shove up
A2 informal intransitive
In simple words
To move a bit so someone else can sit or stand next to you
Literal meaning: To shove yourself or others upward along a seat — the directional meaning is metaphorical (moving 'up' toward one end)
Meanings
1 A2 informal
To move along a seat or bench to allow space for another person to sit
"'Shove up, would you?' she asked the boy who was sprawled across half the bus seat."
2 B1 neutral
To push or move something upward by shoving
"He shoved up the stiff window sash with both hands until it finally opened."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Very common in British English, especially on public transport, in cinemas, at dining tables, or on sofas. Usually an imperative: 'Shove up!' The particle 'up' here means compressing or moving toward a fixed end, not moving upward.
Commonly used with
sofa bus bench table seat train
Forms
Base
shove up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shoves up
he/she/it
Past simple
shoved up
yesterday
Past participle
shoved up
have + pp
-ing form
shoving up
continuous
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