Question

Difficulty: MediumPhrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs

Match each phrasal verb on the left with its correct contextual meaning on the right.

  • tide overTo support someone temporarily through a difficult period
  • crop upTo happen or appear unexpectedly
  • bring roundTo convince someone to accept a proposal after initial resistance
  • smooth overTo lessen the severity of a dispute or misunderstanding

Answer

'Tide over' matches 'To support someone temporarily through a difficult period'; 'Crop up' matches 'To happen or appear unexpectedly'; 'Bring round' matches 'To convince someone to accept a proposal after initial resistance'; and 'Smooth over' matches 'To lessen the severity of a dispute or misunderstanding'.
Each phrasal verb is paired accurately according to standard English idiomatic usage: 'tide over' denotes providing temporary support, 'crop up' signifies an unexpected occurrence, 'bring round' means persuading someone to agree, and 'smooth over' refers to easing interpersonal conflict.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of 'tide over'
Identified as providing temporary assistance through hard times
The particle 'over' in this context denotes sustaining someone across a difficult interval.
2
Analyze the meaning of 'crop up'
Identified as emerging or appearing unexpectedly
The idiom conveys the sudden appearance of issues or topics.
3
Analyze the meaning of 'bring round'
Identified as persuading someone to alter their opinion
To 'bring someone round' signifies guiding another person toward concurrence.
4
Analyze the meaning of 'smooth over'
Identified as easing or diminishing conflict
To 'smooth over' implies removing friction or discord between parties.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs Contextual Meanings
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