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

They were less likely to strike up conversations with classmates or confide in dormmates.

From The Wall Street Journal

While Cyndee is massaging her sore feet on a bench, Bert strikes up a casual conversation with a young woman the next bench over.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr Sun's group did not interact extensively with local Uyghurs, but the few they managed to strike up conversations with were "very welcoming", he says.

From BBC

We strike up a conversation about a Tom Petty book.

From Salon

The two strike up a conversation, and Matthew is inducted into Oliver’s inner circle almost overnight.

From Salon