1 A2 neutral
To ascend a surface or structure using your hands and feet or by physical effort.
"The children climbed up the old oak tree and perched on the highest branch."
inseparable
climb up
A2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To ascend to a higher position by using your body; or to rise in status or rank.
In plain English
To go upward by holding on and using your body to move up; or to get a better job or position.
What does "climb up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To rise gradually in rank, status, or position over time.
"She climbed up through the company ranks over fifteen years to become CEO."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move upward using climbing action.
Actually means
To go upward by holding on and using your body to move up; or to get a better job or position.
Usage tip
One of the most common and transparent phrasal verbs. The literal sense is universal. The figurative sense (climb up the career ladder, social hierarchy) is also very common. 'Climb up the ladder' is a fixed expression.
Words that pair with "climb up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
ladder tree mountain wall stairs ranks career
How to conjugate "climb up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
climb up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
climbs up
he/she/it
Past simple
climbed up
yesterday
Past participle
climbed up
have + pp
-ing form
climbing up
continuous
Hear "climb up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "climb up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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