Phrasal verb
coil up
Definition
phrasal verb. to twist or wind something into a circular shape. You also use this when an animal or person curls their body into a tight ball.
phrasal verb. to wind or twist into a series of concentric rings or a spiral. The verb functions both transitively, when arranging an object like a rope, and intransitively, when describing the posture of an animal.
Examples
“The cat likes to coil up on the sofa.”
“Please coil up the extension cord when you finish using the drill so it stays tidy.”
“As the predator approached, the viper began to coil up, its body tensing in preparation for a sudden strike.”
Examples
simple
“The cat likes to coil up on the sofa.”
contextual
“Please coil up the extension cord when you finish using the drill so it stays tidy.”
complex
“As the predator approached, the viper began to coil up, its body tensing in preparation for a sudden strike.”
Usage
Commonly used for long, flexible items like ropes, cables, or snakes.
Teaching tip
Distinguish from 'curl up', which focuses on warmth or comfort, whereas 'coil up' emphasizes the spiral or circular shape.
Pitfall
He coiled up it.
He coiled it up.
When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
coil + (object) + up
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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