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Definition open up in British English

open up phrasal verb

phrasal verb
Example

He opens up the shop every morning.

Example

Open up! This is the police!

Synonyms and related words
2

to make it easier to travel or do business in a country

Example

The building of canals opened up the interior of the country.

Example

China is opening up to foreign investment.

Synonyms and related words
Example

Going freelance opens up all sorts of possibilities to you.

Example

New markets are opening up every day.

Synonyms and related words
4

to create a difference between the people or groups involved in something

Example

The issue of Europe has opened up deep divisions within the party.

Example

United have opened up a 6-point lead over their nearest rivals.

Synonyms and related words
5

to talk more about your personal feelings and experiences

Example

It's taken a few months, but Katy is finally starting to open up to me.

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6

if a discussion opens up, or if you open it up, it becomes more general or starts to include more subjects

Example

I think we need to open up the discussion and ask members of the audience for their opinions.

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7

to start shooting a gun

Example

He opened up on the crowd with an automatic rifle.

Synonyms and related words
8

to cut into someone's body for medical reasons

Example

When they opened her up they found a huge tumour.

Synonyms and related words
Example

Donald wants to retire and open up a bookshop.

Example

New cinemas are starting to open up.

10

if something opens up, or if you open it up, it opens from a folded position so that you can see its shape

Example

The rose buds are beginning to open up.

Example

She opened her umbrella up at the first drops of rain.

Synonyms and related words
Definition open up in British English