run up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘run up’ mean?
The idiom "run up" means to accumulate or increase something, typically a debt or a bill. It suggests the idea of quickly and continuously adding to a particular amount or total. For example, if someone "runs up" a credit card bill, they are continuously adding charges and increasing the amount owed.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "trump up" means to fabricate or invent false information or charges, often with the intention of deceiving others or gaining an advantage. It implies the creation of a false story or evidence in order to support a particular claim or accusation.
The idiom "run out the clock" means to intentionally waste time or delay the completion of a task or event, often to secure a favorable outcome or simply to avoid unwanted consequences.
The idiom "run out" means to exhaust the supply of something or to reach the end of a limited resource. It implies that there is no more of that specific thing available.
The idiom "run off with" means to leave quickly and unexpectedly with someone or something, often in a secretive or unauthorized manner. It implies a sense of impulsiveness and abandonment, suggesting a departure without prior notice or agreement.
The idiom "run into the ground" means to exhaust or use up completely, often through overuse or mismanagement.
The idiom "run high" refers to when emotions or tensions are intense or reaching a peak level. It describes a situation where feelings, such as anger, excitement, or anxiety, are strong and powerful.
The idiom "run around after" means to constantly be busy or occupied attending to someone or something. It suggests a sense of being constantly on the move or dealing with various tasks and responsibilities.
The idiom "run about" means to move or travel quickly and randomly in different directions.
The idiom "run with" means to take an idea, suggestion, or information and develop it further or act on it. It implies actively pursuing and making the most out of the given opportunity or concept.
Unraveling Idiomatic Significance
The idiom "run up" is a commonly used phrase in the English language with multiple meanings and applications.
One meaning of "run up" is associated with accumulating or increasing a balance, typically in financial or credit-related matters. This is seen in phrases like "rack up a debt" or "charge up a bill." It implies rapid or continuous growth, often leading to excessive debt or escalating expenses.
Another interpretation of "run up" involves a sudden and swift approach or movement towards a target or destination. For example, when saying "run up to someone," it signifies advancing quickly towards a person. Similarly, "run up to something" can indicate physically moving towards an object or location with haste.
While the idiom is most commonly used in a literal sense, it also has metaphorical applications. For example, in the phrase "run up against something," it represents facing or encountering an obstacle, challenge, or opposition. It conveys the notion of encountering difficulties or barriers that impede progress.
Additionally, "run up" can describe the act of quickly creating or completing a task or action. For example, "running up a report" may refer to the rapid production or completion of a written document. This usage signifies speed and efficiency.
In specific domains, such as sports or politics, "run up" is used to describe certain actions or situations. In sports, "running up the score" refers to a team significantly increasing their lead over the opposing team. In politics, "running up the flagpole" suggests testing or presenting an idea or proposal publicly.
The idiom "run up" encompasses several meanings and uses in American English. It can refer to the accumulation or increase of a balance, the swift approach towards a target or destination, the encounter of obstacles or challenges, or the speedy completion of a task. Its versatility allows it to be applied in various contexts, providing speakers with a concise and expressive way to convey specific ideas or situations.
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom "run up" can be used in a sentence:
- He ran up a huge credit card bill after his shopping spree.
- The team ran up a high score in the basketball game.
- She ran up the stairs to catch the train.
More "finance" idioms
