This lesson covers 30 C2 phrasal verbs on Conflict, Criticism & Disagreement. 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.
fly into sth
if someone flies into a particular state [e.g. rage, temper, panic] they are suddenly in that state
She flew into a rage when she heard the insult.
flare up
if someone flares up, they suddenly become very angry
Tensions flared up again during the final discussion.
stand for sth
if a group of people stand for a set of ideas, they support those ideas, or if something stands for a particular idea, it represents that idea
The campaign stands for equal treatment for everyone.
do sb down
to treat someone unfairly or make them seem less important or capable
The critic tried to do the young artist down in the review.
come under sth
if something or someone comes under a particular action by other people [e.g. attack, criticism, scrutiny, review, pressure], that thing is done to them
The proposal came under heavy criticism from local residents.
count sb in
to include a person in a plan or activity
Count me in if the group is meeting to discuss the dispute.
drag sb/sth into sth
to talk about or bring someone or something into a difficult or unpleasant situation, especially when that person or thing is seen as being connected with the situation
The tabloids dragged the actor into the political row.
cross over
to start to support a different, often opposing, person or group
Several members crossed over to the other side during the debate.
go for sb
to attack someone
The journalist went for the minister in the interview.
back down
to stop opposing someone or something and admit that you cannot continue
The company eventually backed down after the evidence was presented.
round on sb
to suddenly turn and attack someone, or shout at them angrily
The manager rounded on staff who questioned the decision.
swear by sth
to believe that something is very effective and that it will always work well
My supervisor swears by calm discussion to resolve conflict.
fly at sb
to attack someone suddenly and violently
The angry man flew at the referee after the decision.
allow for sth
to take something into consideration
A good mediator allows for both sides’ concerns before proposing a compromise.
hit out
to strongly criticise something or someone
The opposition leader hit out at the government’s decision.
go with sth
to accept a plan or an idea, or to support the person whose ideas you agree with
The team agreed to go with the revised proposal.
be gunning for sb
informal to try to harm someone or cause trouble for them
She felt that a rival manager was gunning for her position.
hold out
to continue to defend yourself against an enemy or attack
The union held out for a better pay offer.
side against sb
to oppose a person or group in an argument
Several members sided against the chair during the vote.
come at sb
to move towards someone in order to attack them
The protester came at the official with a series of accusations.
break down
if a discussion, system or relationship breaks down, it fails because of a disagreement or problem
Negotiations broke down when neither side would compromise.
end up
to finally be in a situation
Without a compromise, the disagreement could end up in court.
talk down to sb
to speak to someone as if they are less intelligent or important
He talked down to the new employee during the meeting.
strike out
to start doing something that you have not done before
The team decided to strike out on its own after the split.
stick by sth
to continue to support or use a decision, opinion, or plan
She stuck by her principles despite the pressure.
set (sth/sb) on sb
to attack someone, or to make a person or animal attack someone
He set his dog on the neighbour during the argument.
go by sth
to use information or experience that you have of someone or something in order to help you decide what to do or what to think about that person or thing
The panel decided to go by the facts rather than rumours.
lay into sb
to criticize or attack someone fiercely
The reviewer laid into the director for ignoring the audience.
settle for
to agree to something which isn’t your first choice
After weeks of discussion, they settled for a smaller concession.
go back to sth
if a situation goes back to a particular state, it returns to that state
The mediator asked them to go back to the original agreement.