Phrasal Verb Part I

Phrasal

verbs

Many verbs (called phrasal verbs), when followed by various prepositions or adverbs, acquire an idiomatic sense.    For example           He backed up (supported) his friend's claim.       The present disturbances will soon blow over (pass off). The police produced evidence to bear out (substantiate) the charge of murder. You must not build your hopes upon (rely upon) his promises. The matter has been cleared up (explained), I readily closed with (accepted) his offer. He is ready to dispose of (sell) his car for Rs.1,500. Rust has eaten away (corroded) the plate. They fixed upon (chose) him to do the work. My good behaviour so far gained on (won the favour of) the emperor that I began to conceive hopes of liberty. The habit of chewing tobacco has been growing upon (is having stronger and stronger hold over) him. Please hear me out (i.e. hear me to the end). I have hit upon (found) a good plan to get rid of him. About an hour ago I saw a fellow hanging about (loitering about) our bungalow. These events led up to (culminated in) the establishment of a republic. During excavations one of the workmen lighted upon (chanced to find, discovered) a gold idol. During her long illness she often longed for (desired) death. I could not prevail on (persuade, induce) him to attend the meeting. I threatened to show him up (expose him). All eyes turned to him because he was the only person who could stave off (prevent, avert) the impending war. He is sticking out for (persists in demanding) better terms. I must think the matter over (i.e., consider it). Train up (educate) a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it. That fellow trumped up (concocted, fabricated) a story. He seems to be well off (in comfortable circumstances). BEAR Satish bore away (won) many prizes at the school sports. The new Sultan has been able to bear down (overthrow, crush) all opposition. His evidence bears out (confirms, corroborates), the evidence of the first witness. In his misfortune God gave him strength to bear up (to keep up spirits, not to despair). A religious hope bears up (supports) a man in his trials. His evidence did not bear upon (was not relevant to) the inquiry. I trust you will bear with (have patience with, show forbearance to) me a few minutes more. BREAK He broke down (failed) in the middle of his speech. He broke off (stopped suddenly) in the middle of his story. I gave him no cause to break with (quarrel with) me. The burglars broke into (entered by force) the house. BRING       His folly has brought about (caused) his ruin.      Idleness and luxury bring forth (produce, cause) poverty and want.     He brought forward (adduced) several cogent arguments in support of his scheme.     That building brings in (yields as rent) Rs.700 a month.    Our teacher often tells us a story to bring out (show) the meaning of a lesson.     The publishers have recently brought out (published) a cheap edition of their new dictionary.     He found great difficulty in bringing her round (converting her) to his views. CALL      His master called for (demanded) an explanation of his conduct.     New responsibilities often call out (draw forth) virtues and abilities unsuspected before.     Call in (summon, send for) a doctor immediately.     He called on me (paid me a brief visit) yesterday.      The old man could not call up (recollect) past events. CARRY     He agreed to carry out (execute) my orders.      His passion carried him away (i.e., deprived him of self control).     His son carried on (managed) his business in his absence.     Many persons were carried off (killed) by plague. CAST'     The ship was cast away (wrecked) on the coast of Africa.     He was much cast down (depressed) by his loss.      Some snakes cast off (throw away) their outer skins seasonally. COME     How did these things come about (happen)?      How did you come by (get) this purse ?      When does the Convocation come off (take place)?      At last the truth has .come out (transpired).     The taxes come to (amount to) a large sum.     The question came up (was mooted or raised for discussion) before the Municipal Corporation last week.     I expect he will come round (recover) within a week.     I hope he will come round (agree) to our views. CRY       Men of dissolute lives cry down (depreciate) religion, because they would not be under the restraints of it.    He cried out against (protested against) such injustice.     That young author is cried up (extolled) by his friends.