up to (doing something)
Able or willing to do something. I'm not really up to going to the mall—I think I need a nap instead. I doubt she's feeling up to having visitors so soon after her surgery.
up to (one)
One's responsibility to decide or dictate; one's decision to make. It's up to you—do you want to go out tonight or not? I would give you permission, but it's not up to me.
up to (something)
1. Meeting a certain standard or requirement. Your work just hasn't been up to the standard I expect from students in my AP class.
2. Able or willing to do or deal with something. I'm not really up to going to the mall—I think I need a nap instead. I doubt she's up to a visit so soon after her surgery. I'm warning you, this is an intense industry. Are you up to the challenge?
3. Scheming something or engaging in mischievous behavior. I think those two are up to something—they've been acting squirrelly all morning.
4. Having reached a particular point or level. I'm only up to the second chapter, but I like the book so far. The water is up to the basement steps now, so we need to do something!
5. A maximum of (something). You have up to a month to complete these assignments. If you submit them after that, they'll be marked late. It will likely take up to a week for the repairs to be completed.
6. Doing something; occupied or engaged with something. What have you been up to since school ended? Are you up to anything tonight? Do you want to catch a movie?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
*up to someone or something
Fig. decided by someone. (*Typically: be ~; become ~; leave something ~.) If it were up to me, I would say yes. It is up to the decision of the judges!
up to something
1. Fig.[of someone] plotting something. I think they are up to something. I am sure that Lily and Max are up to something evil.
2. Fig.[of someone] well enough or rested enough to do something. I'm not quite up to the party. Are you up to a game of volleyball?
3. to be as good as something; to be good enough for something. This work's not up to the standard of the class. Your last essay was not up to your best.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
up to
1. As far as or approaching a certain point. For example, The water was nearly up to the windowsill, or They allowed us up to two hours to finish the test, or This seed should yield up to 300 bushels per acre. [c. a.d. 950]
2. be up to. Be able to do or deal with, as in When I got home, she asked if I was up to a walk on the beach. This usage is often put negatively, that is, not be up to something, as in He's not up to a long drive. [Late 1700s]
3. Occupied with, engaged in, as in What have you been up to lately? This usage can mean "devising" or "scheming," as in We knew those two were up to something. It also appears in up to no good, meaning "occupied with or devising something harmful," as in I'm sure those kids are up to no good. [First half of 1800s]
4. Dependent on, as in The success of this project is up to us. [c. 1900] Also see the following idioms beginning with up to.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
up to
1. Occupied with, especially devising or scheming: a prowler up to no good.
2. Able to do or deal with: didn't feel up to a long drive.
3. Dependent on: The success of this project is up to us.
4. a. To the point of; as far as or until: I'm up to chapter 15 in my book. The kids played right up to dinnertime.
b. As long as: allowed up to two hours to finish the test.
c. As many as: seed that yields up to 300 bushels per acre.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.