Here is a list of some of the most common phrasal verbs concerning increasing and decreasing using the prepositions UP and DOWN. Each phrasal verb includes an explanation and example sentence.
Category Preposition Phrasal Verb Explanation Notes Example Sentence
to put up: to increase prices They put up the price on that model by five dollars.
to bring: up to raise children They brought their children up in the countryside.
to blow up: to make something more important than it really is They blew that issue up until it became noticed by the media.
to go up: used for increases in prices, profits and production Production went up at the plant by 15 percent.
to grow up: children getting older My daughter has grown up so quickly!
to speed up: used for machines increasing velocity The car sped up and passed the slow driver.
to hurry up: to increase the speed of doing something when someone
feels late We're going to have to hurry up if we want to finish this project on time.
to heat up:with temperatures It's really heated up these past few days.
to cheer up: to become happier He cheered up at the news of a raise.
to liven up: to make more exciting The party livened up when he arrived.
to turn up: used with volume Can you turn the sound up?
to speak up: to increase speaking volume You'll have to speak up if you want him to pay attention to you.
to build up: improve health He built his strength up over a number of months.
to pick up: used when a general situation improves The local economy has really picked up since the new factory was built.
to go down for prices, profits and production The quarterly profits went down from the second to the third quarter.
to come down for prices, profits and production Computer prices have really come down recently.
to slow down: used for machines and people He slowed down as he approached the city limits.
to calm down: used when calming other people She did her best to calm her child down.
to turn down: used with volume Turn down that horrible music!
to keep down: decrease volume Please keep the noise down in this room!
to quieten down: decrease volume He asked the students to quieten down.
to cool down: with temperatures It's really cooled down these past few days.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
English phrasal verbs with "up"
Here are some common English phrasal verbs that you can use in business situations. All these phrasal verbs use "up".
Build up = to make a business bigger, to develop contacts or a presence in the market: "We have built up the business over the years and it now employs over 20 people."
Come up = happen unexpectedly: "I'm afraid I can't make the meeting tomorrow. Something has come up."
Divide up = distribute : "We can divide up the commission among the sales staff."
Drive up = force up the prices or costs: "The uncertainty in the markets is driving up labour costs."
Meet up = make an arrangement to meet: "What time should we meet up on Wednesday?"
Open up = make a new market accessible: "The new laws have opened up trade in many markets."
Pass up = to not take an opportunity: "We can't pass up this chance of increasing productivity."
Set up = establish a company or arrange a meeting: "They set up the company in 1999."
"I've set up a meeting between you and the suppliers for 11 am tomorrow."
Start up = to start something new: "They've started up a new division in Southern Europe."
(A start up is a new company, often internet-based.)
Write up = write a report or minutes: "It'll take him at least a week to write up his findings."
Build up = to make a business bigger, to develop contacts or a presence in the market: "We have built up the business over the years and it now employs over 20 people."
Come up = happen unexpectedly: "I'm afraid I can't make the meeting tomorrow. Something has come up."
Divide up = distribute : "We can divide up the commission among the sales staff."
Drive up = force up the prices or costs: "The uncertainty in the markets is driving up labour costs."
Meet up = make an arrangement to meet: "What time should we meet up on Wednesday?"
Open up = make a new market accessible: "The new laws have opened up trade in many markets."
Pass up = to not take an opportunity: "We can't pass up this chance of increasing productivity."
Set up = establish a company or arrange a meeting: "They set up the company in 1999."
"I've set up a meeting between you and the suppliers for 11 am tomorrow."
Start up = to start something new: "They've started up a new division in Southern Europe."
(A start up is a new company, often internet-based.)
Write up = write a report or minutes: "It'll take him at least a week to write up his findings."
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Idiom Category: Transport & Travel
Idiom Category: Transport & Travel
As much use as a handbrake on a canoe
This idiom is used to describe someone or something as worthless or pointless.
Asleep at the wheel
If someone is asleep at the wheel, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the switch' is an alternative.
Backseat driver
A backseat driver is an annoying person who is fond of giving advice to the person performing a task or doing something, especially when the advice is either wrong or unwelcome.
