J - L

*keep (something) back*
Definition: to make sure that you do not use or give away all of something, in case you need it later.
(This phrasal verb has more than one meaning)
E.g.1: Because we have so many visitors over Easter, I always keep some eggs back in case someone arrives unexpectedly.
E.g.2: Don’t forget to keep some strawberries back so that you can decorate the cake when it is baked.
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 1 and 2)

*keep (something) down*
Definition: to not vomit after eating. This verb is usually used with “can’t” to express the idea that you are unwell and vomit after eating.
(This phrasal verb has more than one meaning)
E.g.1: Oh doctor, I’m not well. I can’t keep anything down.
E.g.2: I’m feeling a little better today. I had a little food earlier and I managed to keep it down.
This phrasal verb can be separated (E.g. 2)

*knock (something) back*
Definition: to drink an alcoholic drink very quickly.(This phrasal verb has more than one meaning)E.g.1: He realised that he was late, so he knocked back his drink and left the pub.
E.g.2: She gave me a glass of Tequila and told me to take a bite of lemon before knocking the drink back in one go.
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 2)

*laugh (something) off*
Definition: to pretend that a situation or comment is amusing and unimportant, when in reality it is serious or upsetting.
E.g.1: Bill laughed off the insult, but Jane knew that it had hurt him.
E.g.2: When he was accused of corruption, the politician tried to laugh the matter off by saying that he wasn’t important enough to be bribed.
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 2)

*lay (someone) off*
Definition: to dismiss someone from their job, either temporarily or permanently.
E.g.1: The company is not doing well. We may have to lay some of our staff off.
E.g.2: Many workers in the manufacturing sector have been laid off because of the strong pound.
This phrasal verb can be separated (E.g. 1).

*lay (something) out*
Definition: to put one or more things in a place so that they are spread out and neatly arranged.
(This phrasal verb has more than one meaning)
E.g.1: He laid out his photographs on the table so that everyone could see them.
E.g.2: When the customs officer laid the contents of her suitcase out in front of her, it was clear that she had a lot of explaining to do.
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 2)

*let (someone) down*
Definition: to disappoint someone by not doing what they were relying on you to do.
E.g.1: Ted said he would drive me to the airport but he let me down at the last minute and I had to get a taxi.
E.g.2: We’re relying on you to do it. You won’t let us down, will you?
This phrasal verb can be separated (E.g. 1 & 2).

*line (something) up*
Definition: to put things in a row.
(This phrasal verb has more than one meaning)
E.g.1: Could you line up according to your age? The oldest should stand at the front, and the youngest at the back.
E.g.2: He was bored so he spent the afternoon lining his books up on the shelf.
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g.2)

*look down on (someone)*
Definition: to regard someone with contempt.
(This phrasal verb has more than one meaning)
E.g.1: He’s so arrogant! He looks down on anyone who hasn’t been to university.
E.g.2: She looked down on her classmates because their parents were not as wealthy as hers were.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

*look out for*
Definition: to pay attention to things around you so that you notice the thing or things you want to see.
E.g.1: It’s a rare flower, but if you look out for it when you’re walking in the forest you might see it.
E.g.2: When you’re reading English texts, look out for interesting or useful phrases that you can use later in your own writing.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

*look (something) up*
Definition: to try to find information in a reference book, or on a timetable or map.
(This phrasal verb has more than one meaning)
E.g.1: If you look the word up in a good dictionary you’ll find its meaning, pronunciation and information on how to use it.
E.g.2: He looked up the phone number of a local plumber and rushed to the phone.
This phrasal verb can be separated. (E.g. 1)

*look up to (someone)*
Definition: to admire and respect someone.
E.g.1: He has a great relationship with his father, he really looks up to him.
E.g.2: Will you talk to him? I’m sure he’ll listen to you because he’s looked up to you since he was a child.
This phrasal verb cannot be separated.

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Fonte: Knight's English

Image/Imagem: Google Images

Translation/Tradução: Heinz Claudius (when applicable)

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