save up
A2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To keep some money each week or month so that eventually you have enough to buy something.
Literal meaning: To save and build the amount up — fairly transparent.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To set aside money gradually over time in order to have enough for a specific purchase or goal.
"She saved up for two years to buy her first car."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 informal
To collect or accumulate something (not money) for a later use.
"He saved up all his complaints and delivered them in one long email to the manager."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
One of the most common and universally known phrasal verbs in English. Used by all age groups in all varieties of English. Very frequently followed by 'for' to indicate the goal.
Commonly used with
money holiday deposit car wedding retirement
Forms
Base
save up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
saves up
he/she/it
Past simple
saved up
yesterday
Past participle
saved up
have + pp
-ing form
saving up
continuous
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