Beam me up, Scotty
Something someone says when they want to get out of a place or situation, meaning 'Get me out of here!'. (It comes from the TV series and movies Star Trek, though the exact words used were a little different.)
Circle the wagons
(USA) If you circle the wagons, you stop communicating with people who don't think the same way as you to avoid their ideas. It can also mean to bring everyone together to defend a group against an attack.
Climb on the bandwagon
When people climb on the bandwagon they do something because it is popular and everyone else is doing it.
Country mile
(USA) A country mile is used to describe a long distance.
Fall off the back of a lorry
(UK) If someone tries to sell you something that has fallen of the back of a lorry, they are trying to sell you stolen goods.
Fall off the wagon
If someone falls off the wagon, they start drinking after having given up completely for a time.
Fifth wheel
(USA) A fifth wheel is something unnecessary or useless.
Full throttle
If you do something full throttle, you do it with as much speed and energy as you can.
Go play in traffic
This is used as a way of telling someone to go away.
Hit the road
When people hit the road, they leave a place to go somewhere else.
I'll cross that road when I come to it
I'll think about something just when it happens, not in advance.
In high gear
(USA) If something is in high gear, it is in a quick-paced mode. If someone is in high gear, they are feverishly on the fast track.
In the driver's seat
If you are in the driver's seat, you are in charge of something or in control of a situation.
Jump on the bandwagon
If people jump on the bandwagon, they get involved in something that has recently become very popular.
Off the track
If something puts or throws you off your track, it distracts you or keeps you from achieving what you want.
On the wagon
If someone is on the wagon, they have stopped drinking alcohol.
Put the carriage before the horse
If you put the carriage before the horse, you try to do things in the wrong order.
Put the pedal to the metal
If you put the pedal to the metal, you go faster.
Rearrange the deckchairs on the Titanic
(UK) If people are rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, they are making small changes that will have no effect as the project, company, etc, is in very serious trouble.
Reinvent the wheel
If someone reinvents the wheel, they waste their time doing something that has already been done by other people, when they could be doing something more worthwhile.
Right up my alley
If something is right up your alley, it suits you perfectly.
Right up your street
If something is ideal for you, it is right up your street.
Running on fumes
If someone has used all their energy on something, but must continue, they are running on fumes. It is an expression used when driving a car when the needle is on empty but still running. We say it is 'running on fumes'.
Ship came in
If your ship has come in, something very good has happened to you.
Smooth sailing
If something is smooth sailing, then you can progress without difficulty. ('Plain sailing' is also used.)
Squeaky wheel gets the grease
(USA) When people say that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, they mean that the person who complains or protests the loudest attracts attention and service.
Sunday driver
A Sunday driver drives very slowly and makes unexpected manoeuvres.
Take for a test drive
If you take something for a test driver, you try something to see if you like it.
That ship has sailed
A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.
There's never a road without a turning
No situation in life stays the same forever.
Throw someone under the bus
To throw someone under the bus is to get the person in trouble either by placing blame on that person or not standing up for him.
Traffucked
If you are traffucked, you are stuck in heavy traffic and get where you need to be.
Train of thought
A train of thought is a sequence of thoughts, especially when you are talking to someone and you forget what you were going to say.
Whatever floats your boat
When people say this, they mean that you should do whatever makes you happy.
Wheels fall off
When the wheels fall off something, it goes wrong or fails. ('Wheels come off' is an alternative.)
Where the rubber meets the road
(USA) Where the rubber meets the road is the most important point for something, the moment of truth. An athlete can train all day, but the race is where the rubber meets the road and they'll know how good they really are.
As much use as a handbrake on a canoe
This idiom is used to describe someone or something as worthless or pointless.
Asleep at the wheel
If someone is asleep at the wheel, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the switch' is an alternative.
Backseat driver
A backseat driver is an annoying person who is fond of giving advice to the person performing a task or doing something, especially when the advice is either wrong or unwelcome.
Beam me up, Scotty
Something someone says when they want to get out of a place or situation, meaning 'Get me out of here!'. (It comes from the TV series and movies Star Trek, though the exact words used were a little different.)
