Phrasal verb
open up
Meanings
to talk more freely and honestly about your feelings or private experiences
to make a place, space, or service available by opening it
to begin operating or become possible to use, especially after being closed
Definition
To open up means to start talking more honestly about your feelings or thoughts.
To open up means to become more willing to share personal thoughts, feelings, or experiences. It often happens when you begin to trust someone or feel more comfortable in a situation. It can also mean to make something accessible by opening a place, system, or space so people can use it.
Examples
- I didn’t open up until I knew I could trust them.
- She finally opened up about what had been bothering her at work.
- They opened up a new café on the corner last month.
- After the storm, the highway opened up and traffic started moving again.
Common mistake
Learners often use "open" instead of "open up" when they mean sharing feelings (say "open up to someone," not just "open to someone").
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.