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Phrasal Verb - hemming in

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb hemming in

Image uploaded to Pixabay by Sunriseforever

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Definition​

To limit or restrict someone's actions or freedom, often by surrounding them with pressure or criticism. This phrasal verb can also mean to contain or enclose something.

Examples​

No.Example
1The boss was hemmed in by the expectations of the board of directors.
2The protesters were hemmed in by the police, making it difficult for them to leave.
3The tight budget hemmed in the project team's creative ideas.
4The container was hemmed in by the narrow alleyways of the old city.
5The ball was hemmed in by the opposing team's defense.
6The new policy hemmed in the sales team's ability to offer discounts.
7The journalist was hemmed in by the government's restrictions on reporting.
8The adventurous hikers were hemmed in by the steep cliffs and thick fog.
9The artist was hemmed in by the constraints of the commission's brief.
10The dog was hemmed in by the high fence and couldn't escape.

Phrasal Verb - Hiding Away

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Hiding Away

Image uploaded to Pixabay by yvonneh11

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Definition​

To put or keep something out of sight, often because one is ashamed, afraid, or trying to conceal it. This phrasal verb can also mean to go or stay somewhere out of the way, usually to avoid people or problems.

Examples​

No.Example
1I always hide away my old clothes in the attic instead of throwing them out.
2When I was a child, I used to hide away under my bed during thunderstorms.
3John decided to hide away in the library to study for his exams.
4The company tried to hide away the financial losses from the investors.
5After the argument, she hid away in her room for hours.
6The thief hid away the stolen jewels in a secret compartment.
7The injured animal hid away in a cave to recover.
8Many people hide away their emotions and don't express them openly.
9The family decided to hide away from the outside world for a while.
10The CEO hid away in his office, refusing to speak to anyone about the crisis.

Phrasal Verb - hinging-on

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb hinging-on

Image uploaded to Pixabay by junebab

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'hinge on' means that an event, situation, or decision depends on something else. It suggests that the outcome of one thing is contingent upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of another.

Examples​

No.Example
1The success of the project hinges on the timely delivery of the new software.
2I can't make a decision until I've heard back from my boss. The outcome hinges on her response.
3Our plans for the weekend hinge on the weather.
4The election result hinges on the votes in a few key constituencies.
5The deal can't go through without the approval of the board. It all hinges on their decision.
6Our strategy will hinge on the competition's response.
7The outcome of the game hinges on the performance of the goalkeeper.
8The success of the project hinges on the cooperation of all team members.
9The peace agreement hinges on the disarmament of both sides.
10The future of the company hinges on the launch of the new product.

Phrasal Verb - Hitting back

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Hitting back

Image uploaded to Pixabay by SamMino

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Definition​

To retaliate or respond forcefully or in kind to an attack, criticism, or provocation. This phrasal verb implies a defensive or counter-offensive action taken to protect oneself or to assert one's rights.

Examples​

No.Example
1After being bullied at work, John hit back with a stern letter to HR.
2The politician hit back at her critics during a fiery press conference.
3The victim hit back with a lawsuit against the perpetrator.
4When confronted with insults, Sarah always hits back with wit and humor.
5The company hit back against negative reviews with a public apology and a promise to improve.
6The team hit back strongly in the second half of the game.
7The president hit back at his opponents during the campaign debates.
8Mary hit back at her ex-husband's accusations during the divorce proceedings.
9The student hit back at the teacher's accusations during the disciplinary hearing.
10The charity hit back against the allegations of mismanagement and corruption

Phrasal Verb - hitting on

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb hitting on

Image uploaded to Pixabay by webandi

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Definition​

Making advances or attempting to attract someone romantically or sexually, often in a persistent or aggressive way.

Examples​

No.Example
1He's been hitting on her at every opportunity, but she's not interested.
2I saw him hitting on my sister at the bar last night.
3She accused him of hitting on her friend at the party.
4He hit on the waitress and was surprised when she slapped him.
5When I was in college, I remember a guy hitting on me during a study session.
6My friend was uncomfortable when her boss kept hitting on her.
7He hit on every woman he met at the conference.
8I was surprised when I found out my boyfriend had been hitting on other women.
9She was flattered when the famous actor hit on her at the awards show.
10He hit on the bartender and ended up getting a free drink

Phrasal Verb - holding against

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb holding against

Image uploaded to Pixabay by aszak

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Definition​

A phrasal verb where 'hold' means to keep insisting or opposing, especially in a formal or legal context. One party holds a position against another party, often in a debate or negotiation.

