stick up
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle up
Meanings
Defend or support someone when others criticize them
Why “up”? Someone does not accept pressure, unfair treatment, or authority. They speak or act against it.
“Thanks for sticking up for me.”
“Lena stuck up for her friend at school.”
Rob a place using a weapon, often a gun
Why “up”? Rising into view. What comes up becomes present and visible.
“They stuck up the bank.”
“The robbers stuck up a small shop.”
Don't confuse with
Stick up means rob a place with a weapon. Stick out means be very easy to notice.
Test yourself
“Thanks for sticking up for me.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
stick out
A contrast learners often mix up
Be very noticeable
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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