Phrases & Expressions

to understand or interpret something or someone

• What do you make of it?
• I don't know what to make of him.

To understand the meaning of something, especially something confusing.

• I can't make sense of this report.
• It took me hours to make sense of the instructions.

To become friends again after an argument.

• They argue and make up constantly.
• Have you two made up after yesterday's fight?

To make a mistake or to spoil something by handling it badly.

• Amber messed up and put salt instead of sugar in the cookies.
• Ted really messed up on his chemistry test — he got a D.

To go to a higher position, level or rank.

• She hopes to move up in the company.
• Our team moved up to second place in the league.

To write information on paper so you do not forget it.

• Please note down the address before you leave.
• She noted down the main points of the lecture.

To give something to one person, who passes it on, until everyone in a group has seen or had it.

• We passed the photos around so everyone could see them.
• Please pass the cake around the table.

To lose consciousness.

• He passed out from the heat.
• She nearly passed out.

To decline an opportunity or offer.

• Don't pass up this chance.
• He passed up the offer.

to suddenly lose consciousness, often temporarily

• He passed out from exhaustion.
• She passed out when she saw the blood.