Phrases & Expressions

Fifteen minutes before the hour.

• The meeting is at quarter to ten.
• It's quarter to midnight.

To lift your hand to show that you want to speak, ask a question or volunteer.

• If you have a question, raise your hand.
• She raised her hand to ask about the homework.

To make products or services more expensive.

• The shop has raised prices on all bread.
• Many restaurants raised prices after the new tax.

To stretch your arm or body downwards, especially to pick something up.

• Reach down and pick up the dropped pen.
• He reached down to help the toddler.

To stretch your arms or body upwards.

• Reach up and get the box from the top shelf.
• The child reached up to touch the balloon.

To go back to the place where you live after being somewhere else.

• Let's return home before it gets dark.
• They plan to return home next week.

A lit sign in an aircraft toilet telling passengers to go back to their seats.

• The return to seat sign came on while I was in the toilet.
• When the 'Return to seat' sign lights up, leave the lavatory quickly.

To chase someone or something.

• The dog ran after the cat.
• The police officer ran after the thief.

To leave a place or a difficult situation quickly to escape.

• The dog ran away when it heard the fireworks.
• You can't run away from your responsibilities.

To escape from a place or situation.

• He ran away from home.
• Don't run away from your problems.