Match each phrasal verb on the left with its correct contextual meaning on the right as used in standard formal English.
- bear outto confirm or corroborate evidence
- brush up onto refresh one's existing knowledge or skill
- fall back onto resort to a secondary option in times of need
- play downto minimize the significance of an event
Answer
The phrasal verb 'bear out' pairs with 'to confirm or corroborate evidence'; 'brush up on' pairs with 'to refresh one's existing knowledge or skill'; 'fall back on' pairs with 'to resort to a secondary option in times of need'; and 'play down' pairs with 'to minimize the significance of an event'.
The correct pairings accurately reflect the formal definitions of each phrasal verb: 'bear out' means to corroborate, 'brush up on' means to review knowledge, 'fall back on' means to rely on an alternative reserve, and 'play down' means to underestimate or minimize significance.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Understanding idiomatic expressions and precision in matching phrasal verbs with their formal contextual definitions.