The same fifteen words as the cards above, written out in full — easy to scan, search or print.

listen upA2idiom

a phrase you say to get everybody’s attention before you give instructions

Gru stands above his Minions and shouts, “Listen up!” before he explains the plan.

follow meA1idiom

a short order telling people to come with you

Gru says “follow me”, and a thousand Minions walk after him.

don’t touch thatA2idiom

a negative order — “don’t” in front of the verb tells somebody not to do something

Gru warns the Minions away from Doctor Nefario’s machines with “don’t touch that”.

you’re in charge ofB1idiom

used to tell somebody that something is their job and their responsibility

Gru gives each Minion a job: you’re in charge of the rocket.

first / then / finallyA2idiom

the three words we use to put a set of instructions in the right order

First, you ring the bell. Then, you sell the cookies. Finally, you leave the little robots inside.

make sure youB1idiom

used before the step in your instructions that really matters

Gru tells the girls to make sure they smile when the door opens.

hurry upA2idiom

an order meaning do it faster

Gru’s evenings become a long line of commands: hurry up, be quiet, go to bed.

be quietA1idiom

an order meaning stop talking — “be” plus an adjective orders a state or a feeling

Gru says “be quiet” when the three girls will not settle down.

go to bedA1idiom

an order telling somebody to stop what they are doing and go to sleep

Every parent in every country knows Gru’s three evening orders: hurry up, be quiet, go to bed.

let’s goA2idiom

an order that includes you too, used when everybody should move together

When Gru wants everybody moving together, he reaches for “let’s go”.

whatever you do, don’tB2idiom

used before the one thing you really do not want somebody to do

Whatever you do, don’t be late — and Gru’s whole life comes down to that sentence.

madcapC1adjective

wild, silly, and full of fast, chaotic energy

Reviewers called the film a madcap cartoon caper.

wackyC1adjective

funny in a crazy, silly way

Critics described the Minions as wacky little creatures.

slapstickC1noun

physical comedy, with falling, chasing and crashing

Much of the humour here is pure slapstick.

goofyB2adjective

silly and a bit clumsy, in a likeable way

Reviews called Gru’s helpers goofy and harmless.