Circle the wagons
(USA) If you circle the wagons, you stop communicating with people who don't think the same way as you to avoid their ideas. It can also mean to bring everyone together to defend a group against an attack.
Climb on the bandwagon
When people climb on the bandwagon they do something because it is popular and everyone else is doing it.
Country mile
(USA) A country mile is used to describe a long distance.
Fall off the back of a lorry
(UK) If someone tries to sell you something that has fallen of the back of a lorry, they are trying to sell you stolen goods.
Fall off the wagon
If someone falls off the wagon, they start drinking after having given up completely for a time.
Fifth wheel
(USA) A fifth wheel is something unnecessary or useless.
Full throttle
If you do something full throttle, you do it with as much speed and energy as you can.
Go play in traffic
This is used as a way of telling someone to go away.
Hit the road
When people hit the road, they leave a place to go somewhere else.
I'll cross that road when I come to it
I'll think about something just when it happens, not in advance.
In high gear
(USA) If something is in high gear, it is in a quick-paced mode. If someone is in high gear, they are feverishly on the fast track.
In the driver's seat
If you are in the driver's seat, you are in charge of something or in control of a situation.
Jump on the bandwagon
If people jump on the bandwagon, they get involved in something that has recently become very popular.
Off the track
If something puts or throws you off your track, it distracts you or keeps you from achieving what you want.
On the wagon
If someone is on the wagon, they have stopped drinking alcohol.
Put the carriage before the horse
If you put the carriage before the horse, you try to do things in the wrong order.
Put the pedal to the metal
If you put the pedal to the metal, you go faster.
Rearrange the deckchairs on the Titanic
(UK) If people are rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, they are making small changes that will have no effect as the project, company, etc, is in very serious trouble.
Reinvent the wheel
If someone reinvents the wheel, they waste their time doing something that has already been done by other people, when they could be doing something more worthwhile.
Right up my alley
If something is right up your alley, it suits you perfectly.
Right up your street
If something is ideal for you, it is right up your street.
Running on fumes
If someone has used all their energy on something, but must continue, they are running on fumes. It is an expression used when driving a car when the needle is on empty but still running. We say it is 'running on fumes'.
Ship came in
If your ship has come in, something very good has happened to you.
Smooth sailing
If something is smooth sailing, then you can progress without difficulty. ('Plain sailing' is also used.)
Squeaky wheel gets the grease
(USA) When people say that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, they mean that the person who complains or protests the loudest attracts attention and service.
Sunday driver
A Sunday driver drives very slowly and makes unexpected manoeuvres.
Take for a test drive
If you take something for a test driver, you try something to see if you like it.
That ship has sailed
A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.
There's never a road without a turning
No situation in life stays the same forever.
Throw someone under the bus
To throw someone under the bus is to get the person in trouble either by placing blame on that person or not standing up for him.
Traffucked
If you are traffucked, you are stuck in heavy traffic and get where you need to be.
Train of thought
A train of thought is a sequence of thoughts, especially when you are talking to someone and you forget what you were going to say.
Whatever floats your boat
When people say this, they mean that you should do whatever makes you happy.
Wheels fall off
When the wheels fall off something, it goes wrong or fails. ('Wheels come off' is an alternative.)
Where the rubber meets the road
(USA) Where the rubber meets the road is the most important point for something, the moment of truth. An athlete can train all day, but the race is where the rubber meets the road and they'll know how good they really are.
English idioms relating to TRAVEL - TRANSPORT
In the same boat If two or more parties in the same boat, they are in the same unpleasant
or difficult situation.
"When the factory closed down, the workers all found themselves in the
same boat.
Miss the boat If you miss the boat, you fail to take advantage of an opportunity because
you don't act quickly enough.
"I managed to get my order through before the end of the special offer - but
I nearly missed the boat!
Rock the boat If you tell someone not to rock the boat, you are asking them to do
nothing that might cause trouble or upset a stable situation.
"After the recent riots, it was decided not to rock the boat by introducing
strict measures.
Paddle one's own canoe If you paddle your own canoe, you do what you want to do without help
or interference from anyone.
