1 B1 idiomatic informal
To admit that you have done something wrong, especially when you might prefer to stay silent.
"No one owned up to breaking the window, so the whole class was kept in."
own up
B1 informal intransitive
To admit honestly that you have done something wrong, even though it is difficult.
In plain English
To say 'yes, I did it' when you've done something wrong.
What does "own up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To take full responsibility for a failure or problem, especially in a professional context.
"The CEO owned up to the financial errors and promised to make amends."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To own (possess/acknowledge) something fully and openly (up = completely).
Actually means
To say 'yes, I did it' when you've done something wrong.
Usage tip
Often followed by 'to': 'own up to something'. Common in British English. Used with children and adults alike. Implies honesty and taking personal responsibility.
Words that pair with "own up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
mistake crime fault responsibility lie error cheating
How to conjugate "own up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
own up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
owns up
he/she/it
Past simple
owned up
yesterday
Past participle
owned up
have + pp
-ing form
owning up
continuous
Hear "own up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "own up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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