Have you ever kept yourself awake past your bedtime to finish a show, wait for someone, or meet a deadline? In English, we say you stayed up! This simple phrasal verb means to remain awake later than you normally would—whether by choice or necessity. What Does “Stay Up” Mean? “Stay up” means to not go…

Have you ever chosen a quiet night at home over a party, movie theater, or restaurant? Maybe you wanted to rest, save money, or just enjoy your own space. In English, you can say you decided to stay in! This simple, everyday phrasal verb means to remain at home instead of going out for entertainment…

Have you ever been asked, “What kind of music do you like?” or “What are you into these days?” In English, we often use the phrase be into to talk about things we enjoy, care about, or are currently interested in—like hobbies, music, fashion, sports, or even people. It’s a relaxed, natural way to share…

Have you ever seen a new manager step in after a boss quits? Or watched a robot vacuum clean your whole house while you relax? In English, we say the new manager or the robot took over! This common phrasal verb means to assume control, responsibility, or management of something—like a job, task, company, or…

Have you ever waited for a friend who finally arrived after being late? Or noticed a stain on your shirt only after leaving the house? In English, both situations involve the phrase show up! This everyday phrasal verb has two main meanings: (1) to arrive or appear at a place, event, or appointment, and (2)…

Have you ever emptied your closet to donate old clothes, cleared out your fridge before grocery shopping, or spent your entire paycheck in one weekend? In English, you can say you cleaned out the closet, the fridge, or your bank account! This useful phrasal verb has two main meanings: (1) to completely empty a space…

Have you ever finished a big project in record time? Or seen a boxer win a fight with one powerful punch? Maybe you’ve even been so impressed by a performance that you said, “She really knocked it out of the park!” In English, all of these situations can involve the phrase knock out. This versatile…

Have you ever told someone, “Sure, go ahead!”—but you didn’t really care what they did? Or maybe you gave permission with a shrug, like, “Be my guest—I won’t stop you”? In English, you might say, “Knock yourself out!” This casual phrase is a humorous or sarcastic way to tell someone they can do something… even…

Have you ever followed through on a plan, completed a scientific experiment, or fulfilled a customer’s order? In English, we say you carried it out! This practical phrasal verb means to perform, complete, or put into action a task, instruction, plan, or request—often with care and attention. What Does “Carry Out” Mean? “Carry out” means…

Have you ever bumped into an old friend while shopping, or suddenly faced an issue like a flat tire or a software error? In English, you can say you ran into them! This versatile phrasal verb has two main meanings: (1) to meet someone unexpectedly, or (2) to encounter a problem, obstacle, or situation—often by…

Have you ever started a road trip, launched into a big project, or clearly explained your goals at the beginning of a meeting? In English, you can say you set out! This versatile phrasal verb has three common uses: (1) to begin a journey, (2) to start a task or mission with purpose, or (3)…

Have you ever faced a decision where both options felt bad? Maybe you had to choose between telling a painful truth or keeping a hurtful secret, or between quitting a toxic job or staying in a stressful situation. In English, we say you’re between a rock and a hard place! This powerful idiom describes being…