haul up
B2Informal for reprimand meaning; Formal/Technical for nautical meaning.
Definition
Meaning
To pull or draw something up, often with effort; to bring to a stop or to a specific location.
1) To bring someone before an authority for questioning or reprimand; to reprimand or criticize. 2) (Nautical) To pull a boat, net, or sail up out of the water or into position.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A separable phrasal verb. The meaning shifts significantly between its literal, physical sense and its figurative, disciplinary sense. The 'reprimand' sense often implies a formal or official summons.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both senses are used in both varieties. The 'reprimand' sense is slightly more common in British media. The nautical sense is equally technical.
Connotations
In the 'reprimand' sense, it carries a connotation of being formally called to account, often by a superior or authority figure.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency overall; more common in written news, legal contexts, and nautical settings than in casual speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] haul [Object] up [Adjunct: place/reason][Subject] haul up [Object] [Adjunct: place]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Haul someone over the coals (similar, more intense)”
- “Haul someone on the carpet (US variant)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The manager was hauled up by HR for the inappropriate comments.'
Academic
Rare; would appear in historical or nautical studies: 'The crew hauled up the cargo.'
Everyday
'I got hauled up by my parents for coming home late.'
Technical
(Nautical) 'Haul up the main sail and prepare to tack.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The MP was hauled up before the standards committee.
- We need to haul up the lifeboat before the storm hits.
American English
- The CEO got hauled up on charges of fraud.
- Haul up the anchor so we can set sail.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The fishermen haul up their nets.
- He was hauled up by his teacher for not doing his homework.
- The company directors were hauled up before a parliamentary inquiry.
- After the audit discrepancies were revealed, the CFO was summarily hauled up to explain the financial irregularities.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a police officer hauling (pulling) a suspect UP to the station for questioning.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEING REPRIMANDED IS BEING PHYSICALLY LIFTED TO A PLACE OF JUDGMENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'hold up' (задерживать, грабить).
- The 'reprimand' sense is close to 'вызвать на ковёр' or 'отчитать'.
- The literal sense is 'поднимать (с усилием)'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'haul up' with 'hold up'. (e.g., 'The robbers hauled up the bank' is incorrect.)
- Using it for minor scolding instead of formal reprimand.
- Incorrect particle order: 'haul up it' instead of 'haul it up'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'haul up' LEAST likely to be used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the sense. The 'reprimand' sense is informal but used in formal contexts (like news). The nautical sense is technical/formal.
It's best used for heavy objects requiring significant effort, or in specific contexts like nautical or mechanical lifting.
'Call up' means to telephone or summon for service (like military). 'Haul up' implies a more forceful summoning, often for blame or discipline.
In the reprimand sense, yes. In the physical sense (haul up a treasure chest), it is neutral.