run up

British  

verb

1. to amass or accumulate; incur

   to run up debts

2. to make by sewing together quickly

   to run up a dress

3. to hoist

   to run up a flag

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noun

1. an approach run by an athlete for a long jump, pole vault, etc

2. a preliminary or preparatory period

   the run-up to the election

run up Idioms  

1. Make or become greater or larger, as in That offer will run up the price of the stock . [Late 1500s]

2. Accumulate, as in She ran up huge bills at the florist . [First half of 1700s]

3. Sew rapidly, as in I can run up some new curtains for the kitchen . [Mid-1800s]

4. Raise a flag, as in Let's run up the flag in time for the holiday . This usage, originating in the navy about 1900, gave rise to the slangy phrase, Let's run it up the flagpole and see if anybody salutes , meaning, “Let's try this out.” The latter originated about 1960 as advertising jargon.

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Example Sentences

Earlier this week, Republican and Democratic senators introduced a bill to prevent data centers from running up consumers’ utility bills.

From MarketWatch

Since August, the stock has largely traded sideways following a 64% run up from April.

From Barron's

In the week running up to giving birth, Beth says she went to the hospital on three consecutive days.

From BBC

The film is set in the run up to the Taliban's seizure of power in 2021, which led Sadat herself to leave the country.

From Barron's

I run up the stairs two at a time, and I’m panting when I reach the living room.

From Literature

Related Words

• assemble
• construct
• create
• found
• hoist
• initiate
• mount
• organize
• put up
• raise
• set up
• stand