Phrasal Verbs/O

Phrasal verbs beginning with O. Select a phrasal verb for more details.

object to

If you object to something, you don't think it's a good thing or a good idea, so you oppose it or you are against it.

occur to

If a thought or an idea occurs to you, it comes to you.

offer up

to give thanks, praise or prayers to God or gods

open out

to unfold and spread a folded map or newspaper in order to read it

open up (1)

If you open up to somebody, you share your feelings with them.

open up (2)

If a country opens up, it becomes easier to travel there and do business.

open up (3)

If you open up a new business, you set it up and start trading.

opposed to

If you are opposed to something, you're against it or you don't support it.

opt for

If you opt for something, you choose it from a range of possible options.

opt in

If you opt in, you choose to accept something, or do something, that is offered to you as an option.

opt out

If you opt out of something, you choose not to be involved in it.

order about British English

If you order people about, you tell them what to do in a bossy way.

order around

If you order people around, you tell them what to do in a bossy way.

order in American and Australian English

If you order in, you order food from a take-away restaurant and have it delivered to your home or office.

order off

to tell a player to leave the field of play, or the court, usually because they have committed a foul or broken a rule

order out American English

If you order out, you order food from a take-away restaurant and have it delivered to you.

order up (1)

to issue an order for something to be done, usually in relation to the government or the military

order up (2)

to have food or drinks delivered to your room in a hotel

overcome with

to be strongly affected by an emotion or a feeling

owe to (1)

If you owe something to someone, you feel that you only have it because of the person's help or support.

owe to (2)

If something happens owing to something else, it happens as a result of it.

own up

If you own up to something, you admit that you've done something wrong or made a mistake.

Contributor: Matt Errey