This lesson covers 12 C2 phrasal verbs on Media. 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.
bump off
to kill someone
The thriller novel centres on a plot to _____ a high-ranking government official.
die down
if something, especially noise or excitement, dies down, it gradually becomes less loud or strong until it stops
The public outrage over the scandal eventually began to _____ after new information emerged.
let out
to tell someone about something which was supposed to be a secret
She accidentally _____ the confidential results during the press conference.
blow up
to make something seem much worse or much better than it really is
The media tended to _____ the minor diplomatic incident _____ into a major international crisis.
ease off
to gradually stop or become less
The intense media pressure finally began to _____ after the official statement was released.
ferret out
to find something after searching for it
The investigative journalist managed to _____ the hidden financial records after weeks of research.
fade in
if the sound or picture of a film or recording fades in, or if you fade it in, it becomes gradually louder or brighter so that you can hear it or see it clearly
The opening credits of the documentary slowly _____ over dramatic footage of the melting ice caps.
crowd around
to surround something or someone, standing very close to them
The journalists immediately _____ the minister as soon as he left the building.
tune into
to turn on the radio or television in order to listen to or watch a particular programme
Millions of viewers decided to _____ the live broadcast of the rocket launch.
fade out
if the sound or picture of a film or recording fades out, or if you fade it out, it gradually becomes quieter or less clear until you cannot hear or see it any more
The final scene of the film slowly _____ to black as the haunting music ended.
play on
if someone plays on your fears or weaknesses, they use them to try and make you do what they want, often in a way that is unfair
The advertising campaign deliberately tried to _____ the public's fear of the new virus.
nose around
to look around a place, often in order to find something
The journalist was seen _____ in the restricted area of the laboratory.