Table of Contents

Phrasal Verbs That Start With “F”

Phrasal Verbs That start with’F’
Phrasal Verbs That start with’F’
Phrasal Verb Meaning Example
Face off To stand up bravely against something. The soccer team faced off against their rivals in a big match.
Face up to To accept something that’s hard to hear or do. I had to face up to my fear of heights when I climbed the tall tree.
Faff about To waste time doing nothing much. Instead of doing his homework, Jack tends to faff about with his toys.
Faff around To mess around or dawdle instead of getting on. Stop faffing around and help me tidy up the toys, please.
Fall about To laugh a lot or uncontrollably. Everyone fell about laughing when the clown tripped over his big shoes.
Fall apart To break into pieces or fail completely. The old chair fell apart when I sat on it.
Fall apart To become very upset or distressed. Sally fell apart when she lost her favorite toy.
Fall back To move back because of danger or difficulty. The soldiers had to fall back when they saw the big waves approaching.

 

Phrasal Verb Meaning Example
Fall back on Have something to rely on in an emergency. It was comforting to have savings to fall back on when I lost my job.
Fall behind Make less progress than expected. After being sick for a week, I fell behind with my work.
Fall down Collapse or fail. The argument falls down when you consider the cost.
Fall down Lose balance and hit the ground. I slipped on the ice and fell down.
Fall for Become attracted to someone or something. He fell for her the moment their eyes met.
Fall for Believe a deception or lie. He fell for my story and granted me another extension for my thesis.
Fall in Collapse inward. The ceiling fell in, injuring many people.
Fall into Start doing something without planning. I just fell into my job when an opportunity arose.
Fall off Decrease in number or amount. Membership fell off dramatically after the chairperson resigned.
Fall out Have a disagreement and stop being friendly. They fell out over the decision and hardly speak anymore.
Fall out Lose hair rapidly. He’s worried because his hair is falling out quickly.
Fall over Lose balance and fall to the ground. I slipped on the ice and fell over.
Fall through Fail to happen or be completed. The plans fell through when permission was denied.
Fall under Become influenced or controlled by something. At first, he was independent, but then he fell under their influence.
Farm out Assign work to someone else. The company wants to farm out their maintenance tasks.
Fart about Waste time doing unimportant things. The manager was annoyed because the staff were farting about instead of working.
Fart around Waste time doing pointless activities. We were so bored in the lecture that we started farting around.
Fasten down Secure something firmly in place. We fastened down the tent to prevent it from blowing away in the wind.
Fasten on Focus attention on something that supports beliefs. They fastened on the speech as a source of inspiration.
Fasten onto Cling to someone or something, especially unwelcome. He fastened onto the minister during his visit and repeatedly asked about the scandal.
Fasten onto Focus attention on something that supports beliefs. They fasten onto any figures they think can support their case.
Fasten up Close or attach securely. Fasten up your seatbelts before we start driving.
Fathom out Understand or figure out something. I couldn’t fathom out what she wanted from me.

 

