This lesson covers 15 C2 phrasal verbs on Innovation & Discovery. 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.
set off
to make something look attractive, usually by providing a very different colour
The new lighting system really helps to _____ the modern design of the laboratory.
tie back
to fasten something that usually hangs down [esp. hair] so that it is fixed in position and not hanging down
The technician carefully _____ her long hair before entering the sterile laboratory.
swear by
to believe that something is very effective and that it will always work well
Many experienced researchers still _____ the accuracy of the traditional manual method.
part with
to give something away, usually when you do not want to
The laboratory was reluctant to _____ the expensive piece of equipment.
bowl over
to surprise or please someone a lot
The breakthrough discovery completely _____ the entire scientific community _____ .
do up
to repair something, or to improve the appearance of something, especially a building
The historic laboratory building is currently being _____ to modern safety standards.
kick off
to remove your shoes by shaking your feet
He quickly _____ his shoes _____ before entering the sterile laboratory.
drag away from
to make somebody stop doing something, so that they can do something else
It was difficult to _____ the dedicated researcher _____ her microscope even for lunch.
hang on
to depend on something
The entire project's success will _____ the accuracy of this final set of data.
base on
if you base something on particular facts or ideas, you use those facts or ideas to develop that thing
The entire climate model is _____ the latest peer-reviewed data from the IPCC.
want for
if someone does not want for anything, they have everything they need in order to have a satisfactory life
The well-funded laboratory does not _____ anything in terms of equipment or resources.
land up
to finally be in a particular place, state, or situation, especially without having planned it
After several failed attempts the project finally _____ with a major breakthrough.
get around
if news or information gets around, a lot of people hear about it
The news of the breakthrough quickly _____ the entire scientific community.
brim with
to have or show a lot of a good emotion or good quality
The young scientist's presentation was _____ fresh ideas and innovative solutions.
hit on
to have a good idea, especially one that solves a problem
The team finally _____ a completely new approach to the problem.