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

To get action shots, the refrigerator is hooked up to water and electricity, said Long, who has worked as a professional photographer for nearly two decades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

According to AAA, the national average cost of a gallon of regular gas is up to $4.09 and, in California its up to $5.86.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Lawes reached his third first-class half-century from 79 balls and Foakes followed to his 51st from 93 as the pair added 133 from 33 overs up to tea.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

For AI to be trusted to truly live up to its promise, use cases will need to be proved.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Charlie wasn’t entirely broke up to see Glenn’s sorry state, and he put the stove back together.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Related Words

• acceptable
• likely
• qualified
• suitable