bid-up

[ bid-uhp ]

noun

1. the act or an instance of increasing the price of something by forcing the bidding upward.
2. the amount of such increase:

   a bid-up of 100 percent in the last year.

bid up

verb

1. adverb to increase the market price of (a commodity) by making artificial bids

Word History and Origins

Origin of bid-up¹

First recorded in 1860–65; noun use of verb phrase bid up

Idioms and Phrases

Raise a price by raising one's offer, as in We were hoping to get an Oriental rug cheaply, but the dealer kept bidding us up . This phrase is used in business and commerce, particularly at auctions. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Reflecting the increased optimism, investors have bid up stock prices this week.

From Los Angeles Times

Sherman’s childhood algebra book from 1829, complete with scribbles, had been bid up to $1,500.

From New York Times

A bundle of his military possessions, including a pistol and daggers, had been bid up to $3,500.

From New York Times

Well-paid tech workers, for example, don’t merely bid up the price of the Seattle area’s already limited housing supply.

From Seattle Times

Investors sometimes justify lofty valuations given to small companies operating at a loss because of anticipated growth or the expectation that other investors will continue to bid up shares.

From New York Times