephone because of interference.

You're BREAKING UP; I'll call you back in a minute and see if we get a better connection.

Move easily and quickly.

The film BREEZES ALONG for the first hour, then becomes rather dull and slow.

Enter a place quickly.

He BREEZED IN and started shouting at us.

Enter a place quickly.

He BREEZED INTO the room and switched the TV on.

Pass easily, succeed.

She BREEZED THROUGH her exams.

Close or fill a space with bricks.

We BRICKED IN the side window.

Close or fill a space with bricks.

We BRICKED the back entrance UP.

Improve (weather).

The day started cloudy but BRIGHTENED UP in the afternoon.

Become happier.

He BRIGHTENED UP when he heard the news.

Make something more attractive or pleasant.

We tried to BRIGHTEN the place UP by painting it.

Make something happen.

The changes to the law were BROUGHT ABOUT by the government because so many people were ignoring the old one.

Bring someone or something to certain place.

You can BRING your friends ALONG if you like.

Help someone improve.

Her coach has BROUGHT her ALONG a lot in the last six months.

Persuade or convince someone.

It took me ages to BRING him AROUND to my point of view.

Bring something with you when you visit.

He BROUGHT some books AROUND when he came last night.

Get someone talking about something.

He didn't want to discuss the details, but I managed to BRING him AROUND and he told me everything.

Cause someone to remember.

Visiting my old school BROUGHT BACK memories of when I was a pupil there.

Return.

He took the calculator home yesterday and hasn't BROUGHT it BACK yet.

Make a government fall.

The vote of no-confidence BROUGHT the government DOWN.

Make something cheaper.

The improvements in technology have BROUGHT the prices of computers DOWN considerably in recent months.

Produce something, make it known or visible.

The prosecution BROUGHT FORTH a lot of evidence against him.

Produce.

She BROUGHT FORTH a surprising result.

Make something happen.

The report has BROUGHT FORTH a lot of criticism of the policy.

Remove something from where it is kept or hidden.

She BROUGHT FORTH the diary and showed it to us.

Make something happen earlier than originally planned.

The meeting has been BROUGHT FORWARD to this Friday instead of next week because some people couldn't make it then.

Earn.

The job BRINGS IN two thousand dollars a month.

Succeed with something difficult.

No one thought she'd manage to do it, but she BROUGHT it OFF in the end.

Cause something to happen or speed up the process.

Getting wet in the rain yesterday BROUGHT ON my cold.

Make something appear.

BRING ON the dancers!

Release or publish.

The band are BRINGING OUT a new CD in the autumn.

Elicit a response.

Suzie BRINGS OUT the best in him.

Cause a health problem or reaction.

It was the lobster that BROUGHT me OUT in this rash all over my body.

Make someone wake up from unconsciousness or an anaesthetic.

The doctors BROUGHT him ROUND a few hours after the operation.

Mention.

They didn't BRING the subject UP at the meeting.

Raise a child.

My parents BROUGHT me UP strictly.

Be officially charged with a crime.

He was BROUGHT UP on charges of public intoxication.

Mention.

They didn't BRING the subject UP at the meeting.

Raise a child.

My parents BROUGHT me UP strictly.

Be officially charged with a crime.

He was BROUGHT UP on charges of public intoxication.

Ignore, pay little attention.

The minister BRUSHED OFF the criticism.

Improve a skill quickly.

She took a two-week course to BRUSH UP her Spanish before she went travelling around South and Central America.

Become very excited.

She BUBBLED OVER with joy when she heard her exam results.

Hurry (either transitive or reflexive).

BUCK UP - the taxi's waiting.'.

Smarten up, improve.

You had better BUCK your ideas UP, or you'll fail the course.

Rain heavily.

Take an umbrella; it's BUCKETING DOWN.

Start working hard, apply yourself.

We had to BUCKLE DOWN and study for the exam.

Accept something under pressure, against your will.

They didn't like the ideas, but had to BUCKLE UNDER or face the sack.

Fasten a seatbelt.

We were told to BUCKLE UP before take-off.

Move to make space for someone.

We had to BUDGE UP to let the fourth person in the back of the car.

Clear, clean or make something shine.

The silver candlestick looked lovely after I BUFFED it UP.

Improve.

After the scandal, the politician tried to BUFF UP his public image.

Improve your knowledge quickly.

I BUFFED UP ON my grammar before the test.

Go away.

I told her to bug off because she was annoying me.

Open your eyes wide in surprise.

He BUGGED OUT when she turned up.

Leave somewhere in a hurry.

They BUGGED OUT when the police arrived.

