Below you will find two of the uses of the phrasal verb 'wind up' which you are likely to find used in the Cambridge Advanced exam.

In addition to the meaning/definition for each use, you will also find two examples of it being used with each meaning (to help you better understand its use and the context it is used in).

In order to remember these uses, make sure to make an example in your own words with the phrasal verb.

Use 1

To say that somebody or something makes you angry.

It really WINDS me UP when I see people hurting animals. They should be sent to prison for doing it.

"Why isn't Sally talking to me? Have I done anything wrong?"
"I have a piece of advice for you. Stop making jokes about Sally's driving in front of her, it really WINDS her UP when you do it."
"I will do, I thought she found it funny."
"No, quite the opposite."

Click here to watch a YouTube video on this meaning of the phrasal verb

Use 2

To say what the negative end result will be if a person continues doing (or not doing) an activity

If you continue missing days of work, you'll WIND UP losing your job.

He will WIND UP in prison if he keeps stealing things from shops.

Click here to watch a YouTube video on this meaning of the phrasal verb


Return to the list of 50 commonly phrasal verbs in the CAE exam.