Heartland English School – Word of the Day

Phrasal Verb: calm someone down

Meaning: to change someone from being angry or upset to a calm state

Example: When she feels upset, listening to Vivaldi always calms her down.

Phrasal Verb: choke someone up

Meaning: to make someone almost cry

Example: The sad movie choked them up.

Phrasal Verb: get to someone

Meaning: to annoy or upset someone

Example: His big sister’s teasing got to him, and he started to cry.

Phrasal Verb: crack someone up

Meaning: make someone laugh really hard

Example: His joke cracked us up.

Theme: Phrasal Verbs for Emotional Reactions

Phrasal Verb: blow someone away

Meaning: to amaze someone

Example: Lady Gaga’s performance was so good, it blew me away!

Theme: SPRING!

Word:  spring into action  

Meaning:  to do something quickly, with energy or force

Examples:

• Everyone sprang into action last month when we had to start staying home and doing everything online.
• You need to spring into action. Your exam is in two days!

Theme: SPRING!

Word:  a spring in someone’s step

Meaning:  used to describe someone who looks happy or is full of energy

Examples:

• Since she graduated, she has had a spring in her step.
• It’s nice to see so many people outside walking with a spring in their step these days.

Theme: SPRING!

Word:  spring to mind

Meaning:  immediately think of something 

Examples:

• When you think about spring, what springs to mind?
• Amazing memories of my last trip spring to mind when I think about Paris. 

Theme: SPRING!

Word:  to spring something on someone 

Meaning:  to surprise someone with something 

Examples:

• Jane sprung the idea of having a baby on her husband.
• I don’t really like when people spring things on me.

Theme: SPRING!

Word:  spring clean  (verb, noun)

Meaning:  To thoroughly clean a place, especially in springtime.

Examples:

• I did a big spring clean last weekend with my family.
• They have been so busy spring cleaning all month.