1. Get you down
If something 'gets you down', it makes you feel unhappy.
E. g. i) This uncertainty is beginning to get me down.
ii) The way everybody keeps complaining really gets me down
2. Get to you
If somebody or something makes you feel upset or unhappy, they 'get to' you. This is an informal expression.
E. g. i) The way he whistles all the time when we are working really gets to me.
ii) The heat is really getting to me. We need air conditioning.
3. Tears you apart
If something makes you very unhappy, it 'tears you apart'.
E. g. i) It tears me apart to know that I lost that job because of my own stupidity.
ii) It would tear me apart if something I said made you leave.
4. Cheer up
If you 'cheer up', you start to feel happier.
E. g. i) Cheer up. Things are not so bad.
ii) I bought a new iPod to cheer myself up.
5. Perk up
If you 'perk up', you suddenly become happier, cheerful or more energetic. It is also possible to 'perk someone up'.
E. g. i) Your visit really made him perk up.
ii) He was being miserable but he perked up when Mary arrived.
6. Brighten up
If you 'brighten up', you suddenly look or feel happier.
E. g. i) She brightened up when she heard the good news.
ii) You need to brighten up. Your long face is putting the customers off.
7. Liven up
If you 'liven up', you become more energetic or cheerful. You can also 'liven up' a place, event or person.
E. g. i) You need to liven up a bit. You're so miserable it is making everybody feel unhappy.
ii) We need to liven up the party. Everyone looks bored.
8. Calm down
If you 'calm down', you stop feeling angry, upset or excited. It's also possible to 'calm someone down'.
E. g. i) You need to calm down a bit. You're too excited.
ii) Calm down. Let me explain.
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