1 B2 idiomatic informal
To intensively train or develop someone's abilities through personal instruction and guidance.
"The new manager spent three months coaching up junior members of the sales team."
separable
coach up
B2 informal separable transitive
To intensively train or develop someone's skills, especially through personal coaching.
In plain English
To help someone get much better at something by working with them closely and giving them advice.
What does "coach up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
In sport: to bring a player or team to a higher level of skill and performance through coaching.
"The new assistant coach was brought in specifically to coach up the younger players in the squad."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bring someone up ('up') to a higher level through coaching ('coach').
Actually means
To help someone get much better at something by working with them closely and giving them advice.
Usage tip
Common in American English, particularly in sports contexts but increasingly used in business and education. Implies a focused, intensive improvement effort by a coach or mentor. Less common in British English.
Words that pair with "coach up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
player team athlete employee student skills
How to conjugate "coach up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
coach up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
coaches up
he/she/it
Past simple
coached up
yesterday
Past participle
coached up
have + pp
-ing form
coaching up
continuous
Hear "coach up" in the wild
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