To witter on is to talk in a long-winded way, for a long time, about things that are not very important. This expression is informal British English. Examples of use: 1. I wish you would stop wittering on while I'm trying to do my homework! 2. My new neighbour is lovely but she does [...]
Phrasal verb: warm to
March 19, 2011 By 2 Comments
To warm to somebody or something is to start to like somebody or something. Examples of use: 1. My mother didn't like my boyfriend when they first met, but she is warming to him now. 2. We're warming to the idea of relocating our business to Italy. 3. It will take him a long time [...]
Phrasal verb: mull over
March 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
To mull over something (or mull something over) is to think very carefully about something over a period of time – usually before making a decision. Examples of use: 1. I'll mull over your ideas and let you know my decision tomorrow. 2. I need to mull things over for a few days before I [...]
Phrasal verb: tinker with
March 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
To tinker with something is to make small changes to something, often in an unskilled way, to try and repair it or improve it. Examples of use: 1. He's been tinkering with that old car for months. The engine still won't start. 2. My grandfather loved tinkering with clocks and watches. 3. My husband [...]
Phrasal verb: plump up
March 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
To plump up something (or plump something up) is to make something fuller, softer and rounder, especially by shaking it. For example, a pillow or a cushion. Examples of use: 1. Nurse, can you plump up my pillows for me, please? 2. She plumps up the cushions on her sofa several times a day! 3. [...]
Phrasal verb: flip through
March 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment
To flip through something is to look quickly or casually at the pages of something (e.g. a book or magazine). flick through has the same meaning. Examples of use; 1. I flipped through the latest issue of Vogue magazine at the train station. 2. I saw your advert when I was flipping through the local [...]
Phrasal verb: man up
March 1, 2011 By 3 Comments
To man up means to be strong, take contol and do the honourable or responsible thing. Examples of use: 1. Man up and get yourself a job and provide for your family. 2. You need to man up and tell your boss you deserve a promotion and a pay rise. 3. He is afraid to [...]
Phrasal verb: play up
February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
1. If someone, especially a child, plays up they behave badly or mischievously. Examples of use: ♦ The children have been playing up all day. ♦ The children always play up when we visit their grandparents 2. If a machine, or part of a machine, plays up it does not work as it should. [...]
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