Phrases & Expressions

To remove something completely with water, or to be removed by water.

• The heavy rain washed away the soil from the garden.
• The floodwaters washed away the old bridge.

To clean the inside of something with water.

• Wash out the cups before you put them away.
• She washed out the bottle and filled it with fresh water.

To ask several different people in order to find information.

• I'll ask around to see if anyone has a spare ticket.
• She asked around but no one had seen the cat.

To help a person or organization out of financial trouble, usually by giving money.

• The government had to bail out several banks during the financial crisis.
• My parents bailed me out when I couldn't pay my rent.

To hit someone repeatedly and violently so that they are injured.

• The gang beat up the shopkeeper during the robbery.
• The bully threatened to beat him up after school.

To leave a group or organization, often to form a separate one.

• She broke away from the group.
• Several members broke away to form a new club.

To become free from confinement or control.

• He broke free of the chains.
• She finally broke free from her boring routine and moved abroad.

To enter a building or car illegally, usually by force, in order to steal something.

• Someone broke into our house while we were on holiday.
• Thieves broke into his car and stole his laptop.

To suddenly become covered in something, such as spots, a rash or sweat.

• I broke out in a rash after eating strawberries.
• He broke out in a cold sweat.

To force a way through a barrier or obstacle.

• Rescue workers broke through the wall to reach the trapped miners.
• The sun finally broke through the clouds.