31
Work Read these statements by different people talking about their jobs. I ’ll be retiring next year. I already find that I can farm out1 tasks I used to do myself. I’m slowly easing off 2 now so that I can step aside3 next year knowing I’ve left everything in good hands. The boss
1
give work to other people instead of doing it yourself starting to work less or do things with less energy 3 leave a job or position, especially so that someone else can do it 2
e never like to call people out4 on strike, but when we do, we W have to be determined to see it through5 to the end. We have to keep talking constructively and try not to get bogged down6 in lengthy negotiations which only prolong the strike. The union representative
4
order workers to strike continue doing a job until it is finished, especially when it is difficult 6 (informal) become so involved in the details of something that you cannot achieve anything 5
y job is monotonous. I just slog away7 day after day. People M like me get passed over8 for promotion, so we’re not motivated. I often feel like packing this job in9 and finding something else. One day I’ll just hand in my notice and go. The assembly-line worker
7
(informal) keep working very hard, usually for a long time are not given a higher position because it is given to someone else 9 (informal) stopping doing something, especially a job 8
10 IIn this job you just have to fling yourself into your work and beaver 11 away to get things done each day. I spend a lot of time running round helping other people. It’s not a bad job, and sometimes I’m allowed to get off12 early if I’ve stayed late the day before.
The administrative assistant
10
start to spend a lot of your time and energy doing something (informal) work hard at something for a long time, especially something you are writing 12 leave the place where you work, usually at the end of the day 11
I decided to go in to research, as I wanted to do something exciting. I don’t think I’m cut out for13 teaching. University was fun, but now I’ve got to knuckle down14 and build my career. The scientist
13
have the right qualities for something, especially a job start to work or study hard, especially if you have not been working very hard before canlt find ‘buckle down’
14
ell, in this job you just plug away15 and hope the day will W pass quickly. If I have to write a report, I do what I can to cobble something together16, but I don’t ever feel that I achieve anything worthwhile. Most people in my position just coast along17 and dream of the summer holidays. The office worker
66
15
(informal) work hard at something for a long time make something quickly and not very carefully 17 do only the things that you have to do without trying to go faster or be more successful 16
English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
