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

Colleagues remembered Mayra as a dedicated educator and active member of the teachers union who spoke up to support the needs of her students and fellow staff members.

From Los Angeles Times

After it frankly didn't live up to the expectation, the Coalition government replaced it with the NCA.

From BBC

“College sports are basically pro sports teams now,” Neirotti said of the money being ponied up to recruit and retain players.

From MarketWatch

He said that China has proven it can catch up to the innovations and leaps made in the U.S., but it still struggles to innovate beyond what American firms have accomplished.

From MarketWatch

Some dentists told Friel he could have an appointment almost straight away as a private patient, costing him up to £175 for a consultation.

From BBC

Related Words

• acceptable
• likely
• qualified
• suitable