connect up
B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To join all the parts together so the whole thing works.
Literal meaning: To join up all connections in a network.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To join or attach components together, especially electrically or mechanically, to form a working system.
"The technician connected up all the cables before switching on the server."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To make a logical or meaningful link between ideas, events, or facts.
"It took a while, but she finally connected up all the clues and understood what had happened."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Common in practical, technical, and DIY contexts. The 'up' adds a sense of completeness—everything is properly joined. Can also be used figuratively to mean making a logical connection between ideas.
Commonly used with
cables pipes device system wires network
Forms
Base
connect up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
connects up
he/she/it
Past simple
connected up
yesterday
Past participle
connected up
have + pp
-ing form
connecting up
continuous
Understand "connect up" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "connect up" on Looplines