Phrasal Verbs III

To decide not to do something that you had previously agreed or planned to do

He backed out of the deal at the last minute, which made everyone very frustrated.

To change a scheduled event to an earlier time or date

The boss brought the meeting forward to Monday because an urgent issue came up.

To create or establish something, such as time or a space, by making a special effort

Even with her busy schedule, she carves out time every morning to exercise.

To reduce the amount, intensity, or level of something

The doctor told him to dial back his caffeine intake to help him sleep better.

To prepare and write a formal document, plan, or list

The lawyer drew up a contract for both companies to sign.

To complete something that you promised or planned to do

She always follows through on her promises, so I trust her completely.

To be in charge of or lead a team, project, or organization

She was chosen to head up the new research department at the university.

To refuse to accept less than what you want and continue waiting for something better

She decided to hold out for a higher salary rather than accepting the first job offer.

To fix or confirm something so that it cannot be changed later

We locked in a great price for the hotel before the busy season started.

To choose not to participate in or be part of something

Several employees opted out of the company's new health insurance plan.

To schedule or arrange something temporarily, knowing it might be changed later

Let's pencil in a meeting for Thursday, but we can change it if something comes up.

To increase the amount, speed, or level of something, often quickly

The factory ramped up production to meet the high demand during the holidays.

To reduce, reverse, or cancel something such as a price, law, or policy

The government decided to roll back the tax increase after many people complained.

To tell someone about an idea or plan in order to get their opinion or permission

Can I run this new marketing idea by you before I present it to the team?

To attend a meeting, class, or event as an observer without actively participating

My manager asked if she could sit in on my presentation to give me feedback.

To carefully look at and evaluate a person or situation in order to make a judgment

Before making an offer, the investors took some time to size up the small business.

To compare with something or someone else in terms of quality or performance

How does this new smartphone stack up against the other models on the market?

To do someone else's job or take their place temporarily when they are not available

Could you stand in for me at the meeting on Friday? I have a doctor's appointment.

To remove unwanted or unsuitable people or things from a group

The company uses a skills test to weed out applicants who are not qualified for the job.

To focus closely on a specific thing or person; to direct all your attention toward something

The detective zeroed in on the most important clue in the case.