Phrasal verbs: setbacks and reactions

Vocabulary in this set

Practise these common expressions when discussing setbacks, mistakes, and reactions.

1. drop out

   Phrase

   to withdraw or quit, especially from an educational program or competition

   After facing financial difficulties, John had to drop out of college.

2. mess up

   Phrase

   to make a mistake or fail in something

   He messed up his presentation by not preparing enough.

3. break in

   Phrase

   to the act of stopping or pausing from an activity, often for rest or relaxation. It can also mean the separation of something into pieces or parts, or to solve a problem or difficulty in a particular situation.

   After working for several hours, I need a break.

4. brush off

   Phrase

   Brush off

   She tried to brush off his advances, but he didn't take no for an answer.

5. burn out

   Phrase

   Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion caused by prolonged and sustained stress. It can occur when someone is exposed to chronic stressors without sufficient opportunities to recover or recharge.

   A person experiencing burnout might feel overwhelmed, tired, disengaged, and unmotivated, which can negatively impact their performance at work or in their personal life.

6. catch on

   Phrase

   Catch on

   The phrase 'catch on' means to understand or become aware of something, often used when referring to new ideas, concepts, or techniques.

7. come apart

   Phrase

   separate

   The pieces of the machine came apart during transportation.

8. leave off

   Phrase

   to stop doing or using something, or to omit

   To stop doing something, to omit or exclude something.

9. forget about

   Phrase

   To cease remembering or thinking about something; to disregard or not consider.

   Let's forget about the disagreement and move forward with the project.

10. mark off

    Phrase

    to designate or set apart by marking

    The teacher marked off the students' names from the list.