pass up
B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To not take a chance or opportunity when it is offered to you.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To choose not to take advantage of an opportunity, especially a good one.
"I know I should have passed up the extra dessert, but it looked too good."
Grammar: separable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
(in negative constructions) To be unable to resist or refuse something attractive.
"When they offered her the lead role, she couldn't pass it up."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Almost always used with words like 'opportunity', 'chance', or 'offer'. Very frequently used in negative sentences or questions ('I can't pass up this chance'). Implies the speaker thinks it would be a mistake to refuse.
Commonly used with
opportunity chance offer deal invite promotion
Forms
Base
pass up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
passes up
he/she/it
Past simple
passed up
yesterday
Past participle
passed up
have + pp
-ing form
passing up
continuous
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