12 English Phrasal Verbs For Winter
Winter in the UK brings a very particular mood. One moment you are full of good intentions, ready to conquer your to do list, maybe even meet a friend for a walk. The next you are cancelling plans, making another cup of tea and wrapping yourself in a blanket like a human burrito.
So if you are spending more time indoors, now is the perfect moment to learn some phrasal verbs that English speakers genuinely use during the colder months. These expressions are cosy, practical and perfect for everyday conversation.
Here are some of my favourites.
Wrap up
To dress in warm clothes.
Make sure you wrap up. It is bitter outside.
Snuggle up
To sit or lie close to someone, or something soft and warm, for comfort.
I snuggled up with a blanket and a mug of tea.
It is the perfect verb for describing those quiet winter evenings when you want nothing more than warmth and silence.
Warm up
To become warm or to heat something.
Let’s warm up the kitchen by baking something.
Heat up
To make food or a room hotter.
I am just heating up some soup for lunch.
Freeze over
When water turns to ice.
The pond froze over last night.
Thaw out
To become warm again after being very cold.
I finally thawed out after waiting for the bus.
Turn on
To switch on the heating, lights or appliances.
Could you turn on the heating? I am freezing.
Turn up
To increase the temperature.
Please turn up the heating. It feels like the Arctic in here.
Stay in
To remain at home.
I am staying in tonight. It is far too cold.
Cuddle up
To sit close to someone for warmth or affection.
We cuddled up and watched a film.
A lovely phrase, especially for describing those slow winter evenings with someone you care about.
Stock up on
To buy plenty of something so you do not run out.
I need to stock up on tea bags before it snows.
Hole up
To stay safely inside, often to avoid bad weather.
We holed up at home while the storm passed.