"He decided to paddle his own canoe and set up his own company."
Put the cart before the horse A person who puts the cart before the horse is doing things in the wrong order.
"Building a school before knowing the age of the population is putting the cart
before the horse.
Drive a hard bargain A person who drives a hard bargain always makes sure they gain advantage
in a business deal.
"Be prepared for tough negotiations with Stuart - he drives a bard bargain."
Drive someone up the wall If somebody or something drives you up the wall, they do something
that greatly annoys or irritates you.
"I can't concentrate with all the noise - it's driving me up the wall!
Backseat driver A backseat driver is a passenger in a car who gives unwanted advice
to the driver.
"I can't stand backseat drivers like my mother-in-law!"
Jump on the bandwagon If a person or organization jumps on the bandwagon, they decide
to do something when it is already successful or fashionable.
"When organic food became popular, certain stores were quick to jump on
the bandwagon and promote it.
As much use as a handbrake on a canoe This expression refers to something which is completely useless or
serves no purpose.
"With no electricity, a refrigerator would be as much use as a
handbrake on a canoe. "
Fender bender This expression refers to a minor car accident in which there is little
damage and no injuries.
"It's hard to believe that a small fender bender can cause a major
traffic jam!"
On the home stretch To say that you're on the home stretch means that you are approaching
the end of something such as a task, a race or a journey.
"Don't give up - we're on the the home stretch now."
Itchy feet A person who has itchy feet is someone who wants to move
somewhere new or do something different.
Fall off the back of a lorry If you buy goods that have fallen off the back of a lorry, they are
stolen goods.
"Judging by the price of that camera, it must have fallen off the back
of a lorry!"
Any port in a storm When you are in difficulty, any port in a storm refers to a solution
you accept, which in normal circumstances you would find unacceptable.
"The hotel was substandard, but it was a case of any port in a storm;
all the others were full.
Take someone for a ride To take someone for a ride means to cheat or deceive them.
"I discovered he had charged me double the normal fee. He really
took me for a ride!"
Hit the road When you hit the road, you begin a journey.
"It's getting late and we've got a long way to go. Let's hit the road."
Road rage Aggressive driving habits sometimes resulting in violence against other
drivers.
"A number of car accidents today are a result of road rage."
Get the show on the road If you manage to put a plan or idea into action, you get the show
on the road.
"OK! We've got all we need, so let's get the show on the road!"
Sail through something If you sail through something, for example a test or an exam,
you succeed in doing it without difficulty.
"The English test was no problem for Tom. He sailed through it!"
Shank's pony If you go somewhere on Shank's pony, you have to walk rather than
travel by bus, car, etc.
"It was impossible to find a taxi after the party so it was Shank's pony
for us!
Like ships that pass in the night This expression is used to refer to people who meet briefly and are
not likely to meet again.
"The two men met once, like ships that pass in the night, and never
met again."
Live out of a suitcase Someone who lives out of a suitcase travels a lot, moving from
place to place, and is therefore restricted to the contents of their
suitcase.
"Sarah's new job involves so much travelling that she lives out of a
suitcase most of the time."
Train of thought A sequence of connected ideas is called a train of thought.
"I was considering the different options when the noise outside broke
my train of thought."
Gravy train If someone is on the gravy train, they have found an easy way
to make money, one that requires little effort and is without risk.
"Since the village has become fashionable he charges for every
photograph taken of his house - he's on the gravy train!"
Travel light When you travel light, you travel with as little luggage as possible.
"If you intend to go trekking, you'd better travel light."
Hitch one's wagon to a star Someone who hitches their wagon to a star has great ambitions
and is very determined to reach their goal.
"At an early age she decided to hitch her wagon to a star and become
rich and famous.
On the wagon Someone who is on the wagon is no longer drinking alcohol.
"No wine for me please. I'm on the wagon.
or difficult situation.
"When the factory closed down, the workers all found themselves in the
same boat.
Miss the boat If you miss the boat, you fail to take advantage of an opportunity because
you don't act quickly enough.
"I managed to get my order through before the end of the special offer - but
I nearly missed the boat!
