open up

open someone up

Fig. to perform a surgical operation requiring a major incision on someone. The doctor had to open George up to find out what was wrong. They opened up George, seeking the cause of his illness.

See also: open, up

open something up 

1. Lit. to unwrap something; to open something. Yes, Iwantto open my presents up. Ican't wait to open up my presents. Open up this door!

2. Fig. to begin examining or discussing something. Do you really want to open it up now? Now is the time to open up the question of taxes.

3. . Fig. to reveal the possibilities of something; to reveal an opportunity. Your letter opened new possibilities up. Your comments opened up a whole new train of thought.

4. Fig. to start the use of something, such as land, a building, a business, etc. They opened the coastal lands up to resort development. We opened up a new store last March.

5. Fig. to make a vehicle go as fast as possible. (As in opening up the throttle.) We took the new car out on the highway and opened it up. I've never really opened up this truck. I don't know how fast it'll go.

6. to make something less congested. They opened the yard up by cutting out a lot of old shrubbery. We opened up the room by taking the piano out.

See also: open, up

open something up (to someone)

to make something available to someone; to permit someone to join something or participate in something. We intend to open the club up to everyone. We will open up our books to the auditors.

See also: open, up

open up 

1. Lit. open your door; open your mouth. (Usually Open up!) I want in. Open up! Open up! This is the police.

2. Fig. to become available. A new job is opening up at my office. Let me know if any other opportunities open up.

3. Fig. to go as fast as possible. (As in opening up the throttle.) I can't get this car to open up. Must be something wrong with the engine. Faster, Tom! Open up! Let's go!

4. to become clear, uncluttered, or open. As we drove along, the forest opened up, and we entered into a grassy plain. The sky opened up, and the sun shone.

See also: open, up

---

open up

to talk in a free and honest way I felt I couldn't open up to anybody, not even to my best friend.

Usage notes: usually said about discussing your thoughts or feelings

See also: open, up

open up (something) also open something up

to make something available Two jobs have recently opened up in the sales department. Seniors can register for the class first, but then they open it up to everybody.

See also: open, up