Phrasal Verb Meaning Example
Fatten up Feed an animal abundantly to increase its weight. Farmers fatten up the cows before slaughtering them.
Fawn on Excessively praise someone to gain their favor. He’s always fawning on his boss to secure a promotion.
Fawn over Shower excessive praise on someone for personal gain. She fawned over the inspectors, hoping for a good grade.
Feed off Consume a particular food as part of an animal’s diet. Geckos feed off mosquitoes and other insects.
Feed off Utilize something to one’s advantage. He feeds off people’s fear of crime to garner support for his proposals.
Feed on Grow stronger or thrive on something. The opposition party is feeding on the government’s weaknesses.
Feed on Consume a particular food as part of an animal’s diet. Bats feed on insects.
Feed on Provide someone with a specific food. He feeds his cat on dry food.
Feed up Provide someone with ample food to improve their health or size. She’s been ill, so we’re feeding her up.
Feel up Touch someone sexually without consent. Someone felt me up in the club while I was trying to get to the bar.
Feel up to Feel capable or willing to do something. I’m too tired; I don’t feel up to going out tonight.
Fence in Enclose an area with a fence. They fenced the entire garden in.
Fence off Use a fence to block access to an area. They fenced off one side of the park to keep dogs out.
Fend for Take care of oneself or others with limited resources. The children had to fend for themselves after their parents died.
Fend off Successfully resist or repel something. He managed to fend off the criticism in the press.
Fend off Push an attacker away to defend oneself. She fended off the dog when it attacked her.
Ferret out Search diligently and discover something. The investigation finally managed to ferret out the truth.
Fess up Confess or admit something reluctantly. The company fessed up after being exposed in the newspapers.
Fess up Admit to one’s share of something. Fess up your share of the bill.
Fess up to Confess or admit reluctantly to something. They fessed up to the crime.
Fiddle about Waste time or be unproductive. We spent the afternoon fiddling about with the computer but couldn’t get it to work.
Fiddle around Waste time or be unproductive. I fiddled around with the phone but couldn’t get any signal.
Fiddle around Make small, unnecessary movements with one’s hands. He fiddled around for something in his pockets.
Fiddle away Waste time in a aimless manner. He fiddled away the afternoon.
Fight back Defend oneself or resist an attack. The inhabitants fought back fiercely against the invading army.
Fight back Suppress or control an emotion. He tried to fight back the tears upon hearing the news of her death.

 

Phrasal Verb Meaning Example
Fight it out Engage in a struggle to determine a winner, often through argument or physical confrontation. They’re fighting it out to determine who will be the next CEO.
Fight off Defend against an attacker or threat and repel them. The old lady fought off the muggers and saved her purse.
Fight off Resist or ward off an illness or emotion. I’m fighting off a cold with plenty of rest and fluids.
Figure on Plan for or expect a particular outcome. What job do you figure on pursuing after graduation?
Figure out Solve or find the solution to a problem. The detectives couldn’t figure out how the burglars entered the warehouse.
File away Put a document in its designated storage location. I filed away a copy of the letter for my records.
File for Legally apply for something such as divorce or bankruptcy. After two years of unhappiness, they filed for divorce.
Fill in Complete information on a form or document. I filled in the application form and sent it off.
Fill in Temporarily substitute for someone at work. While she’s on maternity leave, we’ve hired someone to fill in for her.
Fill in for Act as a substitute for someone. I had to take a few days off, so they got someone to fill in for me.
Fill in on Provide someone with information they missed. Could you fill me in on what happened during the meeting?
Fill out Complete a form by adding necessary information. I filled out the application form and submitted it.
Fill up Completely fill something, usually a container. I stopped at the gas station to fill up with petrol.
Filter in Merge into a lane of traffic without causing disruption. The slip lane allows traffic to filter in smoothly at the junction.
Filter out Remove unwanted elements. The water filter removes impurities and chemicals for better taste.
Find out Discover or learn something. I went to the library to find out more about Joe Meek’s life and work.
Finish off Consume or use up completely. They finished off all the chocolates and had to buy more.
Finish off Put an end to something, often by completing it. They finished off the project just in time for the deadline.
Finish off Defeat or overpower someone decisively. The second goal finished off the opposing team.
Finish up Arrive at a destination unexpectedly. We went out for dinner and finished up at a club.
Finish up with Conclude or end with something specific. We attended workshops and finished up with a keynote speaker.

 

