Phrases & Expressions

To stretch out your hand or arm towards something.

• He reached for the highest shelf to get the book.
• She reached for her keys on the table.

To use all of something so that there is none left.

• We've run out of milk.
• The shop has run out of sugar.

To start a business, organization or system.

• They plan to set up a new company.
• She set up a charity to help homeless people.

To stop talking, or to make someone stop talking; often used as a rude command.

• The children were making too much noise, so I told them to shut up.
• He finally shut up and let me speak.

To increase speed or pace.

• Can you speed up a little?
• The music made them want to speed up.

To check a text for spelling mistakes and correct them.

• Always run a spell check before sending an email.
• My computer's spell check found several errors.

To not go near a person, place or thing.

• Please stay away from the construction site.
• Stay away from the edge of the cliff.

To place your foot on something.

• Don't step on the grass.
• He stepped on my foot.

To lie down with your body fully extended, usually to rest.

• He stretched out on the sofa for a nap.
• After lunch, he stretched out under a tree.

To move your finger upwards across a touch screen.

• Swipe up to see the next photo in the gallery.
• Swipe up on your phone to unlock the screen.