up to

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 .

Example Sentences

The truck makers who broke their word can still step up to electrify trucks.

From Los Angeles Times

As people lined up to vote on Tuesday, frustrated motorists continued to form long, snaking queues for fuel outside petrol stations.

From BBC

The inquiry, sitting at Liverpool Town Hall, had been set up to explore the killer's history, his contact with relevant agencies and any "missed opportunities" to prevent the "manifestly and extremely cowardly" attack.

From BBC

The winter fuel payment is worth £200 for people of state pension age up to 79-years-old.

From BBC

If Mudryk is deemed to have broken the rules, he faces of a ban of up to four years.

From BBC

Related Words

• acceptable 
• likely 
• qualified 
• suitable