Make up to

phrasal verb

To chat with someone with the aim of getting something from them.

He is just making up to the teacher to get good grades.
Visual representation of "make up to" - To chat with someone with the aim of getting something from them.

Often appears as...

  • make up to someone
  • make up to a teacher

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To produce a total or potential total amount of something.

His annual profit could make up to a million dollars.
Visual representation of "make up to" - To produce a total or potential total amount of something.

Often appears as...

  • make up to an amount
  • make up to a total
phrasal verb

To move towards someone in a tedious manner to converse with them.

I could see him making up to her across the room.
Visual representation of "make up to" - To move towards someone in a tedious manner to converse with them.

Often appears as...

  • make up to someone
  • make up to a person
phrasal verb

To chat with someone with the aim of getting something from them.

He is just making up to the teacher to get good grades.
Visual representation of "make up to" - To chat with someone with the aim of getting something from them.

Often appears as...

  • make up to someone
  • make up to a teacher

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To produce a total or potential total amount of something.

His annual profit could make up to a million dollars.
Visual representation of "make up to" - To produce a total or potential total amount of something.

Often appears as...

  • make up to an amount
  • make up to a total
phrasal verb

To move towards someone in a tedious manner to converse with them.

I could see him making up to her across the room.
Visual representation of "make up to" - To move towards someone in a tedious manner to converse with them.

Often appears as...

  • make up to someone
  • make up to a person
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "make up to"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Ulterior Motives

This usage implies someone may not be sincere, but has hidden intentions for personal gain.

Illustration for Ulterior Motives
She's been making up to the boss, perhaps for a promotion.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Social Context

Mostly used in social, often informal situations where personal relationships are involved.

Illustration for Social Context
At the party, he spent all night making up to influential guests.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Ulterior Motives

This usage implies someone may not be sincere, but has hidden intentions for personal gain.

Illustration for Ulterior Motives
She's been making up to the boss, perhaps for a promotion.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Social Context

Mostly used in social, often informal situations where personal relationships are involved.

Illustration for Social Context
At the party, he spent all night making up to influential guests.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Ulterior Motives

This usage implies someone may not be sincere, but has hidden intentions for personal gain.

Illustration for Ulterior Motives
She's been making up to the boss, perhaps for a promotion.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Social Context

Mostly used in social, often informal situations where personal relationships are involved.

Illustration for Social Context
At the party, he spent all night making up to influential guests.
Visual representation of the word "Make up to"

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