line up
phrasal verb·5 senses·particle up
Meanings
Arrange people or things in a straight row
Why “up”? Separate people or pieces come up into one line, pair, group, or connection.
“Line up against the wall, please.”
“The children lined up outside the classroom.”
Organise or arrange something in advance
Why “up”? People or conditions get ready before the main action begins.
“We've lined up some great speakers.”
“She lined up three interviews for Friday.”
Position one object so it is straight with another
“Line the holes up before drilling.”
“Line up the edges before you glue them.”
Wait in a queue, especially in American English
“Fans lined up for hours.”
“People lined up outside the bakery.”
Identify a suspect or candidate by placing them with others
Why “up”? Rising into view. What comes up becomes present and visible.
“Witnesses lined up the suspects.”
“The officer lined up the candidates for the witness.”
Don't confuse with
Line up means arrange people or things in a straight row. Line behind means of a group, declare unified support for something.
Test yourself
“Line up against the wall, please.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
line behind
A contrast learners often mix up
Of a group, declare unified support for something
blow up
Same up pattern: appearance
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
bring up
Same up pattern: appearance
Mention or raise a topic
call up
Same up pattern: appearance
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
catch up
Same up pattern: appearance
Reach the same level or position as someone ahead; Get up to date with news, work or events you have missed; (of bad behaviour or neglect) start to have unavoidable consequences; Spend time talking to a friend after a period apart
clear up
Same up pattern: appearance
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
come up
Same up pattern: appearance
Arise as a topic or event
crop up
Same up pattern: appearance
Appear unexpectedly in a situation
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