Develop a company.

She BUILT the business UP from nothing into a market leader in less than a decade.

Increase.

Tension has been BUILDING UP ever since the government passed the unpopular law.

Make something bigger or thicker.

I BULKED the essay OUT with a few quotes to reach the number of word required.

Gain weight, develop bigger muscles.

He's BULKED UP a lot since he got those steroids.

Meet by chance.

I BUMPED INTO Helen on the underground the other day.

Kill.

The dr*g dealer was BUMPED OFF by a rival gang.

Increase.

They BUMP UP the prices in the high season.

Send someone somewhere.

He BUNDLED the kids OFF to bed.

Expel.

The barman BUNDLED the drunk OUT because he was annoying the other customers.

Put on warm clothing.

We BUNDLED UP before going out as it was snowing.

Wrap or tie things together.

I BUNDLED UP my newspapers and dropped them in the recycling bin.

Not go to school when you should.

I used to BUNK OFF school and go into town.

Make someone feel more positive.

After so much criticism, the positive review BUOYED him UP.

Keep afloat.

The lifejacket BUOYED me UP till the boat arrived.

Burn completely.

They had to completely rebuild the museum after the old one BURNED DOWN.

Remove by burning or similar process.

I BURN OFF a lot of calories in the gym.

Lose enthusiasm and energy to continue in a demanding job.

Jennie BURNT OUT after ten years working as a futures broker and went to live in the country.

Destroy completely by fire.

All his possessions were BURNED UP in the fire.

Drive at high speed.

The bank robbers BURNED UP the roads but were soon captured.

To be or cause to be highly annoyed.

His undeserved win in the election really BURNS me UP.

Catch fire very quickly.

The car BURST INTO flames and the driver died as he didn't have time to get out.

Laugh, cry or clap loudly.

She BURST INTO laughter when she heard the joke.

End a relationship, usually angrily or after arguing.

They BUST UP after a row last night.

Interrupt.

I hope you don't mind me BUTTING IN on your conversation, but I couldn't help hearing what you said..

Not be involved in other people's business.

This is none of your business, so just BUTT OUT!

Praise or flatter someone excessively.

I tried BUTTERING my tutor UP but she still wouldn\'t let me hand it in late.

Force a CD or record into the charts by buying lots of copies.

Joe Meek's last hit, 'Singin' the Blues', was probably BOUGHT IN at number 40, but failed to go any higher.

Accept an idea.

I never BOUGHT INTO the idea of a federalist Euopean Union.

Pay someone to stop them causing trouble.

He BOUGHT the newspaper OFF by placing a lot of adverts.

Buy somebody's share in a company.

His business partners BOUGHT him OUT to get rid of him.

Buy all of something.

We BOUGHT UP all the shop had before the price went up.

Move quickly around a place.

Reporters were BUZZING AROUND the scene of the accident.

Leave somewhere.

I'm BUZZING OFF now- I have to meet some people.

Go away (imperative).

He told them to BUZZ OFF because they were annoying him.

Name someone after somebody else.

She was CALLED Rose AFTER her late grandmother.

Visit.

I CALLED AROUND but she wasn't in.

Return a phonecall.

I must CALL her BACK when we get to the office.

Demand.

The Opposition party CALLED FOR the minister's resignation after the scandal broke.

Go to collect something.

The courier CALLED FOR your parcel, but I told him it wasn't ready yet.

Telephone for something.

I'll CALL FOR a cab right away.

Go and collect someone to take them out.

I'll CALL FOR you at seven, so be ready because the film starts at half past.

Require.

An emergency like this CALLS FOR some pretty drastic action.

Make something happen.

The protests CALLED FORTH a strong reaction from the police.

Get someone to come and do a job.

We had to CALL IN a plumber because the sink was leaking and I had no idea how to fix it.

Stop and visit.

I CALLED IN on Jenny on my way home because she's not very well at the moment and I wanted to see if she needed anything.

Cancel.

The concert had to be CALLED OFF because the singer went down with a bad case of flu.

Order someone to stop attacking.

CALL OFF your lawyers; we can work something out.

Ask for help.

The President CALLED ON the wealthy countries for financial aid after the floods destroyed much of the country's agriculture.

Visit.

As we were in the area, we CALLED ON my sister-in-law.

Challenge.

He CALLED the speaker ON several mis-statements of fact.

Ask someone to do something, especially to speak in public. (Formal).

I now CALL ON the other party to give their account of what happened.

Expose or accuse someone of wrongdoing or incompetence.

He CALLED them OUT over awarding contracts to family members.

