English Reference

Phrasal verb

bottle up

Definition

phrasal verb. to keep your feelings inside instead of talking about them. You use this when someone hides their anger or sadness for a long time.

phrasal verb. To repress or suppress strong emotions rather than expressing them. Transitive; the object is typically an abstract noun representing an emotional state.

Examples

“It is not healthy to bottle up your anger.”

“Instead of discussing the problem with his manager, he bottled up his frustration until he eventually quit.”

“The protagonist's tendency to bottle up his resentment serves as the primary catalyst for the narrative's tragic climax.”

Examples

simple

“It is not healthy to bottle up your anger.”

contextual

“Instead of discussing the problem with his manager, he bottled up his frustration until he eventually quit.”

complex

“The protagonist's tendency to bottle up his resentment serves as the primary catalyst for the narrative's tragic climax.”

Usage

The object (feelings, emotions, anger) can sit between 'bottle' and 'up' or after the full phrase.

Teaching tip

Use the visual of a pressurized container to explain why 'bottling up' often leads to a sudden 'outburst' or 'explosion' of emotion.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

bottle + up + object

Synonyms

suppressrepresshidekeep in

Antonyms

ventexpressreleaseopen up

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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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English Reference