English Vocabulary in Use Upper-intermediate (Unit 76: Compound nouns 2: verb preposition)


Here are some compound nouns based on phrasal verbs. Guess the meaning of the underlined word from its context. Show how it relates to its verb.

  1. Because of the accident there was a three-mile tailback along the motorway.
    queue of traffic (it tails back from a vehicle at the head of the queue)
  2. Police are warning of an increased number of break-ins in this area.
  3. The papers are claiming the Prime Minister organised a cover-up.
  4. Unfortunately, our plans have suffered a setback.
  5. I’m sorry I’m late. There was a terrible hold-up on the bridge.
  6. The robbers made their getaway in a stolen car.
  7. There was a surprisingly large turnout at the concert.
  8. I love having a lie-in on Sundays.
  9. The lecturer distributed handouts before she started speaking.
  10. I’m giving my office a major clear-out this week.
Possible Answer

  1. burglaries (burglars break in to buildings)
  2. attempt to conceal information (or cover it up)
  3. obstacle in the way of progress (has set the speaker back)
  4. delay to traffic (something has held up / delayed the traffic)
  5. escape (to get away = to escape)
  6. audience (people can be said to turn out to attend something)
  7. stay in bed (to lie in = to stay in bed longer than usual)
  8. papers accompanying a talk (to hand out = to distribute)
  9. tidy (to clear out = to tidy a place by getting rid of things you don’t need)



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