1 B1 idiomatic informal
(Informal, British) To become friendly or form a close relationship with someone, often quickly.
"The two boys palled up on the first day of school and were inseparable for years after."
inseparable
pal up
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To become close friends with someone, especially quickly or unexpectedly.
In plain English
Become good friends with someone.
What does "pal up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To become a pal and come up (together) — transparent.
Actually means
Become good friends with someone.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. Often followed by 'with'. Suggests a bond forms naturally and quickly. Common in stories about children or travellers making new friends.
Words that pair with "pal up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
strangers classmates neighbours travellers quickly immediately
How to conjugate "pal up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pal up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pals up
he/she/it
Past simple
paled up
yesterday
Past participle
paled up
have + pp
-ing form
paling up
continuous
Hear "pal up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "pal up"
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