Collocations and Idiomatic Expressions Flashcards

Which phrasal verb means 'to tolerate or endure something unpleasant'?

Answer: put up with

'Put up with' means to accept or tolerate something or someone unpleasant without complaint.

The annual conference was ___ due to the severe weather conditions. (meaning: cancelled entirely)

Answer: called off

'Called off' means cancelled entirely, whereas 'put off' means postponed to a later date; since the event was cancelled rather than delayed, 'called off' is correct.

During the interview, she ___ as extremely competent and self-assured to the panel.

Answer: came across

'Come across' means to make a particular impression on others—to appear a certain way to the people around you.

After weeks of struggling with the design problem, she finally ___ an innovative solution.

Answer: came up with

'Come up with' means to think of, devise, or produce an idea, plan, or solution.

Despite the initial setbacks and skepticism from investors, the ambitious project finally ___.

Answer: came off

'Came off' means succeeded or happened as planned, often after difficulties or doubts about whether it would work.

The forensic accountant spent hours ___ the financial records looking for the discrepancy.

Answer: going through

'Going through' means examining something carefully and systematically, making it appropriate for a thorough review of detailed records.

Which phrasal verb correctly means 'to recover from a setback, illness, or disappointment'?

Answer: get over

'Get over' means to recover from something difficult, such as an illness, an emotional loss, or a professional setback.