1. Some of the main meanings of up.
A. Move to a higher or vertical positionThe literal meaning of up when used as a preposition or adverb.
We walked up the stairs because the lift was out of order. (preposition)
Stand up and let me see your new trousers. (adverb)
B. Increase or improve
When a phrasal verb indicates that something increases or improves, up is close to its literal meaning.
Prices will go up by 5% over the next six months.
C. Finish or complete
In some phrasal verbs up means completely, or indicates that something finishes or is completed.
Could you drink up, please, ladies and gentlemen?.
D. Come into existence
In some phrasal verbs up can indicate that something now exists that did not exist before.
Something's come up at work, so I'll be late home tonight.
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