start up on
B2 informal transitive
In simple words
To start telling someone off or complaining at them about something
Meanings
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."
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To begin a topic of argument or complaint toward someone
"He always starts up on politics at family dinners."
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
someone him her me again the topic
Forms
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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Synonyms
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