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rope up

B2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To tie someone up with rope, OR (for climbers) to attach yourself to the climbing rope before going up.

Literal meaning: To wrap or fasten with rope from the bottom upward — or to secure by rope — mostly transparent.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

(Mountaineering) To attach oneself and fellow climbers together with a rope before ascending, for safety.

"The group roped up at the base of the glacier before crossing the crevasse field."

2 B1 neutral

To tie someone or something up securely with a rope.

"They roped up the cargo on the truck so it wouldn't shift during the journey."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The climbing sense is the most widely recognised specialised use — 'rope up' is standard terminology in mountaineering for when a team attaches to a shared rope. The general tying sense is also used. In American ranch culture, 'rope up' can mean to lasso or tie livestock.

Commonly used with

climbers team rope harness mountain livestock prisoner partner

Forms

Base
rope up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ropes up
he/she/it
Past simple
roped up
yesterday
Past participle
roped up
have + pp
-ing form
roping up
continuous

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