1 B2 idiomatic informal
To begin criticizing or lecturing someone about a particular subject
"Please don't start up on me about my spending habits again."
start up on
B2 informal transitive
To begin criticizing, lecturing, or nagging someone about something
In plain English
To start telling someone off or complaining at them about something
What does "start up on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To begin a topic of argument or complaint toward someone
"He always starts up on politics at family dinners."
Usage tip
Informal and somewhat dialectal, used mainly in American English. Carries a negative tone, implying the speaker finds the criticism unwelcome or irritating. Less common than 'start in on' but used in the same way.
Words that pair with "start up on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
someone him her me again the topic
How to conjugate "start up on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
start up on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
starts up on
he/she/it
Past simple
started up on
yesterday
Past participle
started up on
have + pp
-ing form
starting up on
continuous
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