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?
up to something
set phrase Actively engaging in mischief or preparing to do something nefarious, usually in clandestine way. That guy over there keeps snooping around the front of the store—I think he's up to something. Why won't you tell me who you were on the phone with? Are you up to something?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.