Phrasal Verbs: Cause and Effect

1.The bomb squad had to be careful not to set off the bomb.
2. We accidentally set off the security alarm when we entered the house.
3. The scandal set off riots in the streets.

set off something/set something off

1. to cause and explosion
2. made an alarm ring
3. caused a series of events without intending to do so.

If you talk about politics, you'll set him off and he will never stop talking.

to set someone off

1. To cause someone to start doing something

His attitude towards here sparked off an endless fight.

To spark something off

1. cause something to suddenly happen or exist

The new park brought about a lot of positive changes for the community.

To bring about

1. to make something happen as a result of

It's hard to say what lies behind her sudden need to share. Hopefully it's good reason and not selfish.

to lie behind

1. the real reason for something

When you didn't show up at the movies, was this pay back for not inviting you to the party on the weekend?

Don't listen to them and their doubts, they are just trying to stir you up so that you'll get angry.

To stir up

1. To cause bad feelings or arguments on purpose

Being at my old elementary school really brings back memories of my childhood.

To Bring back

1. to make you remember or think about the past

Before we jump to conclusions, it is important we rule out any possibilities of it being cancer.

To rule out

1.  To exclude something as a possibility

Her positive demeanor and confidence sprung from her very attentive and loving parents.