This lesson covers 19 C2 phrasal verbs on Sport, Games & Competition. 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.
catch up
to reach someone who is ahead of you in a race or competition
The runner caught up with the leader on the final lap.
climb down
if you climb down from a tree, you go back down to the ground
The climber carefully climbed down from the practice wall.
pick up sth/sb or pick sth/sb up
to lift something or someone by using your hands
She picked up the ball before taking the throw-in.
fall behind (sb)
to fail to remain level with a group of people that is moving forwards
She fell behind the leading runners on the steep hill.
go in for sth
to take part in a sport, competition, or activity
She decided to go in for the regional tennis competition.
kick off (sth)
informal to start
The tournament kicks off on Saturday morning.
fall back
to move into a lower position or become less successful than others
The team fell back after conceding an early goal.
go off
to happen in a particular way
The opening ceremony went off without any problems.
fall behind (sb)
to fail to score as many points as another team or player in a competition
The team fell behind by two points before half-time.
take on sb
to agree to compete against or challenge someone
The champion agreed to take on the challenger.
run about/around
to run and play
The children ran around during the warm-up.
go back over sth
to examine or think about something again or after it has happened
After the match, the team went back over its mistakes.
go after sb
to chase or follow someone in order to catch them
The defender went after the attacker to win the ball back.
stand up to sb
to resist or confront an opponent or challenger
The young player stood up to the experienced champion.
set out
to begin something with a specific aim
The team set out to win the national title.
go on to sth
to progress to the next stage of a competition or process
After winning the heat, he went on to the final.
pick up on sth
to react to something that you have noticed or something that has happened
The coach picked up on the player’s lack of confidence.
run rings round
to outwit and be cleverer than people
The striker ran rings round the defenders.
take away from sth
to make something seem less good or successful
The argument took away from an otherwise exciting game.