ride up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Everyday
Quick answer
What does “ride up” mean?
(of clothing, fabric) To move upward out of its proper position, typically becoming tight, bunchy, or uncomfortable.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(of clothing, fabric) To move upward out of its proper position, typically becoming tight, bunchy, or uncomfortable.
It can be used metaphorically to describe something gradually moving into an inconvenient or inappropriate position over time (e.g., a policy 'rides up' against public opinion).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and frequency. The specific garments mentioned in examples might differ slightly based on local clothing terms.
Connotations
Identical; universally associated with poorly fitting clothing and discomfort.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “ride up” in a Sentence
[Clothing item] + rides up[Clothing item] + is riding upI hate it when my [clothing item] rides up.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ride up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- These new tights keep riding up.
- My jumper rode up when I reached for the book.
American English
- These pantyhose always ride up.
- My sweater rode up in the back when I sat down.
adjective
British English
- It's a ride-up skirt, so bring a spare pair of shorts.
American English
- I have a ride-up issue with these leggings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of fashion retail or textile quality ('We need to address the fabric's tendency to ride up.').
Academic
Very rare. Could appear in ergonomics or design studies on clothing.
Everyday
Very common, particularly in descriptions of personal comfort and clothing issues.
Technical
Used in textile and garment manufacturing regarding fit and fabric behavior.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ride up”
- Using it transitively (e.g., 'The bike rode me up' is incorrect). Confusing it with 'drive up' (prices).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily for clothing/fabric. Metaphorical use is possible but less common (e.g., 'The new regulations are starting to ride up against industry standards').
For the top/bottom moving down, you might say 'slide down' or 'slip down'. For the fabric becoming smooth, 'lie flat' or 'stay put'.
No, it is intransitive and inseparable. You cannot 'ride something up' in this sense.
Yes, but it's more common in perfect tenses than as an adjective. E.g., 'This skirt has ridden up all day' is fine. 'A ridden-up skirt' is less natural than 'a skirt that rides up'.
(of clothing, fabric) To move upward out of its proper position, typically becoming tight, bunchy, or uncomfortable.
Ride up is usually informal, everyday in register.
Ride up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌraɪd ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌraɪd ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a horse (to RIDE) bucking UPwards. Your clothing is bucking and moving UP out of place.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A MISBEHAVING ANIMAL / AN UNCONTROLLABLE FORCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would you most likely use 'ride up'?