back up
phrasal verb·4 senses·particle up
Meanings
Make a digital copy of data as a safeguard
Why “up”? Something is held up for a while. A host can support a guest, or you can carry a burden.
“Back up your files before the update.”
“She backed up the photos to an external drive.”
Support someone's claim, story or position
“Will you back me up at the meeting?”
“A second team backed them up on the ground.”
“We need more nurses to back up the night shift.”
Move backward along the same path
Why “up”? Backing up means moving a short way back along the same path. You go against the forward direction.
“Back up slowly, there is a wall behind you.”
“The driver backed up to let the bus pass.”
(of traffic or water) accumulate because flow is blocked
Why “up”? More of something is higher. Quantity, intensity and speed all rise.
“Traffic backed up for miles after the crash.”
“Water backed up in the kitchen sink.”
Don't confuse with
Back up means make a digital copy of data as a safeguard. Back out means withdraw from a commitment or agreement.
Test yourself
“Back up your files before the update.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
back out
A contrast learners often mix up
Withdraw from a commitment or agreement
beef up
Same up pattern: increase
Strengthen or reinforce
blow up
Same up pattern: increase
Explode or be destroyed by an explosion; Inflate something by filling it with air; Suddenly become very angry; Enlarge a photograph or image; (of a storm or argument) develop quickly into something serious
build up
Same up pattern: increase
Gradually increase in amount, strength or intensity; Develop or strengthen something over time; Make someone or something seem more important or impressive than they are; Encourage or strengthen someone emotionally; Create momentum towards a moment or event
cheer up
Same up pattern: increase
Become happier or less miserable; Make someone else happier; (imperative) Stop being sad; used as encouragement
cover up
Same up pattern: support
Hide something by placing a covering over it; Conceal a mistake, crime or wrongdoing from others; Do someone else's job temporarily while they are away
dress up
Same up pattern: increase
Put on smart or formal clothes; Wear a costume, often imitating someone or something; Make something look more attractive or impressive than it is
get up
Same up pattern: increase
Rise from bed or a seat; Move to a standing position; Increase in strength
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “back up”.
Practice “back up” in Sink In
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