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Definition​

The phrasal verb "add up" has several primary meanings. Most commonly, it means to calculate a total from multiple numbers, quantities, or items; to sum them to find the grand total. Beyond simple arithmetic, it also signifies the act of making sense or being logically consistent and coherent. In this context, it's often used in the negative form (e.g., "it doesn't add up") to express suspicion, a lack of credibility, or an inconsistency in a story, facts, or a situation. A third important meaning is to accumulate or amount to a significant total over time, where many small individual components collectively contribute to a larger sum or impact.

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Definition​

The phrasal verb "back up" carries multiple distinct meanings, making it highly versatile in English. Primarily, it can mean to provide support, corroboration, or assistance to someone or something, affirming their position, statement, or claim. In the context of digital data and computing, it refers to the act of creating a copy of files, folders, or entire systems to ensure data recovery in case of loss or damage. When used with vehicles, it signifies the action of moving backward. Furthermore, "back up" can describe a situation where a flow is obstructed, leading to a blockage or accumulation, such as a drain becoming clogged or traffic becoming congested. It can also imply a delay or piling up of tasks or work. Lastly, it can refer to providing a secondary, reserve, or alternative option that can be used if the primary one fails or is unavailable, essentially serving as a contingency.

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Definition​

To 'chat up' someone means to talk to them in a friendly, engaging, and often flirtatious way, typically with the intention of making them interested in you, gaining their favor, or initiating a romantic or social relationship. It implies a strategic and charming approach to start a conversation, often with an underlying motive such as attraction, establishing a connection, or even seeking a benefit. It is commonly used in social contexts where one person is trying to 'pick up' or impress another, but can also extend to non-romantic scenarios where someone is trying to butter up or win over another person.

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Definition​

To 'come clean' means to confess to a past wrongdoing, secret, or lie, revealing the truth about something one has been hiding, often after a period of guilt, fear, or concealment. It implies admitting fault, being honest, and disclosing information that was previously kept secret, typically with the intention of alleviating a burden, facing consequences, or resolving a situation. This phrasal verb suggests a voluntary act of transparency, often prompted by conscience, external pressure, or the inevitability of the truth coming out, and it often leads to a sense of relief for the confessor, though it may also bring about difficult repercussions.

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Definition​

To start to feel unwell or ill, typically with a sudden onset of a fever, headache, or other symptoms that are often associated with a cold, flu, or other illness.

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Definition​

Conceal or deceive by deliberately hiding part of the truth, often to conceal an ulterior motive or to get someone's attention.

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'come on' (and its gerund 'coming on') is highly versatile, encompassing a range of meanings primarily related to initiation, progression, or encouragement. It can signify the beginning or onset of something, such as an illness (e.g., 'a cold is coming on'), a performance or broadcast (e.g., 'the show is coming on'), or an automatic process (e.g., 'the lights came on'). It is also widely used to denote making progress, developing, or maturing successfully, often in reference to skills, projects, or individuals (e.g., 'her painting is really coming on'). As an imperative ('Come on!'), it serves multiple functions: to urge someone to hurry, to encourage effort, to express disbelief or protest, or to prompt agreement. In a social context, it can describe someone making advances or flirting with another person. Furthermore, it can refer to an item, such as fruit, beginning to ripen or become available, or a performer appearing on a stage or screen.

