Dictionary: letter J

jack in [jack something in] (job, course, studies) stop doing something you don't like pack in

• He decided to jack in his job and spend more time with his family.
• I can't stand it anymore; I'm going to jack it in.

jack up 1 [jack something up] (car) lift something off the ground using a jack

• He jacked up the car and changed the wheel in no time.

2 [jack something up] (prices, profits, rates, wages) increase

• They're jacking up prices for their international customers.
• The company jacked up profits and said it is cautiously optimistic.
• Credit card companies are jacking up interest rates.

jam on [jam on something] (insep) use something suddenly with a lot of force slam on

• He jammed on the brakes but it was too late to avoid hitting the other car.

jazz up [jazz something up] (party, salad) make something more interesting or exciting liven up

• One good way to jazz up your salads is by adding toasted nuts.
• Pictures can really jazz up the computer's desktop.
• This is a jazzed up version of an old time favorite.

join in (insep) (work, applause, celebrations, fun, game, discussion) take part or become involved in something

• They couldn't wait to join in the fun.
• She joined in the conversation with Caroline and me.

join up (insep) become a member of the Armed forces

• He packed in his job and joined up.

jot down [jot something down] (address, number, message) make a quick and short note of something

• Jot it down before you forget it.

jumble up (insep) (papers, thoughts, ideas, emotions) be all mixed together mix up

• Everything gets so jumbled up in my life that I never know which direction I'm supposed to be going.

jump at [jump at something] (insep) (chance, offer, opportunity) take something quickly leap at

• He told the budding actors to jump at every opportunity they can to perform Shakespeare.
• The coach jumped at the chance to manage Manchester United again.
• I couldn't believe it, but I jumped at the offer.

jump off [jump off something] (insep) (bus, train, plane, boat, horse, roof, cliff, bridge) leave a vehicle or a place suddenly by jumping jump on

• I jumped off the boat onto the dock thinking this would help and lost my balance, scraping my knees and elbows. It was a terrible experience.
• Emergency services spent hours searching for the man who jumped off the bridge.

For other verbs and to get more examples build your own lists in the Lists section.