open up
phrasal verb·5 senses·particle up
Meanings
Become willing to talk about feelings
Why “up”? A person, thing, signal, idea, or truth becomes present, visible, active, or known.
“It took her months to open up.”
“He opened up about his fears.”
“He only opens up when he feels safe.”
Make new opportunities or possibilities available
“The internet has opened up new careers.”
“The scholarship opened up a chance to study abroad.”
Begin business or operation in a new place
Why “up”? A new thing appears or is made.
“A new café opened up on the corner.”
“A bookshop opened up near the station.”
Increase a lead or gap over a competitor
Why “up”? More of something is higher. Quantity, intensity and speed all rise.
“She opened up a five-second lead.”
“The team opened up a ten-point gap.”
Open a building or container so something can be accessed
“The cafe opened up just before Maya and Leo reached the counter.”
“They opened up the church for visitors.”
“Staff opened up the club while Maya and Leo queued outside.”
Test yourself
“It took her months to open up.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
back up
Same up pattern: increase
Make a digital copy of data as a safeguard; Support someone's claim, story or position; Move backward along the same path; (of traffic or water) accumulate because flow is blocked
beef up
Same up pattern: increase
Strengthen or reinforce
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
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
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
cheer up
Same up pattern: increase
Become happier or less miserable; Make someone else happier; (imperative) Stop being sad; used as encouragement
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