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Difficulty: MediumPhrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

Pair each phrasal verb on the left with its corresponding definition on the right based on standard English usage.

  • bank onTo rely on or depend with confidence upon something or someone
  • cave inTo yield or submit under pressure after resisting
  • hammer outTo reach an agreement or solution after detailed discussion
  • wear offTo gradually diminish in intensity, effect, or strength

Answer

'bank on' matches 'To rely on or depend with confidence upon something or someone', 'cave in' matches 'To yield or submit under pressure after resisting', 'hammer out' matches 'To reach an agreement or solution after detailed discussion', and 'wear off' matches 'To gradually diminish in intensity, effect, or strength'.
Each phrasal verb is paired with its precise idiomatic sense: 'bank on' means to rely on, 'cave in' means to submit under pressure, 'hammer out' means to negotiate an agreement through hard work, and 'wear off' means to fade or diminish gradually.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of 'bank on'
Identify that 'bank on' expresses confidence and reliance on something.
The particle 'on' following 'bank' creates a prepositional phrasal verb meaning to depend upon.
2
Analyze the meaning of 'cave in'
Identify that 'cave in' denotes giving up resistance under pressure.
Metaphorically derived from a structural collapse, it describes yielding during a dispute.
3
Analyze the meaning of 'hammer out'
Identify that 'hammer out' means working tirelessly to shape an agreement.
The verb 'hammer' combined with 'out' conveys forging a consensus through effort.
4
Analyze the meaning of 'wear off'
Identify that 'wear off' signifies the decline of an effect over time.
It refers to feelings, pain, or chemical effects dissipating gradually.

Key Concept

Phrasal verb semantics and particle meanings in Standard English
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

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