Others: English Vocabulary List

to study thoroughly, especially in preparation for an exam

"Swot up before the final exam."

"The students had to swot up on their history facts before the final exam because the teacher had covered so much material."

to unintentionally become part of a situation

"She caught up in the argument."

"He didn't mean to get involved, but he caught up in the heated debate."

to be involved in an activity, often something surprising or unpleasant

"What did you get up to?"

"The children were suspiciously quiet, making me wonder what they were getting up to."

to lead a group, team, or organization

"She heads up the marketing department."

"The experienced manager was chosen to head up the new marketing campaign for the company's latest product launch next month."

to become involved in a situation, especially one that is problematic or unpleasant

"Do not mix up in their quarrel."

"Do not get mixed up in their drama because it will only cause you stress and problems that you do not need."

to make something bright by means of color or light

"The candles light up the room."

"The colorful decorations and bright lights light up the entire street during the festive season, creating a magical atmosphere for everyone."

to make a space or environment become brighter and less gloomy, by adding more light sources or using lighter colors and materials

"Lighten up the room."

"We need to lighten up the living room with brighter paint and more lamps to make it feel welcoming."

(of information) to align or correspond, indicating accuracy or reliability

"Match up the numbers now."

"We need to match up the witness statements with the forensic evidence to ensure accuracy."

to make something seem more important or noticeable by highlighting it

"He plays up his role in the project."

"The media decided to play up the minor scandal because it would attract more viewers and increase their ratings."

to meet or exceed the established requirements or expectations in terms of quality, performance, or achievement

"He did not measure up."

"Unfortunately, the new employee did not measure up to the high standards set by the team."

to block a passage, system, or space, causing a slowdown or complete stop

"Grease clogs up the kitchen sink."

"The grease from the bacon clogged up the kitchen sink so the water would not drain at all."

to get someone or something ready or prepared for a specific task, event, or challenge

"Gear up for the big game."

"The athletes began to gear up for the competition by training every day and eating a very strict diet."

to extensively read on a specific topic to gain more knowledge or understanding

"I need to read up on history."

"I need to read up on French history before my exam next week at the university."

to study or learn something quickly, especially in preparation for an exam or an important event

"Mug up the facts before exam."

"You need to mug up on the vocabulary before the test because the teacher said it would be very difficult."

to notice something that is not immediately obvious

"Pick up on social cues easily."

"The experienced detective was able to pick up on the suspect's nervous behavior during the interrogation."

to memorize information with the intention of sharing it later

"Store up the facts."

"The bear stores up fat during the summer and fall to survive its long winter hibernation without eating."

to look after a child until they reach maturity

"They bring up kids."

"Her grandparents decided to bring up their grandchildren after their parents passed away unexpectedly."

to be logically consistent

"It will add up."

"When you consider all the small details, the evidence begins to add up convincingly."

to repair something quickly or temporarily

"Patch up the hole."

"He managed to patch up the torn fabric with a needle and thread, making it wearable."

to move people or things physically, often in an aggressive and unexpected manner

"The news shakes up everyone."

"The new manager shook up the department by firing several lazy employees and reorganizing the entire workflow."