phrasal-verb
fume at
Meaning
to feel or show anger towards someone or something
Example
She was **fuming at** her friends for breaking her trust.
idiom
red-eye flight
Meaning
a flight that leaves late at night and arrives early in the morning
Example
I took a **red-eye flight** to save a day on my trip.
phrasal-verb
blend into
Meaning
to mix harmoniously with a group or culture; to become part of the surroundings
Example
She quickly **blended into** the local community by learning their customs.
phrasal-verb
take off after
Meaning
to chase someone or something quickly
Example
The police **took off after** the thief.
phrasal-verb
keep striving for
Meaning
to continue making great efforts toward achieving something
Example
He always tells his students to **keep striving for** excellence.
phrasal-verb
bring in foreign investment
Meaning
to attract money from other countries for business or development
Example
The government is trying to **bring in foreign investment** to boost economic growth.
phrasal-verb
let emotions show
Meaning
to express one’s true feelings openly
Example
He rarely **lets his emotions show**, even when he’s upset.
phrasal-verb
fix up
Meaning
to arrange or plan something; to repair or prepare something
Example
She offered to **fix up** a lunch meeting for next week.
idiom
worth one's salt
Meaning
to be competent or deserving respect in one’s field
Example
Any engineer **worth his salt** can solve this problem.
idiom
pick yourself up
Meaning
to recover from a failure or setback
Example
She failed the first time, but she **picked herself up** and tried again.
idiom
over it
Meaning
no longer interested or affected by something
Example
I'm totally **over it** now.
idiom
Keep fighting
Meaning
Continue striving; don’t give up.
Example
No matter what happens, just **keep fighting**.
idiom
war of words
Meaning
an argument or verbal conflict
Example
The two politicians engaged in a **war of words** on TV.
idiom
run the show
Meaning
to be in charge of an activity or organization
Example
Ever since the director left, Emma has been **running the show**.
idiom
take the fifth
Meaning
to refuse to answer a question on the grounds that it may incriminate oneself
Example
When asked about his involvement, he chose to **take the fifth**.
idiom
give someone the shirt off your back
Meaning
to be extremely generous and selfless
Example
He’d **give you the shirt off his back** if you needed it.
phrasal-verb
turn towards
Meaning
to start focusing on a new direction or field
Example
After years in law, he decided to **turn towards** teaching.
idiom
stand by your principles
Meaning
to remain loyal to your values, even in difficult situations
Example
She always **stands by her principles** in tough times.
idiom
Plow the field
Meaning
To prepare for future work or success.
Example
Before launching the product, we need to **plow the field** with proper research.
idiom
break up
Meaning
to end a romantic relationship
Example
They decided to **break up** after five years together.
phrasal-verb
poke around
Meaning
to look for something in a place, often in a casual or curious way
Example
She likes to **poke around** antique shops on weekends.
idiom
put your foot down
Meaning
to assert your authority or make a firm decision
Example
When they asked for an extension, he decided to **put his foot down** and refuse.
phrasal-verb
break news to
Meaning
to share important or upsetting information with someone
Example
He had to **break news to** his editor about the source backing out.
idiom
fail to plan is plan to fail
Meaning
without proper planning, failure is inevitable
Example
**Failing to plan is planning to fail**, so prepare early.
phrasal-verb
plan for
Meaning
to prepare in advance for possible events or risks
Example
Businesses should **plan for** economic downturns.
idiom
sit in the driver’s seat
Meaning
to be in a position of control or leadership
Example
After the promotion, she now **sits in the driver’s seat**.
phrasal-verb
go down with
Meaning
to catch an illness, especially one that is not serious
Example
Several students **went down with** food poisoning.
phrasal-verb
speak up for yourself
Meaning
to express your opinions or defend your feelings confidently
Example
You need to **speak up for yourself** if something feels unfair.
phrasal-verb
call for peace
Meaning
to publicly ask for an end to conflict
Example
The international community **called for peace** between the rival nations.
idiom
a wolf in sheep's clothing
Meaning
someone who appears harmless but is actually dangerous
Example
He was **a wolf in sheep's clothing**.
