draw up
B1 neutral mixed both
In simple words
To write an official document like a contract or plan, or when a car stops somewhere.
Literal meaning: To pull something upward.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To prepare a formal document, plan, or list.
"The solicitor drew up a new will for the elderly couple."
Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral
For a vehicle to arrive at a place and stop.
"A black limousine drew up outside the hotel entrance."
Grammar: inseparable
3 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To straighten yourself to your full height, usually to appear confident or commanding.
"She drew herself up to her full height and faced her accusers."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
The 'prepare a document' sense is very common in legal, business, and formal contexts. The 'vehicle stopping' sense is common in British English and literary writing.
Commonly used with
contract list plan will agreement vehicle
Forms
Base
draw up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
draws up
he/she/it
Past simple
drew up
yesterday
Past participle
drawn up
have + pp
-ing form
drawing up
continuous
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