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open up
verb
(intr) to start firing a gun or guns
(intr) to speak freely or without restraint
informal, (intr) (of a motor vehicle) to accelerate
(tr) to render accessible
the motorway opened up the remoter areas
to make or become more exciting or lively
the game opened up after half-time
Idioms and Phrases
Spread out, unfold, as in A green valley opened up before us . [Early 1800s]
Begin operation, as in The new store opens up next month . [Late 1700s]
Begin firing, begin attacking, as in The artillery opened up at dawn , or, figuratively, The speaker opened up fiercely on the opposition . [1930s] Also see open fire .
Speak freely and candidly, as in At last the witness opened up and told what happened . “ Colloquial ; c. 1920]
Make an opening by cutting, as in The surgeon opened up the patient's chest .
Become available or accessible, as in With new markets opening up all the time we hope to see our revenues increase dramatically . [Mid-1800s]
Increase the speed of a vehicle, as in Let's see how fast the car will go if you open it up . [ Colloquial ; c. 1920]
Open the door, let me (or us) in, as in Open up! This is the police . [Mid-1900s] Note that in all of these usages except def. 4 and 7, up serves as an intensifier, that is, it emphasizes the verb open .
Example Sentences
"It opened up a completely new path forward, especially against strains that have learned to evade existing treatments."
"If it was clearly in law what your rights are we think it opens up that conversation and employers would have to have a policy."
He started his career at BP in the 1970s, as oil markets were opening up after the shock of the Arab oil embargoes.
Years ago, his friend, who frequented Stevens, dragged Sines out to dance socials, telling him it would be the best way to meet people and open up.
Their findings, published October 23 in Nature Neuroscience, suggest that restoring or stabilizing these internal rhythms could open up a new approach to treating Alzheimer's.
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