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

See Examples For:

up to

Another key issue donors are gearing up to influence is how to address the AI industry’s huge need for electricity.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 29, 2026

The travel company had signaled last month its intention to apply for financing under a new credit line the federal government set up to help airlines deal with the rapid rise in energy costs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

“If it were up to me, I would just lock myself in a room and not go anywhere. But people are like, ‘Hey, you want to come to Brazil?’”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

We headed up to a nearby roof for safety - the army vehicle and soldiers visible right below us.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

Maggie parked in the drive-in’s somewhat empty lot and walked up to the ordering window of Sandy June’s.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• acceptable
• likely
• qualified
• suitable