climb up
A2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To go upward by holding on and using your body to move up; or to get a better job or position.
Literal meaning: To move upward using climbing action.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To ascend a surface or structure using your hands and feet or by physical effort.
"The children climbed up the old oak tree and perched on the highest branch."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To rise gradually in rank, status, or position over time.
"She climbed up through the company ranks over fifteen years to become CEO."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
One of the most common and transparent phrasal verbs. The literal sense is universal. The figurative sense (climb up the career ladder, social hierarchy) is also very common. 'Climb up the ladder' is a fixed expression.
Commonly used with
ladder tree mountain wall stairs ranks career
Forms
Base
climb up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
climbs up
he/she/it
Past simple
climbed up
yesterday
Past participle
climbed up
have + pp
-ing form
climbing up
continuous
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