Visit.

I CALLED ROUND on my way home but no one was in.

Summon someone for military service.

The army CALLED UP the reserve soldiers when the war broke out.

Telephone.

I CALLED him UP as soon as I got to a phone to tell him the news.

Stop being angry or emotionally excited.

When I lose my temper, it takes ages for me to CALM DOWN again.

Have an opposite effect on something that has happened, taking things back to the beginning.

The airport taxes CANCELLED OUT the savings we had made on the flight tickets.

Finish or complete, often with some decisive action.

She CAPPED OFF the meeting with a radical proposal.

Like.

I don't CARE FOR fizzy drinks; I prefer water.

Get so emotional that you lose control.

The team got CARRIED AWAY when they won the championship and started shouting and throwing things around.

Include a figure in a later calculation.

They CARRIED FORWARD their losses to the next financial year.

Make something progress.

They hope the new management will be able to CARRY the project FORWARD.

Win, succeed.

She CARRIED OFF the first prize in the competition.

Die of a disease.

Cancer CARRIED him OFF a couple of years ago.

Continue.

CARRY ON quietly with your work until the substitute teacher arrives.

Behave badly.

The children annoyed me by CARRYING ON all morning.

Have an affair.

He's been CARRYING ON WITH someone at work for years.

Perform a task.

The government is CARRYING OUT test on growing genetically modified crops.

Food bought from a restaurant to take away.

I'm too tired to cook- let's get a CARRY-OUT.

Continue past a certain point.

The meeting CARRIED OVER into the afternoon because there was so much to talk about.

Complete successfully.

They CARRIED the reforms THROUGH despite the opposition.

Take someone away, usually under arrest or to prison.

The police CARTED them OFF to question them.

Take something away, especially if stealing or without permission.

The thieves CARTED OFF all the ticket receipts.

Create or get a area where you can be special or successful.

She's CARVED OUT a career in photojournalism.

Divide into smaller pieces.

They CARVED the company UP and sold a lot off.

Overtake someone and then pull directly in front of a car.

The idiot CARVED us UP and forced me to brake hard.

Convert shares, bonds, casino chips, etc, into money.

They CASHED IN their bonds and spent the money on a holiday.

Benefit or make money on something, especially if done unfairly.

The opposition party are CASHING IN ON the government's unpopularity.

Illegally access a bank account or credit card and steal money.

A hacker got my credit card details from my computer and CASHED OUT a lot of money.

Exchange something for money, collect winnings.

After winning, she CASHED OUT her chips.

Count all the money taken in a shop or business at the end of the day.

After the shop closed, they have to CASH UP before they can go home.

Try to find something.

They're CASTING ABOUT FOR support.

Try to find something.

She was CASTING AROUND FOR people to help her.

Dispose, get rid of, ignore because you no longer like something or someone.

He CAST her ASIDE.

Dispose, get rid of.

They CAST OFF any semblance of politeness and attacked us viciously.

Untie a boat so it's free to sail.

They CAST OFF and headed out to sea.

Expel, reject.

They CAST him OUT because of his behaviour.

Try to find something.

He CAST ROUND FOR any sign of his things.

Be left on the shore by the sea.

The rubbish was CAST UP by the tide.

Take or grab hold of something.

She CAUGHT AT my sleeve as I was leaving and said she needed to talk to me.

Become popular.

Many critics were shocked when techno CAUGHT ON in the clubs.

Finally understand what is going on.

Everyone else realised what was happening, but it took Henry ages to CATCH ON.

Trick.

The exam is designed to CATCH you OUT.

Discover or prove that someone is lying.

He CAUGHT me OUT when he checked my story with my previous employer.

Put someone in an unexpected and difficult situation (often passive).

We were CAUGHT OUT in the storm.

Get work, etc, up to date.

I was ill for a fortnight and now I've got to CATCH UP on the work I missed.

Reach someone who was ahead of you.

He started well, but I CAUGHT him UP on the third lap.

Become involved, often against one's will.

The tourists were CAUGHT UP IN the violence of the revolution.

Do something that should have been done earlier.

I'm going home to CATCH UP ON my sleep.

Reminisce with an old friend after not seeing them for a while.

I hadn't seen her for years, so we spent the afternoon CATCHING UP ON old times.

Do something that should have been done earlier.

I'm going home to CATCH UP WITH my sleep.

Meet someone after a period of time and find out what they have been doing.

I CAUGHT UP WITH her at the conference.

When something negative starts to have an effect.

His criminal behaviour is starting to CATCH UP WITH him.

Punish someone after they have been doing something wrong for a long time.

