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Phrasal Verb - Painting Over

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Painting Over

Image uploaded to Pixabay by Skibka

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Definition​

Painting over refers to the act of covering or concealing a surface, image, or design with a fresh coat of paint, hiding or disguising the previous appearance or features. It can also imply making something less recognizable or covering up traces of something. In a broader sense, painting over can refer to any action that masks or conceals the truth, facts, or reality, often in a manner that disguises or distorts the original state.

Examples​

No.Example
1The artist decided to paint over the entire wall to give it a modern look.
2She painted over the old stain to remove the embarrassing mark.
3He painted over a wall to destroy evidence of the crime.
4The company tried to paint over the financial difficulties to reassure the investors.
5She had to paint over the graffiti on her favorite wall to restore its original beauty.
6He painted over a key sentence in the report to disguise his doubts about the experiment.
7The politicians tried to paint over the failures of their policies to maintain popularity.
8The beauty experts now paint over acne scars with new cosmetics after laser treatment to avoid their visibility.
9He wanted to paint over his rival's wall with defiant messages against the city development case.
10The manufacturer warned against providing modified models of their safeties and trying to paint over the main damage done just long enough for it to be undetected in non-compliance law presumes on American brands.

Phrasal Verb - Picking Through

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Picking Through

Image uploaded to Pixabay by Shutterbug75

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Definition​

To go through a mixture or debris thoroughly, often with the intention of finding something specific, like money or valuable items. This act is often done quickly, possibly with caution and possibly with the aid of a tool, depending on the state of the material.

Examples​

No.Example
1After the party, Sarah poured herself a glass of wine and picked through the debris to find her missing earring.
2The detective carefully picked through the crime scene to gather evidence.
3It's hard to pick through the trash to find any useful items.
4The children picked through the sand at the beach to find shells and other treasures.
5She picked through her grandmother's estate to find any valuable heirlooms.
6The mechanic had to pick through the engine to find the broken part.
7He picked through the ashes after the fire to see if anything was left.
8They had to pick through the rubble to rescue people trapped under the debris.
9She picked through her purse to find her phone and wallet.
10The archaeologist carefully picked through the ancient ruins to uncover hidden artifacts.

Phrasal Verb - Breaking In

· 3 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Breaking In

Image uploaded to Pixabay by congerdesign

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'break in' has several distinct meanings, often depending on context.

  1. To enter a building or car illegally, typically by force: This is often done with criminal intent, such as theft or vandalism. It implies gaining unauthorized access to a property. Example: The burglars broke in through the back window.

  2. To train or accustom someone or something to a new routine, job, or piece of equipment: In this sense, 'break in' means to gradually prepare a person or animal for a new task or environment, or to prepare a new machine for regular use by operating it carefully at first. This often involves a period of practice or gentle use to ensure proper functioning or adaptation. Example: It took weeks to break in the new recruit to the complex system.

  3. To wear new shoes, clothing, or use a new piece of equipment until it becomes comfortable or works smoothly: This refers to the process of making new items, especially footwear or machinery, more pliable, comfortable, or efficient through initial, gentle use. New items can often be stiff or difficult to use at first, and 'breaking them in' makes them more user-friendly. Example: These new boots are stiff; I need to break them in before the hike.

  4. To interrupt a conversation or activity: This usage means to interject or intrude into a discussion or ongoing event, often suddenly or without permission. It can be rude or necessary, depending on the circumstances. Example: Excuse me for breaking in, but I have an urgent message.

  5. To practice and become proficient in a new role or activity (less common, but related to training): Similar to the second definition, this emphasizes the personal journey of becoming skilled or comfortable in a new capacity. Example: She's still breaking in as a manager, but she's learning fast.

Examples​

No.Example
1The police responded quickly after reports of someone trying to break in to the jewelry store.
2It takes a lot of patience to break in a wild horse and make it rideable.
3My new running shoes feel a bit tight; I'll need a few short runs to break them in properly.
4I hate to break in on your discussion, but the meeting starts in five minutes.
5They spent the first week breaking in the new software system before rolling it out to all employees.
6Before performing, the actor had to break in his new stage shoes so they wouldn't squeak.
7The alarm sounded when the intruders attempted to break in through the front door.
8Could you help me break in this new intern? She's completely new to the industry.
9She waited for a pause in the conversation before she tried to break in with her opinion.
10He's slowly breaking in the vintage car, taking it for short drives to ensure everything is working perfectly.