Phrases & Expressions

To give secret information or a warning to someone.

• He tipped me off about the job opening.
• A friend tipped her off that the shop was having a big sale.

To make someone feel uncomfortable or strange.

• That weirded me out.
• His behavior weirded her out.

To move a surfboard away from the shore into the sea using your arms.

• It takes effort to paddle out past the waves.
• He decided to paddle out to catch the bigger waves.

To repeat a message or instruction you have received to show it was heard correctly.

• Pilots must read back all runway and altitude instructions to the controller.
• The controller asked the pilot to read back the new heading.

On a touch screen, to move your finger across the screen to the right, often to indicate liking or accepting something.

• On this app, you swipe right on profiles you like.
• Swipe right if you are interested.

To start a relationship with someone, often someone considered unsuitable.

• He started to take up with a bad crowd.
• She took up with the wrong people.

To bend your body low in front of someone to show great respect.

• Everyone in the hall bowed down as the queen entered.
• In the old story, the servants bowed down before their master.

To withdraw from a competition or activity, often gracefully.

• The injured player had to bow out of the match.
• She decided to bow out after winning her last race.

To limit someone's freedom or choices.

• The new rules seem to box in small businesses.
• Don't box yourself in; explore all your options.

To start doing a new type of business or activity.

• The company is branching out into international markets.
• She branched out from writing novels to screenplays.