own up
B1 informal intransitive
In simple words
To say 'yes, I did it' when you've done something wrong.
Literal meaning: To own (possess/acknowledge) something fully and openly (up = completely).
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To admit that you have done something wrong, especially when you might prefer to stay silent.
"No one owned up to breaking the window, so the whole class was kept in."
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To take full responsibility for a failure or problem, especially in a professional context.
"The CEO owned up to the financial errors and promised to make amends."
Usage notes
Often followed by 'to': 'own up to something'. Common in British English. Used with children and adults alike. Implies honesty and taking personal responsibility.
Commonly used with
mistake crime fault responsibility lie error cheating
Forms
Base
own up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
owns up
he/she/it
Past simple
owned up
yesterday
Past participle
owned up
have + pp
-ing form
owning up
continuous
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