add up
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle up
Meanings
Combine into a larger total
Why “up”? Filling to the top. Reaching the upper limit means finishing.
“Those numbers don't add up.”
“The receipts add up to 90 euros.”
Make sense or seem true
Why “up”? You examine the whole situation and judge its value or condition.
“His story doesn't add up.”
“The two emails don't add up.”
Test yourself
“Those numbers don't add up.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
break up
Same up pattern: finishing
Break into pieces; End a relationship or gathering
call up
Same up pattern: finishing
Telephone someone; Order someone to join military service; Display information on a screen or computer; Bring a memory or feeling vividly to mind; Select a player for a higher-level team
check up
Same up pattern: checking
Check later to make sure someone or something is okay
clean up
Same up pattern: finishing
Tidy thoroughly
clear up
Same up pattern: finishing
Tidy a place by putting things away; (of weather) become bright and dry after rain or cloud; Resolve a misunderstanding or doubt by explaining it; (of an illness, rash or symptom) disappear or get better; Solve a mystery or unsolved problem
close up
Same up pattern: finishing
Shut a shop or building, often at the end of the day; Move closer together so there is no gap; (of a wound or opening) heal or seal itself; Become silent or unwilling to share feelings
cut up
Same up pattern: finishing
Cut something into smaller pieces; Make someone deeply upset or distressed; Behave in a wild or noisy way to attract attention; Overtake another driver suddenly and dangerously
do up
Same up pattern: finishing
Fasten a button, zip or buckle; Improve a room or property by repairing or decorating it; Wrap or tie something into a neat package; Style or arrange one's hair or appearance
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