Phrasal Verb Meaning Example
Finish with End a relationship or stop being friends. Jenny ended her friendship with Tom a few months ago.
Finish with Stop using something when you’re done. Can I play with your toy car when you’re finished?
Fink on Tell someone’s secret to others. Timmy told everyone Lucy’s secret to get back at her.
Fink out Not keeping a promise or plan. Sally said she’d come to the party but then didn’t show up; she finked out.
Fire away Ask any questions you have. If you have any questions about the story, just fire away and I’ll answer them.
Fire off Send a message quickly. She quickly sent off an email to her friend.
Fire off Shoot a gun quickly. The police officer fired off his gun to scare away the birds.
Fire up Turn on a machine or computer. Sam fired up the computer to play his favorite game.
Fire up Get excited about something. The students fired up when they found out they were going on a field trip.
Firm up Make a plan or decision clearer. We need to firm up our plans for the school trip before we can go.
Firm up Make muscles stronger and healthier. Joe does push-ups to firm up his arms.
Fish for Try to get someone to say something. Sarah kept fishing for compliments about her new dress.
Fish out Take something out of a pocket or bag. Mary reached into her bag to fish out her keys.
Fish out Take something out of water. Jimmy had to fish out his toy boat after it fell into the pond.
Fit in Feel comfortable with a group of people. Alex tried to fit in with his classmates by joining their games.
Fit in Make sure something fits into a space. Sarah tried to fit in all her books into her backpack.
Fit in with Match or be suitable with something. Sally’s blue shirt fits in with her jeans perfectly.
Fit in with Agree or be consistent with something. The sunny weather fits in with our plans for a picnic.
Fit into Become a part of something. Johnny wanted to fit into the new soccer team.
Fit out Put things inside a space or object. The family fitted out their new house with furniture.
Fit out with Give someone the necessary equipment. The firefighters were fitted out with helmets and gloves.
Fit up Frame someone for a crime they didn’t do. The bad guys tried to fit him up for stealing cookies from the jar.
Fit up Give someone what they need for something. The teacher fitted up the students with pencils and paper for the test.

 

Phrasal Verb Meaning Example
Fix up Make arrangements or organize something. He arranged an appointment for me to see a specialist.
Fizzle out End in an unsuccessful manner or gradually lose steam. The campaign started well but gradually lost momentum due to lack of funds.
Flag down Signal a vehicle to stop by waving or gesturing. The police officer signaled the car to stop because its headlights were off.
Flag up Highlight or raise the importance of an issue. We should bring attention to working conditions at the meeting.
Flake out Fall asleep suddenly, often due to exhaustion. I worked until midnight and then suddenly fell asleep from exhaustion.
Flame out Fail, especially suddenly or spectacularly. The company failed during the recession.
Flame up Burn brightly or suddenly burst into flames. The wood suddenly burst into flames in the fire.
Flare out Suddenly become angry or lose temper. He became angry suddenly when he saw the dreadful report.
Flare up Suddenly occur, especially referring to conflict or trouble. The argument escalated suddenly when he was rude to them.
Flesh out Add more details or information to something. The recent government report provided more details about the draft proposals.
Flick over Quickly change TV channels. She quickly changed the TV channel to see if the news had started.
Flick through Quickly skim through something like a book or magazine. I quickly skimmed through the magazine to see if it was worth buying.
Flick through Quickly look through something for information. I quickly looked through the magazine and decided to buy it.
Flip off Make a rude gesture by extending the middle finger. As the police walked away, he made a rude gesture at them.
Flip out Become extremely excited or lose control. He became extremely excited when he won the final match.
Flip through Quickly browse through a magazine or book. I quickly browsed through the latest issue of the magazine before buying it.
Flog off Sell something cheaply to get rid of it quickly. The council sold the land cheaply to a developer with close links to the councillors.
Floor it Drive a vehicle as fast as possible. She accelerated the car to its maximum speed when the police arrived.
Flounce off Leave a place or walk away angrily. He stormed off when they laughed at him.
Flounce out Leave a place in a dramatic or angry manner. He angrily left when the press began criticizing him.
Fluff out Shake or pat a cushion to make it fuller or softer. She patted the sofa cushions to make them fuller.
Fluff up Shake or pat a pillow to make it fuller or softer. He fluffed up the pillow before going to bed.

 