The tax authorities CAUGHT UP WITH me for not submitting my tax returns.

Learn something new that many people already understand.

My mother's trying to CATCH UP WITH computers.

To provide what is necessary.

The college CATERS FOR students of all ages.

To provide what is needed, often seen negatively.

The film CATERS TO the audience's worst instincts.

Collapse.

The roof CAVED IN because of the weight of the snow.

Stop resisting or refusing.

The government has refused to CAVE IN despite the protests and demonstrations.

To cut a line of coca*ne.

He went into the toilets to CHALK a line OUT.

To achieve something good.

The company has CHALKED UP its highest ever profits.

Explain the reason for a problem.

They CHALKED the poor sales UP TO the lower numbers of tourists visiting this year.

Find something by accident.

I CHANCED UPON a very rare book in car boot sale and bought it for 65p.

Change a system.

The Irish CHANGED OVER to using kilometres in 2005.

Put electricity into a battery.

I need to CHARGE my phone UP- the battery's dead.

Accuse somebody of a crime.

She was arrested in customs last night and has been CHARGED WITH smuggling.

Try hard to find or get something.

The press CHASED us DOWN when the story broke.

Force a person to leave or go away.

The dog CHASED he postal worker OFF.

Ensure that someone remembers to do something.

The librarian is CHASING me UP about my overdue books.

Try to get someone to pay a bill, debt, etc.

I CHASED her UP as she hadn't paid for several months.

Try to get more information about the progress of something.

I didn't get a reply so I have been CHASING them UP.

Talk to someone you are s*xu*lly interested in to get them interested in you.

He spent the whole night CHATTING her UP.

Be s*xu*lly unfaithful.

She CHEATED ON me with my friend.

Deceive or betray, often in a s*x*al and/or emotional context.

She thought he had always been faithful to her, but he had been CHEATING ON her ever since their wedding day (with one of the bridesmaids).

Get money from someone under false pretences.

I hate him- he CHEATED me OUT OF $100.

Visit a place to check something.

We CHECKED BY the office to see if the stuff was ready.

Register on arriving at a hotel or at the airport.

They CHECKED IN at the Ritz yesterday.

Register on arriving at a hotel or at the airport.

They CHECKED INTO the Ritz yesterday.

Mark something on a list as done.

She CHECKED OFF the candidates' names as they arrived.

Pay the bill when leaving a hotel.

She CHECKED OUT and took a cab to the airport.

Die.

She CHECKED OUT last week; the funeral's tomorrow.

Get information about or inspect something to see if it's satisfactory.

I CHECKED the new restaurant OUT as soon as it opened.

Settle up and pay before leaving a hotel.

Guests have to CHECK OUT OF the hotel before midday.

Check something very carefully.

We CHECKED the contract OVER before signing it.

Encourage.

Their CHEERED their team ON throughout the match.

Be less unhappy.

Come on, CHEER UP; it isn't all bad, you know.

Remove by biting.

The dog CHEWED OFF the man's face.

Thinks about something carefully before deciding.

I'll CHEW ON it for a day or two and let you know what I think.

Criticize someone angrily.

They CHEWED him OUT for being late.

Think about an issue.

He asked for a few days to CHEW the matter OVER before he made a final decision.

Cut into small pieces with your teeth.

The puppy CHEWED UP the newspaper.

Damage something inside a machine.

The video CHEWED my tape UP.

Be too afraid to do something.

I CHICKENED OUT of the bungee jumping when I saw how high it was.

Relax.

I'm staying at home and CHILLING OUT this evening.

Contribute to a discussion.

If it's OK, I'd like to CHIME IN because I think it's a good idea.

Gradually reduce something to make it less powerful, effective, etc.

They have been CHIPPING AWAY AT his reputation ever since he took office.

Contribute some money.

Everybody CHIPPED IN to pay the bill.

Contribute to a discussion.

If I could CHIP IN, there are a couple of issues I'd like to raise.

Stop or restrict.

These guerilla attacks are CHOKING OFF our food shipments.

Clog or overwhelm.

Water hyacinth is CHOKING OUT the native vegetation in our rivers.

Become tearfully emotional.

Jeff CHOKED UP during his retirement speech.

Grip a handle farther from the end for better control.

He CHOKED UP on the bat and hit the ball better.

Form groups or teams.

We CHOSE UP to play the game.

Fell or cut down a tree.

They CHOPPED DOWN most of the forest and now it looks like a desert.

Cut into small pieces.

I CHOPPED UP the vegetables for the soup.

Eat.

Dinner's ready- CHOW DOWN!

