make up to
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
Be very friendly or complimentary to someone because you want something from them; reach a total number.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To try to gain someone's favour by flattering or being overly friendly, especially for selfish reasons.
"He was always making up to the director, hoping to get a promotion."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To reach or amount to a certain quantity or figure.
"The final donations made up to just over five thousand pounds."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The 'flatter/ingratiate' sense often has a negative connotation — it implies the behaviour is insincere. The 'reach a total' sense is neutral and common in numerical contexts.
Commonly used with
boss teacher total amount figure number
Forms
Base
make up to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
makes up to
he/she/it
Past simple
made up to
yesterday
Past participle
made up to
have + pp
-ing form
making up to
continuous
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Synonyms
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