In this lesson, you will learn 5 English expressions / phrasal verbs with the word “make“.
to make a fortune
Meaning:
to earn a lot of money.
Examples:
Mark makes a fortune on the stock market.
Jane: I used to work in London as a lawyer.
Mark: Were you well paid?
Jane: Oh yes, I made a fortune.
to make a scene
Meaning:
to shout and argue and make a lot noise in public and in front of lots of people.
Examples:
Jane: Mum, can I have some sweets?
Mum: No, they are bad for your teeth.
Jane: (starts crying, shouting and throwing things!)
Jane is making a scene.
David is angry with Mark during a meeting:
David: Why haven’t you finished the report? You are so lazy!
Mark: Don’t make a scene. We’ll discuss it privately after the meeting.
to make one’s mind up
This phrasal verb has 2 versions:
to make one’s mind up
AND
to make up one’s mind
Meaning:
to finally decide something that you were not sure about.
Examples:
Jane: Which ice-cream do you want?
David: I’m not sure.
Jane: Come on! Make your mind up! (or “Make up your mind!)
David: Which shoes are you going to buy?
Jane: I don’t know. I can’t make my mind up. (or “I can’t make up my mind.)
to make fun of someone
Meaning:
to laugh at someone, perhaps unkindly.
to mock someone. To tease someone.
Examples:
They make fun of David because he is fat.
Mother: Why are you sad?
Mark: The other children make fun of me.
to make something up
This phrasal verb also has 2 versions with a different word order:
to make something up
AND
to make up something
Meaning:
to say something that is NOT true.
to tell a false story.
Examples:
Jane: What is your job?
David: I’m a famous actor.
Jane: I don’t believe you. You’re making it up.
Jane: I was late for work yesterday.
David: What did you say to your boss?
Jane: I made up an excuse.
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