These English phrasal verbs and expressions can help you make plans at work and in your personal life.
Verbs used with the word "plan" (all have the same basic meaning)
Make a plan
We need to make a plan before we proceed with the project.
Come up with a plan
Our team of engineers came up with an excellent plan to fix the leak.
Draw up a plan
The purpose of today's meeting is to draw up a plan to attract new investors.
Map out a plan
I think we should map out a plan before we start spending money from our budget.
Work out a plan
We're trying to work out a plan on how to be more efficient in our operations.
Hash out a plan
It took us a few hours but we were able to hash out a plan
Phrasal Verbs
To plan ahead = another way of saying "to plan in order to prepare for the future"
You have to plan ahead before you travel abroad to ensure that your trip is successful.
To think things through = to think about all aspects of a situation before making a decision
Buying a house is a major purchase. It's important to think things through before buying one.
To rush into something = to start doing something without any planning or preparation
Don't rush into getting married with someone. Take some time to be sure that he or she is the right person.
Idioms and Expressions about Planning (or Not Planning)
To wing it = to do something in the moment without any preparation
I didn't plan my wedding speech or write a script to read. I just winged it. Luckily, it went well.
To take it one step at a time = to do something slowly and carefully instead of rushing
Learning everything at the same time for a new job can be stressful and overwhelming. It's a good idea to take it one step at a time.
To have a plan B/To have a backup plan = to prepare a second plan in case the first one fails
I want to go to Tokyo Super Sushi but it's a very popular restaurant, so it's hard to get a table. We should have a plan B in case we can't get a table there.
To stick to the plan = to do exactly what your plan describes
We've planned everything in detail for the event. As long as we stick to the plan, it will be a success.
To play it by ear = to decide on your actions based on the circumstances at the moment instead planning what you will do in advance
I don't like to make plans for my weekend. I just play it by ear. Sometimes I stay home if I feel like it and sometimes I join whatever my friends are doing.
To cross that bridge when I get to it = to say that you will deal with a situation later when that situation arises (instead of focusing on that situation now)
I know that my company is in big trouble financially, but I don't want to think about finding a new job right now because I'm still employed. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
Practice
Complete these phrases using the words provided below:
wing / with / cross / time / B / through / step / get / out / ear / rush / stick
To have a plan ____
To ___ to the plan
To come up ____ a plan
To take it one ____ at a ____
To play it by ____
To map ____ a plan
To ___ it
To think things ____
To ____ into things
To ____ that bridge when we ____ to it.
Answers
B
stick
with
step / time
ear
out
wing
through
rush
cross / get