run up
B2Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
To accumulate something (especially a debt or bill) over time; to approach something quickly; to raise something (like a flag) to the top of a pole.
A period of preparation or increase leading to an event; a short, fast approach before jumping or throwing; in cricket, the bowler's approach to the wicket.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a phrasal verb, it is separable (e.g., 'run up a bill'). As a noun ('run-up'), it is hyphenated and refers to the preparatory period or approach.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Noun 'run-up' is more common in British English for the period before an event. In American English, 'lead-up' is a frequent alternative. The cricket sense is UK-specific.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'run up a bill/debt' has negative connotations of irresponsible spending. The noun 'run-up' is neutral.
Frequency
The phrasal verb is equally common. The noun form is significantly more frequent in UK English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[sb] runs up [sth][sth] is run up by [sb]the run-up to [event]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Run up a white flag (surrender)”
- “Run up against (encounter a problem)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to accumulating costs or debts before a project launch.
Academic
Used in economics for debt accumulation; in sports science for the approach phase.
Everyday
Most common for talking about bills, debts, and the period before holidays/elections.
Technical
In aviation, the pre-takeoff engine test; in finance, a period of rising prices.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He managed to run up a £500 tab at the pub.
- The protesters ran up the banner on the council building.
American English
- She ran up a huge credit card bill during the holidays.
- They ran the flag up the pole at dawn.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children ran up the hill.
- Please don't run up the stairs.
- I ran up a big phone bill last month.
- The athlete ran up to the jump.
- The company ran up significant debts before going bankrupt.
- In the run-up to the wedding, she was very stressed.
- Speculative trading ran up the price of the stock artificially.
- The political tensions in the run-up to the election were palpable.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone running up a hill made of credit card bills – they are 'running up' a huge debt.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEBT IS UPWARD MOTION / PREPARATION IS APPROACH
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating literally as 'бегать вверх'. For debts, use 'накопить (долг)'. For the period, use 'преддверие' or 'подготовительный период'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'run up' for physical running only. *'I ran up to the shop' is ambiguous (could mean 'I went quickly' or 'I accumulated a debt at the shop').
- Confusing 'run up' with 'run out' (to finish).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'run up' mean in this sentence: 'The project ran up unexpected costs.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The phrasal verb is two words: 'run up'. The noun is hyphenated: 'run-up'.
Rarely. 'Run up a score' in sports is neutral/positive, but 'run up a debt/bill' is nearly always negative. 'Run up a flag' is neutral.
They are largely synonymous for the period before an event. 'Run-up' is more common in UK English and in specific contexts like sports and finance. 'Lead-up' is common in US English.
No, that is a confusion with 'knit'. The correct phrase for making a sweater quickly is 'knock up' (UK informal) or 'whip up'. 'Run up' is not used for creating garments in modern standard English.