Examples​

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Definition​

The phrasal verb "come out" is highly versatile, carrying multiple distinct meanings depending on the context. Primarily, it can mean:

1. To become known or revealed: This refers to information, secrets, news, or facts that were previously hidden or unknown and are now disclosed or made public. For example, "The truth about the hidden files eventually came out."
2. To be released, published, or produced: This sense is used for new products, books, films, albums, software, or reports that are made available to the public. For instance, "Her latest novel is coming out next spring."
3. To emerge or appear from an enclosed space: This describes the act of moving from an interior or hidden location into an open or visible one. Examples include people exiting a building, an animal leaving its den, or the sun appearing from behind clouds. "The sun finally came out after the heavy rain."
4. To be removed, extracted, or detached, often with effort: This is typically used when a stain, mark, or an object (like a tooth or a splinter) is successfully taken out from something else. "I hope that difficult red wine stain comes out of the carpet."
5. To publicly declare one's sexual orientation or gender identity: This is a significant social and personal usage, often referring to an individual's process of revealing their LGBTQ+ identity to family, friends, or the wider community. "It took him years to feel ready to come out to his family."
6. To result or turn out in a particular way: This describes the final outcome, conclusion, or effect of a process, situation, or event. "Let's see how the final decision comes out."
7. To bloom or open (of flowers): Used specifically to describe when flowers begin to open their petals and display their beauty. "The crocuses are just starting to come out in the garden."
8. To express oneself clearly or directly: Less common, but can imply speaking frankly or without reservation about one's thoughts or feelings.

Examples​

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'cut across' primarily has two main meanings:

1. To take a shorter route or path, often by passing through an area rather than going around it. This implies efficiency and directness, sometimes at the expense of established paths or boundaries. For instance, walking across a field instead of following the designated road to save time.

2. To affect, be relevant to, or extend over different groups, categories, or areas; to transcend boundaries or divisions. This meaning suggests that an issue, phenomenon, or characteristic is not confined to one particular segment but impacts or is observed across various segments of a population, society, or discipline. It implies broad applicability or interconnectedness, often highlighting commonalities or shared experiences despite superficial differences. It can also refer to something that goes against or challenges conventional divisions, sometimes implying a disruptive or unifying influence.

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Definition​

The phrasal verb "drop in" primarily means to pay a casual, informal, and often unannounced visit to someone's home, office, or another location, usually for a short period. It implies a sense of spontaneity and a lack of prior planning or appointment. The visit is typically brief, friendly, and not demanding, often intended for a quick chat, to deliver something, or simply to say hello while passing by. It can also refer to making an unexpected appearance at an event or place without a formal invitation or registration, especially if the attendance is brief or for a specific, quick purpose.

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Definition​

To 'let on' means to reveal a secret, disclose confidential information, or give a hint about something that was intended to be kept hidden or unknown. It often implies doing so unintentionally, carelessly, or without fully realizing the implications, rather than a deliberate act of betrayal. It can also mean to pretend or feign, especially when someone claims not to know something but actually does, but is giving subtle clues. The phrasal verb suggests a subtle or indirect disclosure, a slip of the tongue, or an inadvertent signal that betrays hidden knowledge or feelings, often leading to someone's surprise or the unraveling of a carefully guarded piece of information.

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Definition​

To examine a collection of items, documents, or information, typically in a quick or systematic manner, often with the primary purpose of finding something specific, gaining a general overview, or checking for particular details. It implies a survey or scan, moving from one item to another in succession, rather than an exhaustive or in-depth study. It suggests a methodical but not necessarily slow process of observation or review. Less commonly, it can also mean to deliberately ignore someone or something, failing to acknowledge their presence.

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Definition​

To 'lump together' is a phrasal verb that means to group different people or things together, often indiscriminately, without proper consideration for their individual characteristics, differences, or nuances. It implies a tendency to generalize or oversimplify by treating distinct entities as if they were identical or belonged to the same undifferentiated category. This action can sometimes be inaccurate, unfair, or lead to misunderstandings, as it disregards the specific traits, contexts, or identities that differentiate one element from another within the grouped whole. It suggests a lack of careful distinction or a broad-brush approach to categorization.

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'make out' is highly versatile and carries several distinct meanings depending on the context. It can mean to discern or perceive something, often with difficulty, such as text, sounds, or shapes that are unclear. Another common use is to understand or comprehend something, like a person's intentions or a complex situation. Informally, it is used to describe passionate kissing and cuddling, particularly between romantic partners. Additionally, 'make out' can mean to write or complete a document, like a check, a report, or a will. It can also describe how well someone is faring or succeeding in a particular situation or task, often implying managing or coping. Lastly, it can be used to imply claiming or pretending something, often falsely, or to represent something in a particular way.