Phrasal Verb Meaning Example
Fly about Spread rumors or information. The rumor has been flying about for a week, but no one has confirmed it.
Fly around Circulate rumors or stories. There are plenty of stories flying around about her past.
Fly at Attack aggressively. The dog flew at the cat as soon as it entered the garden.
Fly at Criticize or shout angrily at someone. He flew at them for not putting in enough effort.
Fly by Time seeming to pass quickly. As I grow older, the years just fly by.
Fly into Suddenly change emotion, often to anger. He flew into a rage when he heard the news.
Fob off Persuade someone to accept something. I managed to fob it off on Paul.
Fob off Deceive or lie to someone. He fobbed us off with a ridiculous excuse.
Fob off on Persuade someone to accept something. I fobbed the work off on the others because I didn’t want to do it.
Fob off onto Persuade someone to accept something. I fobbed the fake note onto the unsuspecting shopkeeper.
Fob off with Give someone something of lower quality. He fobbed her off with some fake gold instead of the real thing.
Focus on Concentrate or center attention on something. The report focuses on the company’s weaknesses.
Fold up Make a sheet of paper smaller. Darren folded up the letter and tucked it into an envelope.
Follow on Go somewhere after someone else has left. He left an hour ago, and I’ll be following on shortly.
Follow on In cricket, to require a team to bat again. They were so far behind that they had to follow on in the second innings.
Follow on from Be a continuation of something. The sequel follows on from the original movie.
Follow through Complete something or make it successful. The project failed because the team didn’t follow through on their plans.
Follow through Continue moving limbs after an action. Ensure you follow through smoothly after hitting the golf ball.
Follow up Take action to check or improve something. He followed up the meeting with a detailed report.
Follow up Investigate or pursue a problem or issue. The police failed to follow up on the allegations, leading to further complications.
Fool about Behave in a silly or unserious manner. They were fooling about instead of focusing on their work.
Fool about Engage in infidelity or cheat on someone. Their marriage ended because he couldn’t stop fooling about with other women.
Fool around Act in a silly or unserious manner. The teacher scolded the students for fooling around during class.
Fool around Engage in extramarital affairs. She suspects her husband is fooling around with one of her friends.

 

Phrasal Verb Meaning Example
Fool with To play with something dangerous. Don’t mess around with that; it could explode.
Forge ahead To make significant progress rapidly. We’ve been making great strides with the project and should finish well before the deadline.
Forge ahead To move forward quickly. She surged ahead of the other runners and clinched the victory.
Freak out To become extremely disturbed or angry. She completely lost it when she didn’t get the grades for university.
Free up To make money or time available by not using it elsewhere. If we finish the work tonight, it will open up the weekend for a getaway.
Free up To do a task for someone to make them available for something else. If you proofread this text, it will give me time to focus on the next part.
Freeze out To shut out or exclude someone by unfriendly treatment. They tried to ostracize me from the conversation.
Freeze out To force someone to retire or withdraw from a job or membership. After Jim was pushed out of the case, they hired a new lawyer.
Freeze over To become covered with ice (lake, river, pond, etc.). The lake was so cold that it completely froze over.
Freeze up To be blocked with ice. The pipes froze up, and we had no water.
Freeze up To stop working because the parts of a machine won’t move. The gears jammed, and the machine froze up.
Freeze up When a computer stops working suddenly. The computer crashed and froze up; I couldn’t restart it.
Freeze up To be paralyzed with fear. We froze up when we heard the window shatter.
Freshen up To wash quickly and improve appearance. I’m going to freshen up in the bathroom before they arrive.
Freshen up To add more alcohol to a glass before it is empty. Let me top up your drink to freshen it up.
Freshen up To quickly improve the appearance of something. The magazine offers tips on how to spruce up your home inexpensively.
Frighten away To scare someone so much that they leave. The loud noise scared the birds away.
Frighten away To scare or worry someone enough to prevent them from doing something. The strikes deterred many visitors from coming.
Frighten off To scare someone so much that they leave. The barking dog frightened the burglars off.
Frighten off To scare or worry someone enough to prevent them from doing something. The crash in share prices scared investors off.
Front for To represent someone, especially when covering illegal activities. The solicitor fronts for several criminal gangs.
Front off To confront someone aggressively. The two guys confronted each other, but someone intervened before it escalated.

 

Phrasal Verb Meaning Example
Front onto Face the direction of or be situated facing (of a building). My house fronts onto the main square.
Front out Confront someone or face up to criticism. He accused her of lying, but she fronted him out.
Front up Attend or appear somewhere briefly. I hate these occasions, but I’ll front up for the first half.
Front up Provide or advance cash for something. She fronted up the money we needed.
Frown on Express disapproval or dislike for something. He frowns on people making personal calls at work.
Fuel up Refuel a vehicle with petrol or other fuel. We stopped to fuel up before the car ran out.

 

  Read More Phrasal Verbs That Start With “E”

Dictionary Of Phrasal Verbs

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