up to

Idioms  

1. As far as or approaching a certain point. For example, The water was nearly up to the windowsill , or They allowed us up to two hours to finish the test , or This seed should yield up to 300 bushels per acre . [c. a.d. 950]

2. be up to . Be able to do or deal with, as in When I got home, she asked if I was up to a walk on the beach . This usage is often put negatively, that is, not be up to something , as in He's not up to a long drive . [Late 1700s]

3. Occupied with, engaged in, as in What have you been up to lately? This usage can mean “devising” or “scheming,” as in We knew those two were up to something . It also appears in up to no good , meaning “occupied with or devising something harmful,” as in I'm sure those kids are up to no good . [First half of 1800s]

4. Dependent on, as in The success of this project is up to us . [c. 1900] Also see the following idioms beginning with up to .

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Example Sentences

Hear an Ad, Then Call Free If long-distance rates still aren't cheap enough for you, listen up--to the advertisement playing on the telephone.

From Time Magazine Archive

Their high-mindedness is only holding things up--to the approbation of those who later complain that nothing gets done.

From Time Magazine Archive

And so I paid up--to avoid bringing shame to my family.

From Time Magazine Archive

The payoff: black enrollment is up--to 16 this fall from the low of four the year after Hopwood.

From Time Magazine Archive

There are many persons of doubtful social standing, who seek to make up--to bridge that narrow and unfathomable gulf--by affability.

From The Velvet Glove by Merriman, Henry Seton

Related Words

• acceptable
• likely
• qualified
• suitable