Eat something.

We're going to CHOW DOWN ON that barbecued pork.

Dispose of something you no longer need or want.

I CHUCKED AWAY all my old records years ago when CDs came out.

Quit something.

I CHUCKED my job IN to go travelling.

Make a comment.

I CHUCKED IN a few points at the end of the discussion.

Dispose of something you no longer need or want.

I CHUCKED OUT some stuff I found in the fridge that had gone bad.

Vomit, be sick.

He got ridiculously drunk and CHUCKED UP in the back of the minicab on the way home.

Quit something.

She didn't like the course, so she CHUCKED it UP after a few weeks.

Produce, usually quickly or in large amounts without much regard to quality.

The government CHURNS OUT educational policies every few months.

Make something sticky.

His arteries are CLAGGED UP because he eats so much saturated fat.

Be quiet, refuse to speak.

Everybody CLAMMED UP when the Principal entered.

Restrict or try to stop something.

The government are CLAMPING DOWN ON antisocial behaviour.

Get money back.

The new tax will CLAW BACK what the government has given out in grants.

Retake possession with difficulty.

The opposition parties are trying to CLAW BACK the voters they lost in the last election.

Regain possession with difficulty.

They are CLAWING BACK their market share from their competitors.

Remove dirt or something dirty.

After dinner, I CLEANED OFF the table.

Tidy up thoroughly and throw away unwanted things.

I really must CLEAN the study OUT; there's stuff all over the floor and piles of paper everywhere.

Cause someone to spend all their money.

The holiday CLEANED me OUT- I'm broke till the end of the month.

Tidy and clean.

CLEAN this bedroom UP; it's a disgrace.

Profit, sometimes suddenly.

At the horse races yesterday we really CLEANED UP.

Leave a place.

We were told to CLEAR AWAY from the scene of the accident.

Remove or tidy.

After dinner, I CLEARED AWAY the plates and dishes.

Leave somewhere quickly.

As soon as the trouble started, we CLEARED OFF.

Tidy up thoroughly and throw away unwanted stuff.

I spent the whole weekend CLEARING OUT the attic as it was full of papers and other junk.

Leave somewhere.

I told them to CLEAR OUT because they were making so much noise.

Cure or recover from an infection.

I took the antihistamines and the rash CLEARED UP right away.

Tidy up.

I'd better CLEAR AWAY the mess before leave.

Explain.

Could you CLEAR these points UP before we go any further?.

Improve (weather).

The skies CLEARED UP and the sun came out.

Open an advertisement on the Internet.

Only a tiny fraction of users ever bother CLICKING THROUGH the banner adverts.

Accept that you are wrong and change your position.

The Prime Minister had to CLIMB DOWN over his tax proposals because there was so much opposition from the members of his own party.

Hold tight.

He told me to CLING ON as the motorbike accelerated.

Try to keep something.

They CLUNG ON TO power despite the protests.

Try to maintain beliefs, hopes, etc.

They CLING TO their old way of thinking.

Block, slow movement right down.

The traffic's so bad the roads get CLOGGED UP at rush hour.

Close a shop, branch or business permanently.

The banks have CLOSED DOWN a lot of branches in villages over the last few years.

Stop an opponent being a challenge.

He CLOSED the player DOWN and stopped him being a threat.

Surround, envelop.

The fog CLOSED IN and we couldn't see two yards in front of us.

Approach, get near.

The police were CLOSING IN so they decided to try to make a break.

Get near someone.

The police were CLOSING IN ON the gang.

Get near someone.

The police were CLOSING IN UPON the gang.

Block a place to stop people entering.

The police CLOSED the road OFF after the explosion.

Get nearer.

She is CLOSING ON the leader of the race.

Bring something to an end.

We CLOSED OUT the meeting early and went home.

Close or stop using.

She CLOSED OUT the account and changed to another bank.

Ignore, exclude.

They always CLOSE me OUT of their plans.

Completely close something.

They CLOSE UP the building after everyone has left.

Join together.

The leaves CLOSE UP when it rains.

Move closer together.

They CLOSED UP when they saw the gang coming towards them.

Get very cloudy.

The morning started bright and warm, but it CLOUDED OVER around midday and poured with rain.

Behave stupidly or waste time.

The students were CLOWNING ABOUT all lesson.

Behave stupidly or waste time.

I couldn't concentrate because they were CLOWNING AROUND all afternoon.

Do something without making much effort or trying to improve.

She's been COASTING ALONG all year and hasn't made a lot of progress.

Make, assemble or produce something quickly, without much care.

