apply for
Meaning: To make a formal request for something (usually a job). Examples: “I decided to apply for the manager position.” “She applied for a scholarship to study abroad.”
carry out
Meaning: To perform a task, experiment, or duty. Examples: “The scientists carried out several tests.” “We need to carry out the plan carefully.”
set up
Meaning: To start a business or organization; to arrange something. Examples: “They set up their own company in 2015.” “Can you help me set up the equipment?”
take on
Meaning: To accept responsibility or work; to hire someone. Examples: “He took on too much work and got stressed.” “The company is taking on new staff.”
draw up
Meaning: To prepare a document or contract. Examples: “The lawyer drew up the contract yesterday.” “We need to draw up a list of rules.”
close down
Meaning: To stop operating permanently (a business or shop). Examples: “The factory closed down due to lack of orders.” “Many shops are closing down in the town center.”
phase in/out
Meaning: To introduce something gradually / to remove something gradually. Examples: “They are phasing in the new tax system.” “The old machines are being phased out.”
go ahead
Meaning: To start or proceed with a plan. Examples: “The project will go ahead as planned.” “We got permission to go ahead with the building work.”
go into
Meaning: To discuss or examine something in detail. Examples: “We don’t need to go into that now.” “The book goes into the history of the conflict.”
go through with
Meaning: To do something you have planned or promised despite difficulties. Examples: “He decided to go through with the operation.” “I can’t go through with this wedding.”
fall through
Meaning: To fail to happen (a plan, deal, arrangement). Examples: “Our holiday plans fell through at the last minute.” “The deal fell through because of legal issues.”
take over
Meaning: To take control of something (a company, job). Examples: “The new manager took over in January.” “Who will take over the family business?”
hand over
Meaning: To give someone else control or responsibility. Examples: “He handed over the project to his assistant.” “The thief was handed over to the police.”
work towards
Meaning: To try to achieve something over time. Examples: “We are working towards a peaceful solution.” “She is working towards her PhD.”
map out
Meaning: To plan in detail how something will develop. Examples: “They mapped out their career goals.” “We need to map out a strategy.”
drum up
Meaning: To try to get support or business. Examples: “They are drumming up support for the campaign.” “We need to drum up more business.”
bank on
Meaning: To depend on something happening. Examples: “I’m banking on you to help me.” “Don’t bank on the weather being good.”
touch on
Meaning: To mention a topic briefly without going into detail. Examples: “The lecture touched on several important issues.” “He only touched on the financial aspects.”
factor in
Meaning: To include something when making a calculation or plan. Examples: “Remember to factor in travel time.” “You need to factor in the cost of materials.”
iron out
Meaning: To solve small problems or difficulties. Examples: “We need to iron out the details.” “They met to iron out their differences.”
branch out
Meaning: To start doing new types of business or activities. Examples: “The company branched out into software development.” “I decided to branch out and try something different.”
scale up/down
Meaning: To increase/decrease the size or scope of operations. Examples: “We need to scale up production to meet demand.” “They scaled down their expansion plans.”
farm out
Meaning: To send work to other people/companies instead of doing it yourself. Examples: “They farm out the manufacturing to factories in China.” “We farm out our IT support.”
hive off
Meaning: To separate part of a company to form a new independent one. Examples: “The logistics division was hived off as a separate company.” “They plan to hive off the retail arm.”