Examples​

No.Example
1Despite the evidence, the defendant held against the jury's decision.
2The employer held against the union's demands for higher wages.
3The politician held against the public's calls for his resignation.
4The manager held against the employee's request for a promotion.
5The prosecutor held against the defendant's alibi.
6The judge held against the defendant's motion to dismiss the case.
7The negotiator held against the opposing party's proposal.
8The lawyer held against the witness's testimony.
9The parent held against the child's request for a later curfew.
10The coach held against the player's appeal for a starting position.

Phrasal Verb - Holding Back

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Holding Back

Image uploaded to Pixabay by stokpic

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Definition​

Hold back is a phrasal verb that means to prevent someone or something from going ahead or continuing, often by using force or pressure. It can also mean to keep one's emotions or reactions in check.

Examples​

No.Example
1The traffic was at a standstill as the police held back the crowd.
2Despite her fear, she held back from telling her parents about the accident.
3The coach held back the team's star player due to an injury.
4He held back a sneeze during the quiet library scene.
5The teacher held back the class until all the students had arrived.
6She held back her tears as she listened to the sad song.
7The farmer held back the oxen to plow the field.
8He held back the dog from attacking the mailman.
9The manager held back the promotion of the employee until he improved his performance.
10The tension between the two countries was held back by a peace treaty.

Phrasal Verb - Holding Down

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Holding Down

Image uploaded to Pixabay by josealbafotos

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Definition​

To maintain or keep something in a stable or controlled state, to keep someone or something from moving or acting, or to support or defend a position or opinion. This phrasal verb can also mean to delay or postpone an action or decision.

Examples​

No.Example
1He held down the fort while his colleagues were away.
2She held down a full-time job and went to school at night.
3The police held down the rioters until reinforcements arrived.
4He couldn't hold down his lunch and had to run to the bathroom.
5The company is holding down production until the new machinery arrives.
6The protesters held down the traffic for hours.
7He held down a grudge against his former boss for years.
8The team held down a 2-goal lead until the final whistle.
9She held down the fort while her husband was away on business.
10The government held down the price of oil to prevent inflation

Phrasal Verb - Holding In

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Holding In

Image uploaded to Pixabay by Alexas_Fotos

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'hold in' means to keep back or prevent oneself from expressing or doing something, often due to social constraints or politeness. It can also refer to physically containing or restraining something.

Examples​

No.Example
1I had to hold in my laughter during the funeral.
2The coach told the players to hold in their emotions and focus on the game.
3She could feel the anger building up inside her, but she held it in.
4I accidentally held in my farts during the interview and it was quite uncomfortable.
5The teacher asked the students to hold in their questions until the end of the lesson.
6He held in his tears as he listened to the sad song.
7The baby was crying but its mother managed to hold it in until they reached the car.
8The hostage negotiator asked the terrorist to hold in his demands for a few hours.
9The police officer held in the suspect until backup arrived.
10The athlete held in his breath during the race to conserve energy.

Phrasal Verb - Holding Off

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Holding Off

Image uploaded to Pixabay by StockSnap

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Definition​

This phrasal verb means to delay or postpone an action or decision, often due to a lack of readiness or permission. It can also mean to withhold or restrain oneself from doing something, especially in order to give someone else a turn or to avoid conflict.

Examples​

No.Example
1I need to hold off on making a decision until I have more information.
2Can you hold off on sending the email until tomorrow?
3The construction workers had to hold off their project due to bad weather.
4She asked him to hold off on telling her the bad news until she was ready.
5The teacher held off disciplining the student until after the recess.
6I'll hold off on buying a new car until I save enough money.
7He held off from making a move until he saw an opportunity.
8The coach held off starting the substitute until the game was almost over.
9She held off laughing until her friend finished telling the joke.
10The government held off implementing the new tax until after the election.