Phrasals
Come up with
to invent or think of an idea or plan
Example: She came up with a brilliant idea for the project.
Break the ice
Meaning: to start a conversation in a social situation
Example: He told a funny story to break the ice at the party.
pleasant
enjoyable
Increase
Decrease
Meaning: grow vs. reduce
Carry out
to perform or complete a task or plan
Example: The scientists carried out several experiments.
A piece of cake
Meaning: something very easy
Example: That grammar test was a piece of cake.
peculiar
odd
Improve
Worsen
Meaning: get better vs. get worse
Bring up
to raise a child or to mention a topic
Example: He was brought up in Spain.
She brought up an important question.
Hit the books
Meaning: to study hard
Example: I have to hit the books tonight – I’ve got an exam tomorrow.
appaling
Friendly
Hostile
Meaning: kind vs. aggressive or distant
Take up
to begin a new hobby or activity
Example: I’ve recently taken up painting.
Under the weather
Meaning: feeling sick or unwell
Example: I’m not going to school today, I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
big headed
conceited
Employ
Fire / Dismiss
Meaning: hire vs. remove from a job
Put off
to postpone or delay something
Example: They put off the meeting until next week.
Once in a blue moon
Meaning: something that happens very rarely
Example: He visits his grandparents once in a blue moon.
stubborn
obstinate
Allow
Forbid / Prohibit
Meaning: permit vs. not allow