1 B1 neutral
To connect a piece of equipment or a system so that it functions
"Can you hook it up to the projector before the presentation starts?"
separable
hook it up
B1 informal separable transitive
To connect a device or system, or informally to provide someone with something they need or want
In plain English
Get something set up and working, or give someone what they need as a favor
What does "hook it up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic slang
To provide someone with something they want or need, often as a favor or at a special price
"My cousin works at the stadium — he hooked it up with free tickets for the finals."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To hang something up using a hook so it is connected and in place
Actually means
Get something set up and working, or give someone what they need as a favor
Usage tip
In informal and slang usage, 'hook it up' often means to give or provide something desirable, as in 'hook me up'. In technical contexts, it simply means to connect equipment. More common in American English.
Words that pair with "hook it up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
speakers TV system deal discount tickets
How to conjugate "hook it up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hook it up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hooks it up
he/she/it
Past simple
hooked it up
yesterday
Past participle
hooked it up
have + pp
-ing form
hooking it up
continuous
Hear "hook it up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hook it up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "hook it up"
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Keep exploring
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