1 A2 informal
To move along a seat, bench, or sofa to create space for another person.
"Can you budge up a bit? There's not enough room for all three of us on this bench."
budge up
A2 informal intransitive
To move along a seat or bench to make room for another person.
In plain English
To slide over a little bit so someone else can sit down next to you.
What does "budge up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To budge (move slightly) upward along a surface to create space.
Actually means
To slide over a little bit so someone else can sit down next to you.
Usage tip
Almost exclusively British English. Very common in everyday speech, especially in crowded public places. Usually directed at someone as a friendly or light-hearted request.
Words that pair with "budge up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
bench sofa seat room space bus
How to conjugate "budge up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
budge up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
budges up
he/she/it
Past simple
budged up
yesterday
Past participle
budged up
have + pp
-ing form
budging up
continuous
Hear "budge up" in the wild
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