build up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘build up’ mean?
The idiom "build up" means to increase or strengthen something gradually over time.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "pile up" means to accumulate or gather in large quantities or numbers. It can also refer to a situation where things or problems become overwhelming and difficult to manage. It is often used to describe physical objects or issues that increase or accumulate rapidly.
The idiom "drum up" means to create or generate support, enthusiasm, or interest for something, usually through active promotion or publicity.
The idiom "crank up" means to increase the intensity, volume, or speed of something, typically referring to machinery or activities. It suggests to make something more powerful, active, or energetic.
The idiom "come up with" means to produce or find an idea, solution, or answer, often unexpectedly or under pressure.
The idiom "come into being" means the process or event of something coming into existence or being created.
The idiom "chip away" means to gradually make progress or achieve a goal by making small, incremental efforts or removing obstacles. It suggests the idea of steadily working towards a desired outcome.
The idiom "bump up" means to increase or raise something, such as a price or a level, to a higher or more significant position. It is often used in a business or professional context.
The idiom "built different" means someone or something is unique, exceptional, or out of the ordinary in a certain way.
Hidden Potential
Build up is an idiomatic expression that has several meanings and can be used in various contexts. It is a versatile phrase that is commonly used in everyday language. Here is an analysis of the meaning and usage of the idiom for a US audience:
1. To accumulate or increase gradually:
One of the most common uses of the idiom "build up" is to describe the gradual accumulation or increase of something. This can refer to physical objects, such as a build-up of dust on furniture, or abstract concepts, such as a build-up of tension in a suspenseful movie. In this context, "build up" implies a slow and steady process of growth or accumulation.
2. To develop or improve:
"Build up" can also be used to describe the process of developing or improving something. For example, a business may "build up" its customer base over time, or a student may "build up" their knowledge and skills through continuous learning. In this sense, "build up" suggests a progressive and deliberate effort to enhance or refine something.
4. To praise or promote:
Another meaning of "build up" is to praise or promote someone or something. This can involve creating a positive perception or reputation through words or actions. For instance, a company may "build up" its brand image through advertising campaigns, or a public figure may "build up" their public image by receiving positive media coverage. In this sense, "build up" conveys a strategic effort to elevate and emphasize certain qualities or attributes.
3. To boost or increase:
The idiom "build up" can also be used to mean to boost or increase something. This can refer to increasing the intensity or magnitude of an action or event. For instance, a sports team may "build up" their lead in a game, or a marketing campaign may "build up" anticipation for a product launch. In this context, "build up" denotes a rapid and significant increase.
5. To prepare or make ready:
"Build up" can also be used to describe the process of preparing or making something ready for use. This can refer to physical objects, such as "building up" a fire by adding more logs, or abstract concepts, such as "building up" one's courage before a challenging task. In this context, "build up" suggests a preparatory stage leading to action or utilization.
One related idiom is "buff up". This means to make something stronger, more impressive, or more skilled. It can be used in a physical sense, such as buffing up one's muscles through exercise, or in a figurative sense, such as buffing up a resume to make it more appealing to potential employers.
Another related idiom is "build on sand". This means to build or create something on an unstable or unreliable foundation. It suggests that the resulting structure or outcome is likely to be weak or unstable. For example, if a business builds its strategy on unreliable data, it is said to be building on sand.
Overall, the idiom "build up" has a wide range of meanings and applications. It can describe the gradual accumulation or increase of something, the process of development or improvement, the act of boosting or increasing something, the act of praising or promoting someone or something, as well as the process of preparing or making something ready. This versatile idiom encapsulates various aspects of growth, progress, and enhancement, making it a commonly used and easily understood expression in the English language.
Example usage
1. She decided to build up her savings by cutting back on unnecessary expenses.
2. The company needs to build up its online presence through social media marketing.
3. The athlete followed a strict training routine to build up his strength and endurance before the competition.
More "Verbs" idioms