They COBBLED a few pages TOGETHER and submitted it.

Ruin or spoil something.

It was so easy, but he managed to COCK everything UP.

Blush.

He COLOURED (COLORED) UP when he was caught stealing from the till.

Happen, occur.

The meeting CAME ABOUT because both sides were sick of fighting.

Shift direction (nautical).

The yacht CAME ABOUT to a heading of 240 degrees.

Find by accident.

I CAME ACROSS my old school reports when I was clearing out my desk.

Agree to have s*x with someone.

I was surprised when she CAME ACROSS on the first night.

The way other people see you.

He CAME ACROSS as shy because he spoke so quietly.

Accompany.

May I COME ALONG on your trip tomorrow?.

Move faster or keep up.

COME ALONG, we'll never get there if you don't keep up with us.

Break into pieces.

It CAME APART when I tried to lift it off the floor and I had to glue it back together.

Recover consciousness.

It took several hours after the operation before he CAME AROUND.

Agree with or accept something you had previously disapproved of or disliked.

They have started COMING AROUND TO our way of thinking and are less hostile.

Return.

I left work and CAME BACK home early.

Appear in court charged with a crime or offence.

He CAME BEFORE the court on charges of speeding.

Visit.

I'll COME BY after work and see if you need any help.

Acquire.

How did you COME BY that Rolex?.

Rain.

Just look at the rain COMING DOWN! I'm not going out in that.

Travel.

When you're next in London, COME DOWN and see us.

Criticise heavily.

The management really CAME DOWN ON him for losing the contract.

Criticise, reprimand severely.

They will COME DOWN UPON us if we are late.

Fall ill.

She CAME DOWN WITH a virus.

Appear.

The draft proposal CAME FORTH in April.

Provide information.

None of the witnesses CAME FORTH WITH an accurate description of the gang.

Country or town where you were born.

She COMES FROM Somalia.

Arrive for flights.

The plane CAME IN at two-thirty in the morning.

Place or ranking in a competition, etc.

I did my best but CAME IN last but one in the race.

Receive news.

Reports are just COMING IN of an assassination attempt on the President.

Receive (criticism or praise).

Jack\'s COME IN FOR quite a lot of criticism of late.

Be important or relevant.

Money doesn't COME INTO it; I simply will not do it under any circumstances.

Inherit.

She CAME INTO a lot of money when her grandmother died.

Start being used.

The computerised system CAME INTO USE at the end of last year.

When something breaks off.

I picked it up and the handle CAME OFF in my hand.

Be successful.

I was surprised when the plan CAME OFF so easily.

I don't believe what you're saying; used as an imperative.

COME OFF IT; tell me the truth for goodness' sake.

Encouragement.

COME ON; don't give up now when you're so close to finishing.

Start an illness.

I've got a bit of a headache. I hope it doesn't mean I've got flu COMING ON.

Start functioning (machines, etc).

The central heating COMES ON automatically an hour before I have to get up.

A secret is revealed.

The details of the scandal CAME OUT in the press and she had to resign.

Be published or otherwise available to the public.

The band's new CD is COMING OUT in September.

Disappear when washed.

The red wine I spilt just will not COME OUT of the carpet no matter what I try to clean it with.

Let people know that you are lesbian or gay.

She CAME OUT at university and has been living with her partner, Jane, for the last couple of years.

When the sun appears.

It started cloudy, but then the sun CAME OUT and we all went to the park.

Have a rash or similar skin problem.

She CAME OUT IN a nasty rash after touching the poisonous plant by mistake.

Recover consciousness.

After three years, he CAME OUT OF the coma.

Make something available.

They have just COME OUT WITH a new version.

Say something publicly and unexpectedly.

She CAME OUT WITH the answer when everyone was expecting it to remain unsolved.

Feel strange.

I CAME OVER all faint and weak because my sugar level was too low. (British).

Affect mentally in such a way as to change behaviour (possibly related to 'overcome').

I'm sorry about last night - I don't know what CAME OVER me.

Become conscious, wake up from anaesthetic.

She CAME ROUND and learned that the operation had been a complete success.

Change your opinion.

At first she didn't like the idea, but she CAME ROUND to our way of thinking in the end.

Arrive (messages and information).

News is COMING THROUGH of a major accident on the M25, where freezing fog has been making driving conditions extremely dangerous.

Communicate an emotion.

The anger she felt COMES THROUGH.

Produce a result.

They promised they'd do it, but they haven't COME THROUGH yet.

Provide something needed.

He didn't COME THROUGH WITH the money and they went bust.

Become conscious, wake up from anaesthetic.

