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line up

A2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To stand in a row, to arrange things in order, or to organise a plan or event.

Literal meaning: To form or create a line going upward or extending in order — fairly transparent.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To stand in a row or queue, waiting for something.

"Hundreds of fans lined up outside the stadium hours before the gates opened."

"People are lining up outside Apple stores."

— Common tech news headline pattern; e.g., BBC Technology, various years
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To organise, arrange, or schedule a series of things, people, or events.

"The manager has lined up three strong candidates for the interview next week."

Grammar: separable
3 A2 neutral

To align things so they are straight and evenly positioned.

"Line up the tiles carefully before you press them into place."

Grammar: separable
4 B2 idiomatic neutral

To support or align oneself with a person, group, or cause.

"Several major companies lined up behind the new environmental legislation."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

One of the most common and versatile phrasal verbs. Used in everyday speech for physical queuing, sports team selection, event scheduling, and preparation. 'Line-up' (noun) refers to a scheduled list of performers, suspects, or team members.

Commonly used with

support team event schedule concert suspects speakers jobs

Forms

Base
line up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lines up
he/she/it
Past simple
lined up
yesterday
Past participle
lined up
have + pp
-ing form
lining up
continuous

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Synonyms

queue up arrange organise schedule prepare plan

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