To be involved in an activity, especially one that is secret, mischievous, or surprising.
To do something, usually something a bit naughty or unexpected.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To be involved in an activity, especially something mischievous or that others might disapprove of.
"I wonder what those kids are getting up to in the garage."
What have you been getting up to?
— Common conversational phrase; widely used in British sitcoms such as 'Only Fools and Horses'
To reach a particular point, level, or stage in an activity or process.
"We got up to chapter seven before the teacher stopped the lesson."
Used to ask someone what they have been doing recently, often as a friendly greeting.
"Hi, long time no see! What have you been getting up to?"
To move upward toward something — not relevant to the idiomatic meaning.
To do something, usually something a bit naughty or unexpected.
Very common in British English. Often used in questions like 'What have you been getting up to?' to ask what someone has been doing recently. Can have a playful or suspicious tone depending on context. Less common in American English.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "get up to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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