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suck up

B1 informal separable both
In simple words

Try to make a powerful person like you by saying nice things — OR soak up a liquid.

Literal meaning: To suck (draw by suction) something upward — a vacuum or sponge drawing liquid upward.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To try to win favour from someone in authority by being excessively flattering or eager to please.

"Everyone knew he was just sucking up to the director to get a promotion."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To absorb or draw in a liquid or substance from a surface.

"The dry soil sucked up all the rain within minutes."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To consume resources, money, or time in large quantities.

"Legal fees have sucked up most of the company's emergency funds."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The social/behavioural sense ('sucking up to the boss') is very widely known and carries a negative connotation. The physical sense (absorbing liquid) is neutral and transparent. The phrase 'suck up to' is the common form for the behavioural sense.

Commonly used with

boss teacher manager liquid water compliment

Forms

Base
suck up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sucks up
he/she/it
Past simple
sucked up
yesterday
Past participle
sucked up
have + pp
-ing form
sucking up
continuous

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