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work up to

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To slowly prepare yourself to do something difficult or scary.

Literal meaning: To work one's way upward towards a higher level or challenge — transparent.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To gradually build the courage or emotional readiness required to say or do something difficult.

"She had been working up to asking for a pay rise for months before she finally knocked on her manager's door."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral

To gradually increase physical effort or intensity to reach a higher level of performance.

"Start with short daily walks and work up to jogging three kilometres without stopping."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Often implies that the goal is emotionally or physically challenging and requires gradual preparation. Can refer to physical training ('work up to running 5km') or emotional readiness ('work up to having a difficult conversation'). Often used with gerunds ('work up to telling him the truth').

Commonly used with

confession proposal conversation marathon full routine asking telling

Forms

Base
work up to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
works up to
he/she/it
Past simple
worked up to
yesterday
Past participle
worked up to
have + pp
-ing form
working up to
continuous

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