idiom
to be ahead of the curve
Meaning
to be more advanced than others
Example
Her research was **ahead of the curve** in the field of artificial intelligence.
phrasal-verb
keep projects on track
Meaning
to ensure work stays within schedule and scope
Example
Daily standups help us **keep projects on track** despite surprises.
idiom
out of your mind
Meaning
crazy or extremely worried
Example
You must be **out of your mind** to drive that fast!
phrasal-verb
pull back on
Meaning
to reduce or stop doing something, especially spending or investment; to withdraw effort or commitment
Example
During the economic crisis, many companies **pull back on** new projects to save money.
idiom
upload your brain
Meaning
to transfer or store one’s thoughts, knowledge, or consciousness digitally
Example
One day we might be able to **upload our brain** into the cloud.
idiom
play politics
Meaning
to act in a manipulative or strategic way to gain advantage
Example
He was accused of trying to **play politics** instead of focusing on the nation’s welfare.
idiom
Get traction
Meaning
To start gaining attention or success in the market.
Example
The new app is starting to **get traction** among users.
idiom
Flash in the pan
Meaning
Something that shows potential but fails quickly
Example
His first success was just a **flash in the pan**.
phrasal-verb
listen without judging
Meaning
to pay attention to others’ views without bias or criticism
Example
Inclusive managers **listen without judging** during discussions.
idiom
cliffhanger
Meaning
an ending that leaves the audience in suspense
Example
The episode ended on a **cliffhanger**, so we can’t wait for the next one.
idiom
Crooked as a snake
Meaning
Dishonest or untrustworthy.
Example
Everyone knows that politician is **crooked as a snake**.
idiom
a bone of contention
Meaning
a subject of disagreement or dispute
Example
Money has always been **a bone of contention** between them.
idiom
zero in
Meaning
to focus closely on something
Example
Our analysis should **zero in** on customer pain points.
phrasal-verb
let down
Meaning
to disappoint someone
Example
I felt really **let down** when my friend didn’t show up.
idiom
a dead-end job
Meaning
a job with no opportunity for advancement or improvement
Example
He quit his **dead-end job** to start his own business.
idiom
hand off to
Meaning
to transfer responsibility or control to someone else
Example
I’ll **hand this off to** the design team tomorrow.
phrasal-verb
reach out to partners
Meaning
to contact or make connections with others for cooperation
Example
The NGO is **reaching out to partners** to expand its global projects.
idiom
to bite off more than you can chew
Meaning
to take on a task that is too difficult
Example
He **bit off more than he could chew** by promising to finish the work alone.
idiom
carbon neutral
Meaning
achieving a net-zero carbon footprint, where the amount of carbon dioxide released is equal to the amount removed from the atmosphere
Example
By planting trees and reducing emissions, the company is aiming to become **carbon neutral**.
idiom
the world is your oyster
Meaning
you can achieve anything you want in life
Example
With your talent, **the world is your oyster**.
phrasal-verb
build from
Meaning
to use failure or mistakes as a foundation for future improvement
Example
Even though the project failed, we can still **build from** the experience.
idiom
have itchy feet
Meaning
to feel a strong desire to travel or move
Example
After a few months at home, I started to **have itchy feet** again.
phrasal-verb
fall behind in exports
Meaning
to lag in selling goods to foreign countries
Example
The nation has **fallen behind in exports** due to weak demand abroad.
idiom
A team player
Meaning
Someone who works well with others in a group.
Example
John is **a team player** who always supports his colleagues.
phrasal-verb
push back against
Meaning
to resist pressure or negativity with determination
Example
He decided to **push back against** the unfair criticism.
idiom
think twice
Meaning
to reconsider something carefully before acting
Example
You should **think twice** before making that deal.
idiom
plan B
Meaning
an alternative plan if the first one fails
Example
We should have a **plan B** in case things go wrong.
idiom
burning the midnight oil
Meaning
working late into the night
Example
She’s been **burning the midnight oil** to finish the report.
idiom
Fair enough
Meaning
Used to show you understand or accept someone’s point
Example
‘We can’t afford it now.’ ‘**Fair enough**, maybe later.’
