Phrasal Verbs P - R
This is the phrasal verb reference section. Here there are definitions and examples for hundreds of phrasal verbs found in English.
Don't forget we have a phrasal verb exercise page.
pig
Pig Out
(Informal) Eat greedily.
Don't pig out on the pizza! There are three other people arriving later.
pipe
Pipe Down
To be less noisy.
Pipe down Steve! I'm trying to work here.
Pipe Up
To speak, sing more loudly.
What's the answer Brian. Pipe up! I can't hear you!
play
Play At
1. Pretend to be something.
The boys are playing at soldiers.
2. Do an activity, especially in a foolish way.
What are you playing at Jenkins, get on with your work!
Play Down
Treat something as less important than it really is.
He tries to play down his importance to this company.
Play On
1. Continue playing.
Despite the heavy rain, the two tennis players played on.
2. Take advantage of something.
He played on her fear of flying to sell her an insurance policy.
Play Up
1. Be naughty, mess around.
The children have been playing up all day.
2. (Informal) Produce pain, work badly.
The TV is playing up again. I can't get Channel 2!
3. Treat something as more important than it really is.
Don't play up how ill you are. Go to work!
plug
Plug Away
(Informal) Continue working hard at something.
Keep plugging away and we may finish before the evening.
point
Point Out
Indicate.
I would like to point out the finer details of this painting.
polish
Polish Up
Improve something.
I went to New Zealand to try and polish up my English.
Polish Off
(Informal) Finish a meal quickly.
He polished off the chicken stew in just a few minutes.
pop
Pop In
Visit someone for a short time.
I popped in to see Marge yesterday.
Pop Out
Leave the house for a short time.
I am just popping out to get some sugar from the shops.
Pop Up
Spring up quickly.
As the holiday approached, a few problems began to pop up.
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press
Press Ahead/On
Keep going, work with added determination.
Let's press ahead even without the boss's approval.
Press For
Demand action on something.
Many parents are pressing for tighter gun control laws.
