Awesome Phrasal Verbs vol. 1

Front

Let on

e.g.

1 There's so much more about her than what she's letting on.

2 The guy from school used to let on that he was tough, but when I challenged him to a fight he backed down.

Back

1 to allow people to know something, to reveal something. Usually something private or a secret.

2 to pretend something.

Front

Write off / Write (something) off

e.g.

Many people wrote off what he said because he is a comedian, thinking it was another joke, not knowing he was actually giving an honest opinion about politics.

Back

to disregard, ignore, neglect something, due to the perception that it is unimportant or doesn't need attention.

Front

Rule out

e.g.

I wouldn't completely rule out the possibility of finding treasures through that route, but we may be wasting our time in that dangerous area.

Back

disqualify or eliminate as a possibility; eliminate from consideration.

Front

Coop up

Coop (someone or something) up

e.g.

I don't want to be cooped up in the apartment the whole day. I'm going out for some sight-seeing, even though it's raining cats and dogs.

Back

to restrict someone to a particular place, usually small and constricted.

Front

Box in

e.g.

A: Henry left the company.

B: Oh really? Why?

A: He said he felt boxed in. Wasn't allowed to be creative or use his talents.

Back

to limit one's options or cause one to feel restricted.

or the literal sense: to physically impede someone to move to another place.

Front

Rope in ( or into)

e.g.

I didn't want to watch that romantic comedy, but my girlfriend roped me in saying she'd pay for the tickets of the action movie we watch next time.

Back

to persuade, entice or lure someone into doing something.

Front

Brazen it out

e.g.

I'm terrified to give this presentation and speak in public, but I just have to brazen it out and hope for the best.

Back

to face something, especially a difficult or uncertain situation with courage and self-confidence.

Front

Drive at

e.g.

A: Matt, you were the last to leave the conference room where the cellphone was stolen, right?

B: What are you driving at, Tom? If you have something to say, say it.

Back

to intend or mean; to hint at something you're trying to say;

Front

Chat up

e.g.

A: Jimmy, what do you think about that girl who lives across the street?

B: She's cute.

A: Good. So why don't you chat her up?

B: I'm too afraid.

Back

1 have a light, casual conversation with someone

2 to converse with someone with the intention to flirt with them

Front

Sleep in

e.g.

A: What are your plans for your Saturday? It's your day off, right?

B: You're right, it's my day off. And the big plan is.... that I'll just sleep in.

Back

1 to stay asleep in the morning more than you usually do; oversleep.

2 to sleep in your workplace.