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ease up

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To take it easy, try less hard, or stop being so tough on someone.

Literal meaning: To ease (reduce tension) upward — as if loosening a tight grip so something can move up freely.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To reduce the effort, pressure, or speed at which you are doing something.

"You've been working non-stop for weeks — you really need to ease up before you burn out."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To become less strict, critical, or harsh toward someone.

"Ease up on your sister — she's only just learning how to drive."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral

(Of pain, bad weather, or another unpleasant condition) to become less intense.

"The rain finally eased up around sunset, and we could see the stars."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very natural in spoken English. Often used as a direct instruction: 'Ease up!' Sometimes followed by 'on': 'Ease up on him — he's doing his best.' Slightly more personal than 'ease off' in tone.

Commonly used with

pressure criticism pace workload training rules

Forms

Base
ease up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
eases up
he/she/it
Past simple
eased up
yesterday
Past participle
eased up
have + pp
-ing form
easing up
continuous

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