Phrasalizing it

One basic rule about phrasal verbs: there is a usually a one-word verb equivalent that resembles Latin-based languages like Spanish or Portuguese. 

Putting theory to the test
carry out a task = execute a task, conduct a task
account for a project = be responsible for a project
go over a proposal = review a proposal, reevaluate a proposal
look forward to achieving a goal = strongly expect to achieve a goal
give out information = divulge information
work out a problem = solve a problem

Another principle regarding phrasal verbs: it is possible to interpret or analyze them based on the particle that accompanies the verb. This word (a preposition or an adverb) expresses an idea that helps to find similarities in these verbs with the same particle. 

Consider the word "off". It expresses removal, lack of contact, deception, aggression, end of relations, exhaustion or excess.

"Make sure to wipe off the grease marks you left on the table"
"Turn off the lights when you leave"
"The shop assistant ripped me off: she had told me the pair of jeans cost 20, but when I got to the cashier to pay, I found it actually was 35"
"Last meeting our department manager spend most of the time telling us off because we didn't meet our targets"
"After the scandal, we decided to cut off all our business relations"     
"We've been racking our brains off trying to find a solution for the technical problem".

The last sentence leads us to the video part of this post. 

Click here to see the video and the accompanying explanation. It may be hard to understand every word they say, but don't listen your ears off trying!