phrasal-verb
tie together
Meaning
to connect or combine different ideas or organizations into a single effort
Example
Their vision helps to **tie together** efforts from multiple NGOs.
idiom
drill down
Meaning
to examine something in greater detail
Example
We need to **drill down** into the survey responses.
idiom
get the hang of it
Meaning
to learn or become skilled at something new
Example
Don’t worry, you’ll **get the hang of it** soon.
idiom
have a vision
Meaning
to have a clear idea or dream for the future
Example
A good leader must **have a vision** for their team.
idiom
let nature take its course
Meaning
to allow natural processes to happen without interference
Example
Sometimes the best solution is to **let nature take its course**.
idiom
a kingmaker
Meaning
someone who has influence in the selection or appointment of a leader
Example
The senator has become **a kingmaker** in the current presidential race.
idiom
game plan
Meaning
a carefully thought-out strategy
Example
We need a solid **game plan** before meeting the investors.
phrasal-verb
cheer oneself up
Meaning
to make yourself feel happier
Example
She watched her favorite movie to **cheer herself up** after a rough day.
idiom
full of praise
Meaning
to speak very positively about someone or something
Example
Everyone was **full of praise** for her presentation.
idiom
a burning desire
Meaning
a strong and intense wish to achieve something
Example
She has **a burning desire** to become the best in her field.
idiom
be comfortable in your own skin
Meaning
to be confident and happy with who you are
Example
It took years for her to **be comfortable in her own skin**.
idiom
All hands on deck
Meaning
Everyone must work together or help with a task.
Example
We need **all hands on deck** to finish this project by tomorrow.
phrasal-verb
rack up
Meaning
to accumulate or achieve something, such as points or awards
Example
She has **racked up** several awards for her outstanding work.
idiom
wait and see
Meaning
to be patient until something becomes clear
Example
Let’s **wait and see** what happens next.
phrasal-verb
follow through on vision
Meaning
to continue efforts until a goal or plan is fully achieved
Example
Great leaders **follow through on vision** with persistence and dedication.
phrasal-verb
hear from
Meaning
to receive communication from someone
Example
I haven’t **heard from** Sarah in weeks.
phrasal-verb
balance out trade deficits
Meaning
to equalize imports and exports to avoid economic imbalance
Example
The country is working to **balance out trade deficits** by boosting exports.
idiom
in good spirits
Meaning
to be cheerful and confident
Example
She was **in good spirits** after her presentation.
idiom
In someone’s corner
Meaning
To support or stand by someone in times of need
Example
I always know my family will be **in my corner** when things go wrong.
idiom
burn one’s fingers
Meaning
to suffer because of one’s own mistake
Example
He **burned his fingers** by investing in a risky business.
idiom
carry out one's duties
Meaning
to perform one's assigned tasks or responsibilities
Example
He always **carries out his duties** with honesty and dedication.
phrasal-verb
go out for
Meaning
to leave home to do a particular activity like shopping or eating
Example
We usually **go out for** groceries on weekends.
phrasal-verb
take time off
Meaning
to stop working temporarily for rest or recovery
Example
I'm going to **take time off** next week to recharge.
idiom
spin the truth
Meaning
to present a situation in a way that benefits a particular perspective
Example
The politician tried to **spin the truth** about the scandal to protect his reputation.
phrasal-verb
branch upward
Meaning
to move toward higher levels or bigger markets
Example
The business is **branching upward** into more profitable sectors.
phrasal-verb
shake off fear
Meaning
to get rid of fear or anxiety
Example
He tried to **shake off fear** before entering the stage.
idiom
call to order
Meaning
to officially begin a meeting or discussion
Example
The chairperson **called the meeting to order** at 10 AM.
idiom
bear the brunt
Meaning
to take the main responsibility or suffering of something unpleasant
Example
The junior staff had to **bear the brunt** of the manager’s anger.
phrasal-verb
cut back on costs
Meaning
to reduce spending or expenses
Example
We need to **cut back on costs** to improve our profit margins.
idiom
ahead of the game
Meaning
to have an advantage or be well prepared
Example
She’s always **ahead of the game** with her planning.
idiom
behind the scenes
Meaning
secretly or without public knowledge
Example
A lot of work happens **behind the scenes** to make a movie.
phrasal-verb
go over lessons
Meaning
to review or check lessons again for better understanding
Example
I always **go over lessons** before an exam.
idiom
get the picture
Meaning
to understand the situation
Example
After a few minutes, I started to **get the picture**.
idiom
to get the ball rolling
Meaning
to start something, especially a project or task
Example
Let's **get the ball rolling** and start the meeting.
idiom
Trickle-down effect
Meaning
Economic benefits of the wealthy gradually reaching the lower-income groups.
