1 B1 idiomatic informal
To choose not to take advantage of an opportunity, especially a good one.
"I know I should have passed up the extra dessert, but it looked too good."
separable
pass up
B1 informal separable transitive
To choose not to take advantage of an opportunity, usually one that is good or rare.
In plain English
To not take a chance or opportunity when it is offered to you.
What does "pass up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
(in negative constructions) To be unable to resist or refuse something attractive.
"When they offered her the lead role, she couldn't pass it up."
separable
Usage tip
Almost always used with words like 'opportunity', 'chance', or 'offer'. Very frequently used in negative sentences or questions ('I can't pass up this chance'). Implies the speaker thinks it would be a mistake to refuse.
Words that pair with "pass up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
opportunity chance offer deal invite promotion
How to conjugate "pass up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pass up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
passes up
he/she/it
Past simple
passed up
yesterday
Past participle
passed up
have + pp
-ing form
passing up
continuous
Hear "pass up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pass up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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