Phrasal verbs
To say something suddenly without thinking or planning to say it
Blurt out (a problem, a secret)
Getting married; entering into a formal, lifelong commitment to a partner in a wedding ceremony.
Tying the knot
has its ... tied
hands
She said the secret suddenly without thinking during dinner.
Blurt out
A: Did you hear about Emma and Daniel?
B: Yes! They’re finally.... in June.
A: Did you hear about Emma and Daniel?
B: Yes! They’re finally tying the knot in June.
To keep feelings or worries inside instead of expressing them.
Bottle up (a problem, emotions)
To widen your search, especially when looking for a romantic partner or new opportunities; to consider more options instead of focusing on just one person or possibility.
Cast my net
Lose your ... (on something)
grip
The article created strong anger among the readers.
Whip up
A: Should I respond angrily to his comment?
B: No, you’ll just ... if you do.
A: Should I respond angrily to his comment?
B: No, you’ll just play into his hands if you do.
To try hard to stop yourself from crying or showing strong emotion.
Choke back (tears, emotions)
Something completely unexpected that happens suddenly, without any warning or sign that it was coming.
Bolt from the blue
Have something up your ...
sleeve
He made his comments less harsh so that they would not upset anyone.
Tone down
A: Are you comfortable with the new system yet?
B: Not fully, but I’m starting to ... with it.
A: Are you comfortable with the new system yet?
B: Not fully, but I’m starting to get to grips with it.
To defend yourself against attacks, negative comments, or blame.
Fend off (criticism, blows, accusations)
Having a lot of free time and not being busy; not having many responsibilities or activities to fill the day.
Time on her hands
Clutch at ...
straws
He keeps his worries and feelings inside instead of talking about them.
Bottle up
A: How did you feel about the school closing?
B: It was a ..... No one expected it.
A: How did you feel about the school closing?
B: It was a real bolt from the blue. No one expected it.
To make things seem fine or normal even if there are problems.
Keep up appearances
Being in control of a situation; making the decisions and telling others what to do.
Calling the tune
.... the nettle
Grasp the nettle
The interviewer gradually managed to uncover the hidden details of the story.
Tease out
A: Why hasn’t Mia talked to you all week?
B: I don’t know. She’s been giving me ...
A: Why hasn’t Mia talked to you all week?
B: I don’t know. She’s been giving me the cold shoulder.
To strongly reject or prove that something is wrong.
Shoot down (an argument, accusations)
Being secretly or openly in love with someone, often for a long time, especially if the feelings are not returned.
Carrying a torch for
Get to ... with
grips
She tried hard to stop herself from crying when she heard the news.
Choke back
A: I’m going to fail this test. My life is over!
B: Relax and ... — you studied hard.
A: I’m going to fail this test. My life is over!
B: Relax and get a grip — you studied hard.
To quickly dismiss or ignore something as unimportant.
Sweep aside (an argument, accusations, criticism)
Started to deal with a problem in a practical, determined way; prepared to work hard and take action instead of just talking about it.
Rolled up her sleeves
Play into someone’s.....
hands
She quickly dismissed the criticism and refused to consider it seriously.
Sweep aside
A: Who’s going to be team captain now?
B: No idea — the position is ....
A: Who’s going to be team captain now?
B: No idea — the position is up for grabs.
To carefully and gradually discover or reveal hidden information.
Tease out (a problem, a secret)
Extremely ill or close to dying; in very serious or critical health condition.
At death’s door
Up for ..
grabs
The politician defended himself against the accusations from the journalists.
Fend off
A: Why is Jake so confident about the competition?
B: He must have something ...
A: Why is Jake so confident about the competition?
B: He must have something up his sleeve.
To make something less strong, harsh, or intense.
Tone down (criticism, accusations)
Deliberately ignoring someone or treating them in an unfriendly way, often to show annoyance, anger, or disapproval.
Giving me the cold shoulder
music
The lawyer strongly rejected the claims and proved they were false.
Shoot down
A: Can’t the teacher extend the deadline?
B: No, ... because of school rules.
A: Can’t the teacher extend the deadline?
B: No, her hands are tied because of school rules.
To stir up or create strong feelings, especially anger or excitement.
Whip up (rage, emotions)
o calm down and take control of your emotions or a difficult situation; to behave more sensibly and responsibly
Get a grip
Out of the ...
blue
They pretended everything was fine even though they were having serious problems.
Keep up appearances
A: Do you really think changing the font will improve your grade?
B: Honestly, I’m just ...at this point.
A: Do you really think changing the font will improve your grade?
B: Honestly, I’m just clutching at straws at this point.