Phrasal verb
live up to
Meanings
to meet expectations or match what was promised or hoped
to behave in a way that is worthy of a reputation, responsibility, or ideal
Definition
To live up to something means to meet expectations or a standard.
If something lives up to expectations, it is as good as people hoped or said it would be. People can also live up to their responsibilities, values, or promises by behaving in the right way. The phrase is often used when comparing reality with what was expected.
Examples
- The new restaurant didn’t live up to the reviews.
- I hope this camera lives up to my expectations on the trip.
- She worked hard to live up to her parents’ trust.
- They didn’t live up to their promise to call back quickly.
Common mistake
Learners often say “live to” instead of “live up to,” forgetting the particle “up.”
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.