gang up on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Join together as a group to threaten or attack one person
Why “on”? An action is directed onto a person, thing or weakness as its target.
“The bullies ganged up on the new kid.”
“The older boys ganged up on him after school.”
Test yourself
“The bullies ganged up on the new kid.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
cheat on
Same on pattern: target
Be unfaithful to a partner
dote on
Same on pattern: target
Show extreme affection toward someone
fall on
Same on pattern: target
Attack someone fiercely
feast on
Same on pattern: target
Eat a large amount of a particular food with enjoyment
feed on
Same on pattern: target
Eat a particular food regularly
frown on
Same on pattern: target
Disapprove of something
lean on
Same on pattern: target
Pressure someone strongly to do something
operate on
Same on pattern: target
Perform surgery on someone
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