Call off / Call (something) off
To cancel
Ex. We need to call off the meeting due to the weather.
Ex. We need to call the meeting off because it is going to rain.
Calm down
Relax after being angry
Ex. You can sit with us after you have calmed down.
Catch up
Get to the same point as another person
Ex. After my week of vacation, it’s going to take me forever to catch up!
Do over / Do (something) over
Do again
Ex. I have to do the e-mail over because I sent it to the wrong person.
Eat out
Eat at a restaurant
Ex. Let’s make spaghetti tonight, I’m tired of eating out.
Figure out / Figure (something) out
Understand or find the answer
Ex. We left early because we figured out the problem.
Ex. We figured the problem out, so we left early.
Give up / Give (something) up
Stop trying, quit
Ex. I gave up smoking last year.
Go over (something)
Review
Ex. I gave up smoking last year.
Hang out
Spend time relaxing (informal)
Ex. I don’t have any money, let’s just hang out at my place.
Hold on
Wait for a moment
Ex. Hold on one minute, I’m on the phone.
Keep on (doing something)
Continue what you are doing
Ex. I asked her to wait, but she kept on walking.
Look for (something or somebody)
Search for, or try to find
Ex. I was looking for a computer, but I got a tablet instead.
Pass out
Faint, lose consciousness
Ex. It is so hot today I might pass out.
Put off / Put (something) off
Postpone
Ex. I think we should put the trip off until we save more money.
Put on / Put (something) on
Put clothing or accessories on your body
Ex. He looked so silly when he put that hat on.
Throw away / Throw (something) away
Put in the garbage, dispose of
Ex. I accidentally threw away my dessert!
Turn on/off / Turn (something) on/off
Start or stop the power or energy source
Ex. Can you turn off the music if I fall asleep?
Ex. Turn the lights on please, I can’t see!
Turn up
Appear suddenly
Ex. My watch turned up in the washing machine.
Turn down / Turn (something) down
Refuse
Ex. I didn’t feel good about the offer, so I turned it down.
Wake up
Stop sleeping
Ex. She was so loud that she woke up the baby.
Work out
Exercise or be successful
Ex. I prefer to work out in the mornings.
Ex. He wasn’t happy at first, but it all worked out in the end.
