Phrases & Expressions

To go or travel through a place, often without stopping for long.

• We're just passing through.
• The train passes through the city.

To repeatedly criticize, annoy, or treat someone unfairly.

• Stop picking on me!
• They picked on the new kid.

To notice something that is not obvious or that someone has said indirectly.

• She picked up on the hint.
• Did you pick up on that?

To pull something backwards or away from where it was.

• She pulled back the curtains to let the sunlight in.
• He pulled back his hand from the hot stove.

To treat someone badly or unfairly, telling them what to do.

• Don't let him push you around.
• She hates being pushed around.

To try hard to get something or to make something happen.

• Activists are pushing for new laws.
• She's pushing for a promotion.

To suggest an idea, plan, or name for consideration.

• They put forward a new proposal.
• He put his name forward for the job.

To accept or tolerate something or someone unpleasant without complaining.

• For many years, Barbara put up with her husband's annoying behavior before finally leaving him.
• I don't know how Len puts up with his mean boss every day.

To turn your body so that you lie on your other side, your back or your front.

• He rolled over and went back to sleep.
• The puppy rolled over onto its back to be stroked.

To decide that something is not possible or not suitable.

• Don't rule out any options yet.
• Doctors ruled out a serious illness.