Example
Critics argue that the **trickle-down effect** rarely helps the poor.
phrasal-verb
hold with
Meaning
to agree with or approve of something
Example
I don’t **hold with** lying under any circumstances.
phrasal-verb
tune your mind to positivity
Meaning
to intentionally think positive thoughts to reduce tension
Example
Each morning, I **tune my mind to positivity** before starting work.
phrasal-verb
hold emotions in check
Meaning
to keep your emotions under control
Example
He tried to **hold his emotions in check** during the speech.
phrasal-verb
soak away stress
Meaning
to relax and release stress gradually
Example
A warm bath can help you **soak away stress** after a busy day.
idiom
fun and games
Meaning
enjoyable activities; playful behavior
Example
It’s not all **fun and games** when organizing a big event.
phrasal-verb
set aside differences
Meaning
to ignore disagreements so cooperation can continue
Example
Partners **set aside differences** to finish the joint project.
phrasal-verb
cheer others on
Meaning
to encourage people to keep going
Example
Managers **cheer others on** when the team hits tough weather calls.
idiom
ask around
Meaning
to inquire with several people
Example
I’ll **ask around** to see who can cover the shift.
phrasal-verb
manage with
Meaning
to cope using what is available
Example
We’ll have to **manage with** what we have for now.
idiom
follow your heart
Meaning
to make a decision based on your feelings
Example
When choosing a career, it’s best to **follow your heart**.
idiom
a labor of love
Meaning
something done out of passion, not for money
Example
Building that model train was **a labor of love** for him.
idiom
to teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning
to try to teach someone something they are set in their ways about
Example
It’s hard to **teach an old dog new tricks** when it comes to new technology.
phrasal-verb
branch out professionally
Meaning
to start doing something new or expand into a new area professionally
Example
After years in sales, he decided to **branch out professionally** into marketing.
idiom
work-life harmony
Meaning
a balanced and peaceful relationship between work and personal life
Example
She believes in maintaining **work-life harmony**.
phrasal-verb
look down on
Meaning
to think that you are better than someone
Example
You should never **look down on** your relatives for their financial situation.
phrasal-verb
testify against
Meaning
to give evidence in court against someone
Example
The witness agreed to **testify against** the accused.
idiom
switch off
Meaning
to stop thinking about work or problems
Example
It’s important to **switch off** after a long day.
idiom
have confidence in
Meaning
to trust or believe in someone’s ability
Example
I **have confidence in** your judgment.
phrasal-verb
try out
Meaning
to test a new recipe or food for the first time
Example
I want to **try out** that new smoothie recipe.
idiom
mad as a hornet
Meaning
very angry
Example
She was **mad as a hornet** when she found her phone broken.
idiom
hit the road running
Meaning
to start something quickly and energetically
Example
We **hit the road running** as soon as the bus arrived.
phrasal-verb
go after your dreams
Meaning
to pursue your goals or ambitions actively
Example
He decided to **go after his dreams** no matter what.
phrasal-verb
lean emotionally on
Meaning
to depend on someone for emotional support
Example
During tough times, she **leaned emotionally on** her best friend.
idiom
rope in
Meaning
to persuade someone to join an activity
Example
They **roped me in** to help with the charity event.
phrasal-verb
rise through adversity
Meaning
to become stronger or succeed despite difficult conditions
Example
True leaders **rise through adversity** and inspire others.
phrasal-verb
find for
Meaning
to support or rule in favor of someone (usually in a legal case)
Example
The court **found for** the defendant after reviewing the evidence.