connect (up) to (someone or something)
1. To physically join people or things together. A noun or pronoun can be used between "connect" and "to." The handcuffs kept the thief connected to the chair as he was questioned. If you don't connect this piece to that one, the base will be lopsided. All right, everyone, here are some bandanas—connect to your partner for the three-legged race!
2. To be involved in or linked to something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "connect" and "to." Once he became connected to that scandal, his political career was over. Geez, it feels like the tabloids connect that actress to a different guy in Hollywood every day! If you're somehow connected up in their illegal operation, get out now, before the feds bust them.
3. To successfully access a connection to something, such as electricity or the Internet. A noun or pronoun can be used between "connect" and "to." I'm having a hard time connecting to the Wi-Fi here. Nope, never mind, I just connected to your network. We're good! If no one can connect to the Internet today, we better get someone from IT up here.
connect (up) with (someone or something)
1. To have a positive or meaningful connection with someone, often quickly. I just don't connect with those people—I doubt we have anything in common. I connected with Ashley immediately, and we've been best friends ever since. When you connect with your boss, it definitely helps create a positive work environment.
2. To communicate with someone. I've been having a hard time connecting with Stephanie, since she's been out of the office every time I've tried to call her. Have you been able to connect with the mayor's office yet? Then email Ed again because it's crucial that we connect up with him before the event this weekend.
3. To form a relationship or a group. I'm sure you'll be able to connect with other photography enthusiasts in your new town. You'll definitely be able to connect up with other freshmen in your dorm because everyone is scared and lonely, whether they admit it or not. I know it takes time to connect with new neighbors, so it was a pleasant surprise when Anna and I clicked right away.
connect the dots
1. Literally, to draw a line between dots, often as part of a children's activity to create an illustration or design. The kids are having fun connecting the dots and making pretty pictures for us. My daughter never really enjoyed connecting the dots. She always preferred drawing her own pictures. A: "Wow, did you connect the dots? And what do you see now?" B: "A boat!"
2. To understand something by piecing together hints or other bits of information. Once I started to connect the dots, I realized that, if they hadn't called me by now, I probably wasn't getting the job. Has she seriously not connected the dots yet? If he's not texting her back, he's not interested in her! Once my sister told me she was pregnant, I immediately connected the dots and made sense of all of her weird behavior lately.
connect up
To attach or link something to something else. Let me just connect up these two cords, and then everything should be running again. How exactly do you plan to connect up the two bikes and get them on the roof of my car? A: "Did you connect up the dog's leash yet?" B: "Yeah, we're ready to go!"
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
connect someone or something(up) to someone or something
and connect someone or something (up) with someone or something 1. Lit. to connect people or things in any combination, physically or by wires. The nurse connected Maggie up to the electrocardiograph. Eric connected the machine to the wall plug. The receptionist connected my call up to Susan.
2. Fig. to make a mental connection between people and things in any combination. I connected myself up to a person with similar interests. I often connect up Bob to sailing, because I first met him on a boat.
3. Fig. to argue that someone or something is linked to a criminal or a criminal act. I can connect Eric to the crime. The police connected the stolen goods to Susan.
connect (up) to something
to attach to something; to attach or link something to some electrical device or electrical signal. When we finish the house, we will connect up to the utilities. We have to connect to the Internet ourselves.
connect (up) with someone or something
1. to form an association with someone or a group. (The up is informal.) Let's connect up with some other people and form an organization through which we can express our views. We need to connect with like-minded people that can help us with our problems.
2. to meet with someone or a group; to communicate with someone or a group, especially over the telephone. I tried to connect up with Bob over the phone, but I could never reach him. We could not connect with the council to discuss these matters.
connect (with someone)
Fig. to meet someone; to talk to someone on the telephone. Let's try to connect on this matter tomorrow. We finally connected and discussed the matter fully over dinner.
connect (with the ball)
[for a batter] to hit a baseball. Wally connected for a double. He swung, but didn't connect with the ball.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.