serve up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To provide or present something, typically but not exclusively food or drink, to someone. It implies the action of offering or supplying something for consumption or enjoyment.
Usage
The phrasal verb "serve up" is used to describe the act of providing something. While it most commonly refers to food, it can also be used metaphorically for other things like entertainment, information, or an experience.
Examples
Literal (Food/Drink):
- The waiter will serve up the main course shortly.
- She served up a delicious homemade pie for dessert.
Metaphorical/Figurative:
- The new streaming service serves up hundreds of movies.
- The committee served up a detailed report on the issue.
- The comedian served up a hilarious routine.
Advanced Usage
- "serve up [something] on a platter": To provide something very easily or without requiring effort from the recipient.
- The defense served up the victory on a platter with their numerous errors.
Variants and Related Words
- Serve (verb): The base verb, meaning to provide food/drink or to be of use.
- Dish up (phrasal verb): A near-synonym, almost exclusively used for food.
- It's your turn to dish up the potatoes.
Synonyms
- Provide
- Present
- Offer
- Dish out (informal, especially for food)
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Serve out: To distribute or complete a period of service (e.g., a prison sentence).
- He served out his remaining time and was released.
Related Idioms
- "Serve someone right": Said when someone experiences something bad that is deserved.
- It serves him right for being so rude.(Note: This idiom uses the base verb "serve," not the phrasal verb "serve up.")
Verb
- provide (usually but not necessarily food)
- We serve meals for the homeless
- She dished out the soup at 8 P.M.
- The entertainers served up a lively show