English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced - Core Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering advanced phrasal verbs, phrasal nouns, phrasal adjectives, grammatical rules, register, collocations, and idiomatic expressions from English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced.

Phrasal Verb

A verb that consists of a base verb and a particle (a preposition or adverb), or a base verb and two particles (an adverb and a preposition).

Standby

A phrasal noun meaning ready to be used if necessary, or referring to a person or thing kept available in case of emergencies.

Onset

A phrasal noun referring to the start or beginning of something unpleasant, such as disease, winter, or torrential rain.

Overkill

A phrasal noun meaning more of something than is needed or desirable.

Toss-up

An informal phrasal noun describing a situation where two options or outcomes seem equally likely.

Off-putting

A phrasal adjective describing something slightly unpleasant, unattractive, or worrying that discourages you from liking or doing it.

Outspoken

A phrasal adjective describing a person who expresses their opinions openly and forcefully, even if other people might be offended.

Watered-down

A phrasal adjective describing proposals, opinions, or ideas made weaker or less forceful in order to make more people agree with them.

Downcast

A phrasal adjective meaning sad, miserable, and depressed.

Go-ahead

A phrasal adjective describing an organisation or company that is dynamic and uses new methods and ideas to succeed.

Collocation

The way in which words typically combine or co-occur with one another in natural language.

Pore over

To study or examine something carefully, especially reading material such as a book, document, list of names, or manuscript.

Riddled with

Full of something undesirable, unpleasant, or problematic, such as disease, errors, or holes in an argument.

Ease off / up

To gradually decrease in intensity, amount, or strength (e.g., rain or traffic), or to start working with less effort.

Register

The level of formality or informality of language, or the specific vocabulary associated with a particular profession, field, or interest.

Accede to

A formal phrasal verb meaning to agree to a request, demand, or proposal, often after initial disagreement.

Ascribe to

A formal phrasal verb meaning to believe or state that something is caused or explained by something else.

Preside over

A formal phrasal verb meaning to be in charge of an event, situation, committee, or official inquiry.

Bear on

A formal phrasal verb meaning to be directly connected to or have relevance to a matter or case.

Boil down to

A phrasal verb meaning that a particular fact or point is the primary or most essential reason for a situation.

Throw the baby out with the bathwater

An idiom meaning to discard the good or useful parts of something along with the bad parts when trying to change or improve it.

Let off steam

An idiom meaning to talk or act in a way that helps you get rid of strong, pent-up feelings or energy.

Take the sting out of something

An idiom meaning to make something that is unpleasant or painful feel less severe or more bearable.

Cut off your nose to spite your face

An idiom meaning to act out of anger in a way that harms yourself more than the person you are angry with.

Run rings round

An idiom meaning to outwit, defeat, or be significantly cleverer than someone else.

Put down roots

An idiom meaning to settle down and establish a permanent home or long-term commitment in a place.

Pull out all the stops

An idiom meaning to do everything possible and use all available resources and effort to succeed.

Factor in

To include a specific fact, cost, or event when making a calculation or when planning and analyzing a situation.

Usher in

A formal phrasal verb meaning to mark the beginning of or cause a period where new developments or significant changes take place.

Cordon off

To surround an area with a physical barrier, such as ropes or tape, to stop people from entering.

Drone on

To speak for a long time in an extremely tedious, monotonous, and boring manner.

Jut out

To extend or stick out beyond the edge or boundary of an adjoining surface or surrounding structure.

Shore up

To strengthen, support, or prevent the failure of a weak organisation, system, economy, or physical structure.

Bottom out

To reach the lowest point of a decline or worsening situation and remain level before beginning to rise or improve.

Peter out

To gradually diminish in strength, energy, or volume until completely coming to an end.

Rebound on

When an action or scheme has an unintended negative effect on the perpetrator rather than achieving its intended goal.

Conjure up

To evoke or bring a vivid picture, idea, or memory into someone's mind.

Hammer out

To reach an agreement or finalize the details of a plan or deal after prolonged, intensive discussion.

Cotton on

An informal phrasal verb meaning to begin to comprehend, realize, or understand a situation or fact.

Sift through

To examine a large amount of information, papers, or items carefully to find important materials or extract truth.

Knuckle down

To begin working or studying with serious effort, diligence, and focus, especially after a period of slacking off.

Beaver away

An informal phrasal verb meaning to work hard and steadily on a task over a sustained period, especially writing.

Cream off

To select the best, cleverest, or most talented individuals from a group to give them preferential treatment or placement.

Mull over

To think deeply and carefully about a proposal, idea, or choice over an extended period before deciding.

Whittle away

To gradually erode or reduce the amount, importance, or authority of something until very little remains.