She CAME TO an hour after the operation.

Result in.

The two men started arguing but they soon CAME TO blows and started fighting in earnest.

Appear.

I'll be late home tonight because something's COME UP at work has to be ready for tomorrow morning.

Rise (the sun).

The sun CAME UP just as we reached the outskirts of the town.

Encounter problems or difficulties.

They CAME UP AGAINST a lot of opposition to their plans for an out-of-town supermarket development.

Think of a solution, excuse, etc.

Nobody could COME UP WITH a satisfactory explanation for the accident.

Find by chance.

I CAME UPON the book in a little second-hand bookshop in Dorset.

Create a picture or memory in someone's mind.

It CONJURES UP memories of my school days.

Create something without many resources.

I had to CONJURE UP a full weekend's entertainment for the visitors with no notice at all.

Fall fast asleep.

I was exhausted and CONKED OUT on the sofa.

Suddenly breakdown or stop working.

The printer CONKED OUT so I couldn't get a hard copy.

Become involved or committed to something.

Since it started, many companies have CONTRACTED IN to lend their support.

Give a contract for a service outside the company you work for.

They have CONTRACTED OUT their catering services to save money.

Formally leave and agreement.

I CONTRACTED OUT OF the deal years ago.

Get cooler.

I left the tea for a minute until it had COOLED DOWN enough to drink.

Become calm.

It took me ages to COOL DOWN after the argument.

Become calmer.

We'll talk to Fred once he COOLS OFF and can talk rationally.

Confine in a small area.

They COOPED the dog UP in a tiny room.

Get into trouble.

They really COPPED IT when they got caught shoplifting.

Leave work or school early.

We COPPED OFF early on Friday because there was nothing to do.

Kiss, pet or have s*x with someone.

She COPPED OFF with Damian at the end-of-term party.

Choose an easy alternative.

She was going to take a Master's degree but COPPED OUT and chose the Diploma course instead.

Calculate how expensive some work is going to be.

The decorators are going to COST UP the work tomorrow.

To work out the truth.

It took me ages to COTTON ON to what they were planning.

Lose possession of a ball, etc. in a contact sport.

He was checked so hard he COUGHED UP the puck in front of his own goal.

Expel something from your lungs or throat by coughing.

He gave up smoking after he COUGHED UP some blood.

Need or want something.

I COULD really DO WITH a cup of tea.

Affect negatively, make less likely to succeed.

Not having a university degree will COUNT AGAINST her.

Include someone or something in a group, category, etc.

I COUNT her AMONG my closest friends.

Wait impatiently or excitedly for something to happen.

I'm COUNTING DOWN the days till they leave.

Be recognised as important, worthwhile or valuable.

Experience COUNTS FOR a lot in decision making.

Include or involve.

If you're going on that skiing holiday, you can COUNT me IN; I'd love to go.

Say numbers aloud in a sequence.

They COUNTED the students OFF as they arrived.

Depend, rely.

You can COUNT ON them; if they have promised to do something, they'll do it.

Expect something to happen and base plans on it.

I was COUNTING ON the payment arriving last week and was really angry when it didn't arrive as I didn't have enough money to pay for everything.

Exclude.

I don't want to go- you can COUNT me OUT.

Count a certain amount of money.

He COUNTED OUT �250 and paid me.

Be a part needed to complete something.

The coursework COUNTS TOWARDS the final grade.

Add.

COUNT UP the number of tickets sold, please.

Expect something to happen and base plans on it.

I was COUNTING UPON their support and lost because they didn't vote my way.

Depend, rely.

I COUNT UPON them to help me.

Provide an excuse or alibi.

She asked me to COVER FOR her if anyone asked where she'd gone.

Do someone's work while they are temporarily absent.

I COVERED FOR her while she was off sick.

Conceal, try to stop people finding out.

They tried to COVER UP the incident but it got into the newspapers.

Make yourself comfortable.

It was cold and I COZIED UP by the fire.

Make yourself popular with someone.

He's been COZYING UP TO our boss because he wants a pay rise.

Use more authority than usual.

The police always CRACK DOWN ON drink-driving offences over the Christmas period.

Continue doing something with energy.

We had to CRACK ON to get everything finished on time.

Have a nervous breakdown.

He CRACKED UP after his son died and had to take a couple of months off work.

Have bad reception on a mobile phone.

You'll have to talk louder- you're CRACKING UP.

Burst out laughing.

Everybody CRACKED UP when he told the joke.

Damage a car badly.

He CRACKED his car UP last night when he came off the road.

Produce a lot of something fast.

