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get up to

B1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To do something, usually something a bit naughty or unexpected.

Literal meaning: To move upward toward something — not relevant to the idiomatic meaning.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To be involved in an activity, especially something mischievous or that others might disapprove of.

"I wonder what those kids are getting up to in the garage."

"What have you been getting up to?"

— Common conversational phrase; widely used in British sitcoms such as 'Only Fools and Horses'
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To reach a particular point, level, or stage in an activity or process.

"We got up to chapter seven before the teacher stopped the lesson."

Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 idiomatic informal

Used to ask someone what they have been doing recently, often as a friendly greeting.

"Hi, long time no see! What have you been getting up to?"

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in British English. Often used in questions like 'What have you been getting up to?' to ask what someone has been doing recently. Can have a playful or suspicious tone depending on context. Less common in American English.

Commonly used with

mischief tricks trouble antics no good something

Forms

Base
get up to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets up to
he/she/it
Past simple
got up to
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten up to
have + pp
-ing form
getting up to
continuous

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