Phrases & Expressions

To change from one thing to another, like a TV channel or a system.

• Let's switch over to another channel.
• The company decided to switch over to new software.

To separate something into its different parts.

• Can you take apart the old radio?
• He likes to take apart computers and rebuild them.

To begin to like someone or something.

• The children took to their new teacher immediately.
• She quickly took to her new job in the city.

To move an aircraft slowly on the ground from the runway to the gate.

• After landing, the aircraft taxied in to gate B5.
• The pilots taxied in slowly because the apron was very busy.

To move an aircraft on the ground using its own power towards a specific destination.

• Taxi to the gate when instructed.
• The pilot will taxi to the maintenance hangar.

To demolish a building or structure.

• They plan to tear down the old factory.
• The historic theatre was torn down last year.

To tear paper or cloth into many small pieces.

• He tore up the letter in anger.
• Please tear up the old bank statements before you throw them away.

To speak to someone angrily because they have done something wrong.

• His teacher told him off for being late.
• She told off the children for making a mess.

To invent or create something, often an idea or excuse.

• He thought up a clever excuse for being late.
• Can you think up a new game?

To throw something away; to discard.

• Toss out the old newspapers.
• It's time to toss out these old shoes.