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leap up

A2 neutral inseparable intransitive

To jump quickly to a standing or higher position, or to increase suddenly and dramatically.

In plain English

To jump up fast from where you are sitting or lying, or to go up by a big amount quickly.

What does "leap up" mean?

3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 A2 neutral

To rise quickly to one's feet, often in surprise, excitement, or urgency.

"He leaped up from his chair when he heard his name called."

inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To increase suddenly and sharply in number, level, or value.

"House prices leaped up by 15% in just one quarter."

inseparable
3 B1 neutral

To move swiftly upward through the air.

"The flames leaped up into the night sky."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To jump upward from a lower position.

Actually means

To jump up fast from where you are sitting or lying, or to go up by a big amount quickly.

Usage tip

The literal sense is common in narrative writing and everyday speech. The figurative sense (of numbers, prices, etc.) is frequent in news and business contexts.

Words that pair with "leap up"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

feet chair seat prices numbers temperature

How to conjugate "leap up"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
leap up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
leaps up
he/she/it
Past simple
leaped up
yesterday
Past participle
leaped up
have + pp
-ing form
leaping up
continuous

Hear "leap up" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "leap up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "leap up"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

bound up jump up rise sharply shoot up spring up surge

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.