1 C1 idiomatic informal
To accumulate a debt or large bill in a specific place or currency
"He ran up thousands of dollars in debt in just three months of gambling."
separable
run up in
C1 informal separable transitive
(Informal) To accumulate a debt, bill, or amount in a particular place or currency
In plain English
To build up a big bill or debt in a specific place
What does "run up in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
This is an extension of 'run up' (to accumulate) with a locative complement. Less common as a fixed phrasal verb; often simply 'run up' with an 'in' prepositional phrase attached.
Words that pair with "run up in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
debt charges costs dollars casino restaurant
How to conjugate "run up in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
run up in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs up in
he/she/it
Past simple
ran up in
yesterday
Past participle
run up in
have + pp
-ing form
running up in
continuous
Hear "run up in" in the wild
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