Be up to somebody

phrase

To be someone's responsibility or decision.

The choice of where to go for dinner is up to you.
Visual representation of "be up to somebody" - To be someone's responsibility or decision

Often appears as...

  • it's up to you
  • it's up to them
phrase

To do something secretly, often something mischievous or bad.

The kids are quiet. They must be up to something.
Visual representation of "be up to somebody" - To do something secretly, often something mischievous or bad

Often appears as...

  • be up to no good
  • be up to something

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

To be doing or feeling something.

Hi John, what have you been up to lately?
Visual representation of "be up to somebody" - To be doing or feeling something

Often appears as...

  • what's he up to
  • what have you been up to
phrase

To be capable of or equal to a specified task or challenge.

I'm not sure I'm up to running a full marathon yet.
Visual representation of "be up to somebody" - To be capable of or equal to a specified task or challenge

Often appears as...

  • not up to it
  • up to the task
phrase

To be someone's responsibility or decision.

The choice of where to go for dinner is up to you.
Visual representation of "be up to somebody" - To be someone's responsibility or decision

Often appears as...

  • it's up to you
  • it's up to them
phrase

To do something secretly, often something mischievous or bad.

The kids are quiet. They must be up to something.
Visual representation of "be up to somebody" - To do something secretly, often something mischievous or bad

Often appears as...

  • be up to no good
  • be up to something

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

To be doing or feeling something.

Hi John, what have you been up to lately?
Visual representation of "be up to somebody" - To be doing or feeling something

Often appears as...

  • what's he up to
  • what have you been up to
phrase

To be capable of or equal to a specified task or challenge.

I'm not sure I'm up to running a full marathon yet.
Visual representation of "be up to somebody" - To be capable of or equal to a specified task or challenge

Often appears as...

  • not up to it
  • up to the task
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "be up to somebody"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Decision Ownership

Stresses that someone has the authority to make a choice or decision.

Illustration for Decision Ownership
Whether we accept the offer is up to the boss.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Personal Responsibility

Implies that the person has to take action or make a decision themselves.

Illustration for Personal Responsibility
Getting the project finished on time is up to you.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Decision Ownership

Stresses that someone has the authority to make a choice or decision.

Illustration for Decision Ownership
Whether we accept the offer is up to the boss.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Personal Responsibility

Implies that the person has to take action or make a decision themselves.

Illustration for Personal Responsibility
Getting the project finished on time is up to you.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Decision Ownership

Stresses that someone has the authority to make a choice or decision.

Illustration for Decision Ownership
Whether we accept the offer is up to the boss.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Personal Responsibility

Implies that the person has to take action or make a decision themselves.

Illustration for Personal Responsibility
Getting the project finished on time is up to you.
Visual representation of the word "Be up to somebody"

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