work up

Meaning

'Work up' means to gradually develop, increase, or excite something, such as an appetite, courage, energy, or an emotion. It is often used when effort or activity is required to reach that state.

Examples

• I went for a long run to work up an appetite for dinner.

  I went for a long run to work up an appetite for dinner.

• It took me all morning to work up the courage to call him.

  It took me all morning to work up the courage to call him.

• Don't work yourself up over such a small misunderstanding.

  Don't work yourself up over such a small misunderstanding.

• I need to work up some enthusiasm for this weekend project.

  I need to work up some enthusiasm for this weekend project.

• Walking up those steep stairs really worked up a sweat.

  Walking up those steep stairs really worked up a sweat.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to work up my English skills.

  ✓ I need to work on my English skills.

  'Work on' means to improve a skill through effort. 'Work up' is used for developing feelings, physical states (like an appetite), or courage.

• ✗ Don't work up about the exam.

  ✓ Don't get worked up about the exam.

  To express being anxious, angry, or upset, use the passive structure 'get worked up' or the reflexive 'work yourself up'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I did some yard work to ___ an appetite for lunch.

  💡 To gradually develop a physical state like hunger through activity.

  Show answer

  work up

• She had to ___ the nerve to ask her boss for a raise.

  💡 To gather or build up courage.

  Show answer

  work up