ANSWERS and further information:
1. to think sth up | to think of sth
= to create something in your mind, or create an idea in your imagination. The most common objects of these phrasal verbs are names, ideas, excuses or solutions.
Synonyms: to invent sth, to devise sth, to create sth
The dog ate your homework? Is that the best excuse you can think up?
The baby is due soon. Have you thought of a name?
We need to think of a way we can reduce the use of paper in our school.
2. to check sth out
= to find out if something is correct or true, or to find out if something or somebody is acceptable for a specific purpose (i.e. someone is suitable for a job)
The police officer said, "don't leave town, we'll need to check out what you've said before we can clear you."
It's certainly a nice house, but I'm going to check out the neighbourhood before we make an offer.
3. to break up
= when two people in a relationship separate and therefore the relationship is now ended.
Synonyms: to split up with sb, to divorce sb (when two people are married), to separate from sb
She's no good for you. All she does is talk down to you and take advantage of you. You really need to break up.
4. to figure sth out
= to find a solution in order to achieve something or solve a problem
Revenue has been dropping for 9 months straight. We really need to figure out what we can do to stay afloat.
5. to go off
= to describe food or drink that has become bad and not suitable to eat or drink
I would check the expiry date on the milk before putting it in your mouth. I think it's gone off.
6. to liven sth up
= to make something (someone is also possible, but less common) more interesting or exciting, usually by adding or changing something
Our living room is a bit grey, don't you think? Let's liven it up by adding some colourful cushions and lights.
This party is really depressing. I think we need some really upbeat music to liven it up.
7. to pass away | to pass on
= another way to say that someone has died. 'Pass away' is the preferred way to describe someone dying (versus die or kill) because it does not have the negative or dark connotations that are associated with 'die or kill'.
My grandfather passed away quietly in his sleep exactly 5 years ago today.
8. to snow sb under
= to give someone so much work or responsibility that they have no free time. This is typically used in the passive voice (see example below) as it's not necessary to know that your boss or manager gave you the work to do.
The long weekend starts tomorrow but I'm totally snowed under with work. What do I do?
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