run up

verb

1. to amass or accumulate; incur

   to run up debts

2. to make by sewing together quickly

   to run up a dress

3. to hoist

   to run up a flag

noun

1. an approach run by an athlete for a long jump, pole vault, etc

2. a preliminary or preparatory period

   the run-up to the election

Idioms and Phrases

Make or become greater or larger, as in That offer will run up the price of the stock . [Late 1500s]

Accumulate, as in She ran up huge bills at the florist . [First half of 1700s]

Sew rapidly, as in I can run up some new curtains for the kitchen . [Mid-1800s]

Raise a flag, as in Let's run up the flag in time for the holiday . This usage, originating in the navy about 1900, gave rise to the slangy phrase, Let's run it up the flagpole and see if anybody salutes , meaning, “Let's try this out.” The latter originated about 1960 as advertising jargon.

Example Sentences

People are running up the incline towards the scene of the crash.

From BBC

"When he sees me he runs up to me and gives me a hug."

From BBC

Katie is now on a maintenance dose in the run up to her wedding next year.

From BBC

"Keep us in mind, and in the run up to the next general election, you should be getting your ducks in a row and getting applications ready."

From BBC

Aquinas had fourth and goal from the one-yard line to start the fourth quarter and failed on a fumble trying to run up the middle to cut a 26-10 deficit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assemble 
• construct 
• create 
• found 
• hoist 
• initiate 
• mount 
• organize 
• put up 
• raise 
• set up 
• stand