Phrases & Expressions

To park a vehicle so close to another one that it cannot drive away.

• Someone blocked in my car and I was late for work.
• The delivery truck blocked in the smaller car in the car park.

To stop light or sound from getting into a place.

• These thick curtains block out the light from the street.
• I wear earplugs to block out the noise of the traffic.

To escape from restraint or control.

• The dog broke loose from its leash.
• Several boats broke loose during the storm and drifted away.

To end a relationship or connection with a person or group.

• She broke with her family after a bitter argument.
• Several members broke with the club over the new rules.

To succeed in doing something difficult.

• It was a difficult task, but she managed to bring it off.
• Can you bring off this complex negotiation?

To bring someone back around after they've fainted or passed out.

• Pour some water on his face to bring him to.
• It took a few minutes to bring him to after he fainted.

To increase a price, number, or level significantly.

• The hotel bumped up the room rates for the festival.
• They bumped up the heating because it was cold.

To use up fuel, energy or calories by burning.

• The pilot had to burn off excess fuel before landing.
• A long walk will help you burn off those extra calories.

To purchase the entire ownership of a business or someone's share in one.

• A large company bought out the small family business last year.
• She bought out her partner and now runs the shop alone.

To find someone doing something wrong or when they are not ready.

• The teacher tried to catch students out with a tricky question.
• He was caught out lying about his age.