strike up

British  

verb

1. (of a band, orchestra, etc) to begin to play or sing

2. (tr) to bring about; cause to begin

   to strike up a friendship

3. (tr) to emboss (patterns, etc) on (metal)

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Example Sentences

Then Madden recounts in harrowing detail the killing in an on-camera interview Mason arranged after striking up a written correspondence with her.

From Los Angeles Times

As a reporter sent to cover the story, I was lucky enough to strike up a great relationship with Anne.

From BBC

A tinny orchestra striking up a tune so familiar it was practically a cliché.

From Literature

If no one was at a nearby table, he would strike up a conversation with the waitress.

From The Wall Street Journal

"And striking up conversations about what we're happy with, and what we would like to be doing differently."

From BBC