Phrases & Expressions

To make or assemble something quickly and without much planning.

• I threw together a quick lunch.
• Let's throw together a presentation for tomorrow.

To catch your foot on something and almost fall.

• I tripped up over a loose rug.
• Be careful not to trip up on the stairs.

To adjust a musical instrument so it sounds correct.

• He spent an hour tuning up his guitar.
• The car needs to be tuned up.

To enter a room unexpectedly and see or interrupt something private.

• I accidentally walked in on my parents arguing.
• He walked in on a private conversation.

To make food or something else very quickly.

• Can you whip up a quick lunch?
• She whipped up a delicious cake in less than an hour.

To perform a story or situation by acting it.

• The children acted out the story in front of the class.
• In pairs, students act out a conversation in a restaurant.

To put something extra into something else.

• Add in the eggs one by one.
• Don't forget to add in the tax.

To attach or include something extra.

• We added on a small room at the back of the house.
• They added on a service charge to the bill.

To remain strong and cheerful in a difficult or sad situation.

• She is bearing up well despite her problems.
• He tried to bear up, but he was very upset.

To defeat someone in a competition, or do better than that person.

• She beat out the competition to win the gold medal.
• Our small company beat out three larger firms for the contract.