Phrasal verb
fork over
Definition
phrasal verb. to give someone money or a thing when you are not happy about doing it. You use this when you feel you have no choice but to pay.
phrasal verb. To hand over or pay something, typically money, especially with reluctance or under pressure. The verb is transitive and allows for object placement between the base and the particle.
Examples
“I had to fork over twenty dollars for the lost key.”
“The landlord demanded that we fork over the security deposit before we even saw the apartment.”
“Despite their initial protests, the insurance company was eventually forced to fork over the full settlement amount to the policyholders.”
Examples
simple
“I had to fork over twenty dollars for the lost key.”
contextual
“The landlord demanded that we fork over the security deposit before we even saw the apartment.”
complex
“Despite their initial protests, the insurance company was eventually forced to fork over the full settlement amount to the policyholders.”
Usage
This phrase is informal and almost always refers to money or valuable items.
Teaching tip
This is a great example of a 'reluctant payment' phrasal verb; compare it with 'shell out' and 'cough up' to show different levels of informality.
Pitfall
I didn't want to fork over it.
I didn't want to fork it over.
When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
over
Separability
optional
Pattern
fork + over + object
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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