My boss keeps CRANKING OUT stupid memos.

Inject non-medical dr*gs.

He's been CRANKING UP heroin for years.

Start a machine, originally with a handle.

He CRANKED the saw UP.

Increase, make something bigger.

I CRANKED the volume UP as high as it would go.

Sleep at someone's house because you are too tired, drunk, etc. to leave.

Dave CRASHED OUT at a friend's flat after the end-of-term party.

Fall asleep.

I CRASHED OUT in front of the TV last night.

Separate the best or most talented people so that they can receive special or different treatment.

The private schools CREAM OFF many of the best pupils.

Take money or divert funds, usually wrongfully or unfairly.

This means smaller banks can CREAM OFF excess profits during lending booms.

Start to be noticeable.

He tried to stay calm, but you could hear the anger CREEPING IN.

Get included despite attempts to keep it or them out.

Errors CREPT IN as the text got longer.

Become noticeable in something.

An angry tone CREPT INTO her voice.

make someone feel worried or uneasy.

He CREEPS me OUT when he gets drunk.

To do the same activity for a very long time.

He's been CREEPING OUT ON that computer game all day.

Start to have a negative feeling.

Fear CREPT OVER me as I walked through the graveyard.

Approach without someone realising.

They CREPT UP ON their rivals and overtook them.

Appear unexpectedly.

I'm going to be late tonight as something has just CROPPED UP at work.

Delete, remove from a list.

She CROSSED him OFF her Christmas card list after they argued.

Put as line through some writing to show it is wrong.

She CROSSED OUT her mistakes and wrote the correct answers above them.

Confuse, deceive.

The treasure map was deliberately drawn to CROSS us UP.

Pass or succeed easily.

He CRUISED THROUGH the exam.

Clear a table in a restaurant.

The waiter CRUMBED DOWN before the coffee was served.

To cancel an arrangement.

I've got to work tonight; can I CRY OFF going out for dinner?.

Shout because you are in pain.

He CRIED OUT when he dropped the box on his toes.

Go across a place rather than around it to make the journey quicker.

It'll be quicker if we CUT ACROSS the park.

Affect people of different groups, classes, etc.

The issue CUTS ACROSS social backgrounds as it affects us all equally.

Reduce.

The firm CUT BACK production because sales were sluggish.

Remove branches from a plant or tree to encourage future growth.

We CUT the tree BACK every winter.

Reduce expenditure.

The government has decided to CUT BACK ON spending on the armed forces.

Consume less.

I'm trying to CUT DOWN the amount of coffee I drink during the day.

Shoot.

A lot of soldiers were CUT DOWN by enemy fire as they stormed the airport.

Reduce a vertical thing to ground level by cutting.

The logger CUT the tree DOWN.

Cut something from a high position.

After Christmas he didn't carefully detach all the decorations, he just CUT them all DOWN.

Reduce.

Doctors advised her to CUT DOWN ON the amount of saturated fats in her diet.

Start functioning.

The fans CUT IN when the engine starts getting too hot.

Drive in front of another vehicle without warning.

A car CUT IN and nearly caused an accident.

Interrupt.

We were having a conversation when he came up and CUT IN.

Include someone in a deal that makes money.

We had to CUT the police IN on the deal to avoid trouble.

Mix fat and flour until the combine.

CUT the butter IN with the flour.

Stop your unfair or unreasonable behaviour.

Will you two idiots CUT IT OUT and keep quiet.

Disconnect.

The telephone's been CUT OFF because we didn't pay the bill.

Isolate or make inaccessible.

The heavy snow has blocked many roads and CUT OFF a number of villages.

Exclude.

I'm CUTTING OUT salt from my diet.

When an engine or motor stops.

The car CUT OUT at the traffic lights just as they went green.

Cut a picture or similar from a magazine, etc.

I CUT some pictures OUT to use as visual aids.

Leave quickly.

We'd better CUT OUT, the security men are on the way.

Separate livestock from a group.

They CUT OUT three prime bulls from the herd.

Let down, snub.

Although he'd promised to help, the star CUT OUT ON the charity when offered more money.

Cut into smaller pieces.

After cutting the tree down, the logger CUT it UP into logs.

Drive into a neighbouring lane, directly in front of another vehicle.

I was just driving onto the motorway slip-road, when a red Mini CUT me UP and I had to brake suddenly to avoid an accident.

Upset.

Her reaction really CUT me UP.

Have a lot of small injuries.

I CUT my hand UP when I broke the glass.

Calm or reduce feelings, emotions.

They tried to DAMP DOWN the anger over the announcement.