Phrasal verbs: pressure and consequences

Vocabulary in this set

Practise these common expressions in precise discussions of enforcement, negotiation, and consequences.

1. let off

   Phrase

   to stop bothering or annoying someone

   The teacher finally let off the students after they finished their tests.

2. count on

   Phrase

   To rely on or trust someone or something to provide support or assistance.

   In this project, we can count on John's expertise to help us succeed.

3. fight off

   Phrase

   to resist or struggle against

   The bird fought off its predator by pecking at it aggressively.

4. turn away

   Phrase

   to reject or refuse entry

   The bouncer had to turn away those without proper identification.

5. lose out

   Phrase

   to be at a disadvantage or fail to gain an advantage

   The word 'lose out' means to miss an opportunity or advantage, or to be disadvantaged or suffer a loss as a result of something.

6. fall through

   Phrase

   Fall through

   The term 'fall through' is used to describe a situation where something does not go as planned or intended.

7. kick off

   Phrase

   To begin or start, especially a game, event, or activity.

   The football match will kick off at 3:00 PM.

8. lay off

   Phrase

   To terminate someone's employment; to dismiss or make someone redundant.

   Due to financial constraints, the company had to lay off several employees.

9. crack down

   Phrase

   to take strong action to control or put an end to something

   The government decided to crack down on corruption in the country.

10. hash out

    Phrase

    to discuss or work through something, often in order to reach an agreement or come to a solution. It can also mean to clarify or resolve an issue by discussing it at length.

    The two colleagues needed to hash out their differences before they could continue working together effectively.