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Definition​

The phrasal verb "move over" carries both literal and figurative meanings, signifying a shift or displacement. Literally, it means to physically change one's position, usually by sliding or shifting sideways, in order to create space for another person or object. This is a common request or instruction in situations where people are seated or standing closely together, such as on a bench, in a car, or on public transport, to accommodate someone else or to simply gain more room. It can be used as a polite request ("Could you please move over?") or a more direct command ("Move over!").

Figuratively, "move over" implies relinquishing a position, role, dominance, or status to make way for someone or something new. This sense often suggests a transition or a generational shift, where established individuals, ideas, or technologies are replaced or overshadowed by newer ones. It can describe a veteran employee making space for a younger talent, an older technology being superseded by an innovative one, or an established paradigm giving way to a new one. In this context, it signifies not just physical space but also metaphorical 'room' in terms of influence, market share, or societal relevance.

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Definition​

To opt out means to choose not to participate in something, to withdraw from an agreement, service, activity, or system, or to decline an option that is otherwise presented as standard or default. It implies a conscious and deliberate decision to remove oneself from a particular obligation, program, membership, or data collection process, often by actively indicating one's dissent or non-participation. This action typically involves rejecting an offer, declining to be included, or formally notifying an organization of one's wish to be excluded from future communications or services, contrasting with 'opting in' where one actively chooses to participate.

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Definition​

To distribute something to each person in a group, often by handing it sequentially from one individual to the next until everyone has had a turn to see, use, consume, or read it. It implies a circular or linear movement through a group of people, ensuring that an item, information, or even a responsibility reaches everyone involved. This action is typically done with a common purpose, such as sharing, informing, or allowing participation.

Examples​

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Definition​

To 'pass over' primarily means to disregard, ignore, or omit someone or something, often in favor of another option. This can manifest in several ways:

1. Exclusion from selection or promotion: This is a very common usage, implying that an individual or entity was deliberately not chosen for an opportunity, a position, or a reward, despite potentially being qualified, while others were selected. It often carries a connotation of unfairness or being overlooked.
2. To skip or omit information: To deliberately or inadvertently leave out certain details, facts, or topics when discussing or presenting something.
3. To ignore or overlook a fault or transgression: To choose not to address or punish someone for a mistake or minor offense, often out of leniency or a desire to move on.
4. To go across or beyond something (less common/literal): While less frequent in its phrasal verb sense, it can literally mean to move from one side to another, or metaphorically to transcend a difficulty.

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Definition​

To 'pay up' means to pay money that is due or owed, often implying a sense of obligation, a deadline being reached, or a demand being made. It typically refers to paying a full amount, or settling a debt after some delay or reluctance. The phrase often carries a connotation of completing a payment that one might have tried to avoid or postpone. It can be used in various contexts, from settling a personal debt to fulfilling a financial obligation in business or legal situations, and even playfully in a betting scenario. The 'up' emphasizes the completion or finality of the payment, often implying that the payment is made in full or that the time for delay is over.

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Definition​

Pedalling away is a phrasal verb that describes the action of cycling a bicycle with considerable effort, speed, or determination, often with a specific purpose such as escaping a situation, leaving a location rapidly, making quick progress towards a destination, or simply enjoying the vigorous motion. It implies a continuous and forceful motion of the pedals, propelling the bicycle forward with notable energy and intensity. This action can be driven by a desire for speed, a need to distance oneself from something or someone, a commitment to exercise, or the simple enjoyment of swift, sustained movement. The intensity of 'pedalling away' suggests a focused and sustained effort from the cyclist, often indicating urgency or strong purpose.

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