A - C

*argue (something) out*
Definition: to discuss an idea or plan in detail, covering all the aspects and possible consequences, in order to reach a decision.E.g.1: It’s an interesting proposal, but I’d like to argue it out with you before agreeing to it.
E.g.2: While they were arguing out the plan they realised that it would cost too much money.
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g.1)

*boil down to* (something)
Definition: the most important aspect of a question, situation or issue.
E.g.1: It was difficult to decide which course I should study, but in the end it all boiled down to which course was the best value for money.
E.g.2: Racism is difficult to combat, but I believe it boils down to education.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

*blow up*
Definition: to explode
(‘blow (something) up’ means ‘to cause something to explode’)
(This phrasal verb has more than one meaning)
E.g.1: I was watering a plant that was on top of the TV when some water went into the back of the television and it blew up.
E.g.2: If you turn the power up too high it might blow up.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

*break down*
Definition: to loose control and start crying.
(This phrasal Verb has more than one meaning)
E.g.1: When she saw the child’s teddy bear in the bin she broke down and cried.
E.g.2: He broke down and admitted that he couldn’t cope with the situation.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

*bring (someone) up*
Definition: to raise a child.
E.g.1: My parents brought me up to be polite.
E.g.2: He was brought up by his grandparents because his parents died when he was a child.
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 1)

*buzz off*
Definition: to go away (now!). Also used as a (slightly) rude way to tell someone to go away. An informal expression.
E.g.1: “Pick up that rubbish,” shouted the bad-tempered old lady next door. “And now buzz off!”
E.g.2: We won’t stay too long. We’ll buzz of at midday.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

*cheese (someone) off (informal British English)*
Definition: to make someone annoyed or disappointed.
E.g.1: It really cheeses me off when people drop litter!
E.g.2: I’m cheesed off because I had a row with my boyfriend last night.
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 1)

*calm down / calm (someone) down*
Definition: to become less upset, angry, excited or lively. / to make someone less upset, angry, excited or lively.
E.g.1: He was very upset about it, but he calmed down eventually.
E.g.2: Calm down! You’re getting too excited!
E.g.3: She was very angry so he had to calm her down before they could discuss the problem properly.
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 3)

*clam up*
Definition: to refuse to say anything about a subject.
E.g.1: I don’t know what’s wrong with him – when I asked him about it he just clammed up.
E.g.2: You’ll never get the secret out of her; as soon as you mention the topic she clams up.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

*clear off*
Definition: a very informal (and slightly rude) way to tell someone to go away
This phrasal verb has more than one meaning
E.g.1: When Jo saw the cat in her garden again, she opened the window, shouted “Clear off, you!!!” and threw a shoe at it.
E.g.2: Mr Hunter came home from work to find a scruffy-looking boy talking to his 15-year-old daughter.
“Clear off and don’t let me catch you talking to Claire again or I will call the police,” he threatened.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated

*clean (someone) out*
Definition: (informal) to take all the money that someone has.
E.g.1: I was going to stay at the casino until midnight, but they had cleaned me out by 10 p.m.
E.g.2: Don’t play poker with him; he’ll clean you out!
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 1 & 2)

*close down*
Definition: to give an intruction to a computer to finish using software or the computer.
(this phrasal verb has more than one meaning)
E.g.1: You have to wait until the computer closes down before you can turn it off.
E.g.2: When you have finished using the word processor, save your work and close the program down.
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 2)

*come to*
Definition: to recover consciousness, to ‘wake up’ after you have fainted or lost consciousness or been under anaesthetic for an operation
(This phrasal verb has more than one meaning)
E.g.1: When Rose came to in the lifeboat, she could not remember what had happened.
E.g.2: One minute, I was talking to the nurses and the next I was coming to, my foot hurt and my tongue felt like a wool carpet.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

*count on (someone)*
Definition: to rely on someone to help or support you.
E.g.1: We’re going to vote on my proposal at the meeting. Can I count on your vote.
E.g.2: Ask Mary; you can always count on her to know the latest information.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

*crash out*
Definition: to go to sleep (quickly), an informal phrasal verb
(This phrasal verb has more than one meaning)
E.g.1: Because my party did not end until 2 o’clock in the morning, half my friends crashed out on the floor.
E.g.2: Ben crashed out as soon as his head touched the pillow.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

*crease (someone) up*
Definition: (British English, informal) to amuse someone greatly, or to be greatly amused.
E.g.1: He’s so funny! His jokes really crease me up.
E.g.2: The whole class creased up when their teacher tried to stand up and found he was stuck to the chair.
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 1)

*cut down on (something)*
Definition: to reduce the number of times you do something, or the amount of something.
E.g.1: I’ve decided to cut down on the amount I drink. I’ll still drink on social occasions, but not as much as before.
E.g.2: If you want to lose weight, you should cut down on fatty food and carbohydrates.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated.