Tag Archives: Phrasal verbs

to zero in to focus attention: We need to zero in on the client’s exact expectations for this software. Don’t bother with any additional functionality at this stage. to zip up  to keep something quiet: Keep this matter zipped up … Continue reading →

to use (something) up to finish or consume all of something: The training budget for this year has been used up, so the company cannot pay for your attendance at the conference. to usher (something) in to begin something significant: … Continue reading →

to take (something) down to write / make a note of: This is important – make sure you take it down. to take in to hear and understand information: You remember what he said about our marketing strategy? It took … Continue reading →

to saddle (somebody) with to give some a difficult task or responsibility: It’s going to a nightmare sorting out all that documentation. Apparently Jack’s been saddled with it. to sail through to find something very easy: Don’t worry about the … Continue reading →

to quit on to stop working/functioning especially at a time of trouble: Please don’t quit on me now, just when things are getting difficult.  Typical! I’ve got a deadline in 20 minutes and my computer’s quit on me. to rake … Continue reading →

to pack (something) in to stop doing something: Have you heard that John has packed it in? After six weeks working on the project he’s decided it’s not worth continuing with it. to pack (something) out to fill up a … Continue reading →

to nag at to repeatedly complain or criticise: The boss keeps nagging at me to find more clients, but I’ve already found more than anyone else. to nail (something) down to understand fully: I want to nail down exactly how … Continue reading →

to make do with to accept something that is unsatisfactory because you have no choice: Sorry guys, but you’ll have to make do with the old coffee machine. The company hasn’t budgeted for a new one this year. to make … Continue reading →

to keep at to continue: Thanks to everyone for keeping at it despite all the problems. to keep in with to maintain good relations with: We can’t afford to lose Jack as a client, so we’re going to have to … Continue reading →