To make something exactly correct, level, or aligned, especially in accounting or technical contexts.
To fix something so it is exactly right, correct, or perfectly aligned.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
In accounting or finance: to reconcile figures and correct them to exact amounts, often after estimates or advance payments have been used.
"At the end of the financial year, the accountants need to true up all the interim payment estimates."
In carpentry or engineering: to make a surface, joint, or structure perfectly flat, straight, or aligned.
"You'll need to true up the frame before fitting the door, or it won't close properly."
To align or level something physically so it is perfectly straight or flat.
To fix something so it is exactly right, correct, or perfectly aligned.
Common in accounting and finance, where it means to reconcile figures or adjust payments to correct amounts after estimates have been used. Also used in carpentry and engineering for making surfaces level. Increasingly heard in business and finance contexts.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "true up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.