Phrasal Verb Idioms Here are six of the most important "phrasal verbs" in the language. (Phrasal verbs are verbs followed by prepositions and adverbs which give them special idiomatic meanings). a) Break The card broke down (stopped because of a mechanical defect). My sister broke down when she heard the bad news (collapsed). He knows how to break in horses (train, discipline). Yesterday burglars broke into their house (forced an entry). A revolution has broken out (begun). b) Bring This story brought home to me the seriousness of the situation (made me realize). You must bring back that book (return). She fainted, but we brought her round with some brandy (revived). She has brought up her children very well (reared and educated). His wonderful speech brought the house down (received great applause). c) Call Please call in a doctor at once (ask a doctor to come). This calls for immediate action (demands, requires). Shall I call for you at six o'clock (come to collect)? He called on her this morning (visited). d) Clear After breakfast she cleared away (removed dishes etc. from the table). Clear off! I've had enough of you (go away - colloquial). They cleared out without paying their rent (departed). Please clear up your bedroom (make it tidy). The weather has cleared up at last (brightened). The lecturer cleared up several points (elucidated, made clear). e) Come How did it come about that you went to live in Sri Lanka (happen)? I came across this book quite by chance (found, discovered). How did you come by this diamond ring (acquired)? The price of the flour has come down a lot (fallen). He came into a fortune when his uncle died (inherited). This book will come in useful (prove useful). The magazine comes out every Friday (appears). He split ink on his coat and the stain wouldn't come out (disappear). He came round quickly after the anesthetic (returned to consciousness). How much does the bill come to (total). The question of higher wages will certainly come up (be raised). You work has not come up to standard (reached the required standard). f) Cut We must cut down our expenses (reduce). He keeps cutting in when I'm talking (interrupting). His parents cut him off with a shilling (disinherited). He loves the sea and seems cut out a sailor (fitted, suited to be). The author cut out all the long words from his book (removed). Please cut up the meat for the children (cut into small pieces). He was very cut up about his son's accident (distressed)