Rock the boat If you tell someone not to rock the boat, you are asking them to do
nothing that might cause trouble or upset a stable situation.
"After the recent riots, it was decided not to rock the boat by introducing
strict measures.
Paddle one's own canoe If you paddle your own canoe, you do what you want to do without help
or interference from anyone.
"He decided to paddle his own canoe and set up his own company."
Put the cart before the horse A person who puts the cart before the horse is doing things in the wrong order.
"Building a school before knowing the age of the population is putting the cart
before the horse.
Drive a hard bargain A person who drives a hard bargain always makes sure they gain advantage
in a business deal.
"Be prepared for tough negotiations with Stuart - he drives a bard bargain."
Drive someone up the wall If somebody or something drives you up the wall, they do something
that greatly annoys or irritates you.
"I can't concentrate with all the noise - it's driving me up the wall!
Backseat driver A backseat driver is a passenger in a car who gives unwanted advice
to the driver.
"I can't stand backseat drivers like my mother-in-law!"
Jump on the bandwagon If a person or organization jumps on the bandwagon, they decide
to do something when it is already successful or fashionable.
"When organic food became popular, certain stores were quick to jump on
the bandwagon and promote it.
As much use as a handbrake on a canoe This expression refers to something which is completely useless or
serves no purpose.
"With no electricity, a refrigerator would be as much use as a
handbrake on a canoe. "
Fender bender This expression refers to a minor car accident in which there is little
damage and no injuries.
"It's hard to believe that a small fender bender can cause a major
traffic jam!"
On the home stretch To say that you're on the home stretch means that you are approaching
the end of something such as a task, a race or a journey.
"Don't give up - we're on the the home stretch now."
Itchy feet A person who has itchy feet is someone who wants to move
somewhere new or do something different.
Fall off the back of a lorry If you buy goods that have fallen off the back of a lorry, they are
stolen goods.
"Judging by the price of that camera, it must have fallen off the back
of a lorry!"
Any port in a storm When you are in difficulty, any port in a storm refers to a solution
you accept, which in normal circumstances you would find unacceptable.
"The hotel was substandard, but it was a case of any port in a storm;
all the others were full.
Take someone for a ride To take someone for a ride means to cheat or deceive them.
"I discovered he had charged me double the normal fee. He really
took me for a ride!"
Hit the road When you hit the road, you begin a journey.
"It's getting late and we've got a long way to go. Let's hit the road."
Road rage Aggressive driving habits sometimes resulting in violence against other
drivers.
"A number of car accidents today are a result of road rage."
Get the show on the road If you manage to put a plan or idea into action, you get the show
on the road.
"OK! We've got all we need, so let's get the show on the road!"
Sail through something If you sail through something, for example a test or an exam,
you succeed in doing it without difficulty.
"The English test was no problem for Tom. He sailed through it!"
Shank's pony If you go somewhere on Shank's pony, you have to walk rather than
travel by bus, car, etc.
"It was impossible to find a taxi after the party so it was Shank's pony
for us!
Like ships that pass in the night This expression is used to refer to people who meet briefly and are
not likely to meet again.
"The two men met once, like ships that pass in the night, and never
met again."
Live out of a suitcase Someone who lives out of a suitcase travels a lot, moving from
place to place, and is therefore restricted to the contents of their
suitcase.
"Sarah's new job involves so much travelling that she lives out of a
suitcase most of the time."
Train of thought A sequence of connected ideas is called a train of thought.
"I was considering the different options when the noise outside broke
my train of thought."
Gravy train If someone is on the gravy train, they have found an easy way
to make money, one that requires little effort and is without risk.
"Since the village has become fashionable he charges for every
photograph taken of his house - he's on the gravy train!"
Travel light When you travel light, you travel with as little luggage as possible.
"If you intend to go trekking, you'd better travel light."
Hitch one's wagon to a star Someone who hitches their wagon to a star has great ambitions
and is very determined to reach their goal.
"At an early age she decided to hitch her wagon to a star and become
rich and famous.
On the wagon Someone who is on the wagon is no longer drinking alcohol.
"No wine for me please. I'm on the wagon.
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