Match each phrasal verb on the left with its precise contextual definition on the right as used in standard English.
- fob offTo deceitfully persuade someone to accept an unwanted alternative or excuse
- cotton onTo belatedly understand or become aware of a subtle truth or deception
- tide overTo provide temporary assistance to sustain someone through a difficult period
- rail againstTo protest vociferously and angrily against a perceived grievance
Answer
'Fob off' matches 'To deceitfully persuade someone to accept an unwanted alternative or excuse'; 'Cotton on' matches 'To belatedly understand or become aware of a subtle truth or deception'; 'Tide over' matches 'To provide temporary assistance to sustain someone through a difficult period'; 'Rail against' matches 'To protest vociferously and angrily against a perceived grievance'.
Each phrasal verb is paired accurately with its formal lexical definition: 'fob off' involves deceitful evasion, 'cotton on' means coming to comprehend a truth, 'tide over' means sustaining someone temporarily, and 'rail against' means complaining vehemently.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs Idiomatic Meanings