This lesson covers 25 C2 phrasal verbs on Competition & Strategy. At Proficiency you must distinguish particles that change meaning subtly and match register across formal and informal contexts. Complete the runner, then use the glossary below to consolidate each verb. Detailed explanations appear in Review mode once you finish the set.
branch off
to leave a main road by turning onto a smaller road
After the main presentation, the discussion will _____ into smaller working groups.
freeze out
to make someone feel that they are not part of a group by being unfriendly towards them, or to stop someone from being included in an arrangement or activity
The new policy seemed designed to _____ smaller competitors _____ of the market.
leave off
to stop, or to stop doing something
The discussion will _____ exactly where we left it last week.
take off
to spend time away from your work
The entire team decided to _____ a long weekend after the successful product launch.
draw out
to make something continue for longer than is usual or necessary
The chairman seemed determined to _____ the already lengthy board meeting even further.
own up
to enjoy the effects of an experience
The team decided to _____ the success of the breakthrough with a small celebration.
win round
to get other people to agree with your idea after a long discussion or argument
The CEO eventually managed to _____ the sceptical board members to the new strategy.
print off
to print a particular number of copies of something
Please _____ several copies of the final report for the board meeting.
level with
to tell the truth about something
I think it's time to _____ the board about the real state of the project.
cave in
to agree to something that you were against before, after someone has persuaded you or threatened you
After intense pressure from shareholders the board finally _____ and approved the controversial merger.
pitch in
to help with work that needs to be done
Everyone on the team was expected to _____ during the final stages of the project.
hurry along
to make someone do something more quickly, or to make something happen more quickly
The project manager tried to _____ the team to meet the tight deadline.
win back
to persuade customers to return to using your company rather than competing companies because your company has improved
The company launched an aggressive campaign to _____ customer confidence after the scandal.
jazz up
to make something more attractive or interesting
The marketing department tried to _____ the rather dry annual report with new graphics.
lose out
to to be less successful than
Smaller companies often _____ when competing against large multinationals for government contracts.
turn out
if a company or business turns out something, they make or produce it
The new factory is expected to _____ over 10,000 units per month.
input contribution
contribution to a system to help it operate
The team's collective _____ was essential to the success of the project.
hold out for
to wait until you get what you want and to refuse to accept anything less
The union is determined to _____ a better pay deal.
profit from
to get an advantage from something
The company managed to _____ the sudden increase in demand for remote monitoring tools.
block in
to put a car or other vehicle so close to another vehicle that it cannot drive away
Someone has _____ my car _____ again in the company parking lot.
play with
if you play with the idea of doing something, you consider it, but usually do not do it
The board has been _____ the idea of a major restructuring for several months.
go along with
to agree with someone’s idea or opinion
Most of the board decided to _____ the CEO's controversial proposal.
get off
to leave the place where you work, usually at the end of the day
The night shift staff finally _____ at 8 a.m. after a very long night.
smarten up
to make a person or a place look tidier
The department decided to _____ the reception area before the important visitors arrived.
strike out
to start doing something that you have not done before
The young entrepreneur decided to _____ on her own and found a new startup.