English Expressions, Idioms & Phrasal Verbs | Meanings, Examples & Usage
to take more responsibility or show initiative when needed
"When the team leader was absent, Sarah had to step up and lead the discussion."
to increase your effort or speed
"The team needs to step up a gear to meet the deadline."
to take action to oppose something unfair
"Neighbors step up against bullying when they see it online."
to increase the level of effort or activity
"The ministry has stepped up efforts to create more jobs."
to increase the amount of goods sold abroad
"The country aims to step up exports to reduce the trade deficit."
to take responsibility or show leadership in a group situation
"When the manager was away, Sara stepped up for the team."
to take on a challenge or responsibility willingly
"Leaders must step up for responsibility when the situation demands it."
to increase the amount of money put into projects or businesses
"Foreign companies are expected to step up investment in renewable energy."
to improve one’s effort or performance
"If you want that promotion, you need to step up your game."
to increase the manufacturing output to meet export demand
"Factories stepped up production to fulfill international orders."
to increase the level of output or performance
"The company is taking steps to step up productivity across departments."
to take responsibility or initiative; to rise to a challenge
"When the manager resigned, she stepped up to take his place."
to face difficult situations with courage and effort
"Good leaders always step up to challenges."
to take responsibility for doing something important
"When the leader resigned, she stepped up to the plate and took charge."
to provide leadership or resources when needed
"She steps up with clear goals whenever the team feels stuck."
to improve your performance or effort
"You need to step up your game if you want to win."
to stay somewhere and wait for something to happen
"You should stick around to see the end of the show."
to stay nearby or remain present, usually to spend more time together
"Why don’t you stick around for a while and have coffee with us?"
to continue doing something with determination even when it is difficult
"If you stick at it, you will eventually see the results of your effort."
to continue to support someone even when it is difficult
"Good friends stick by each other during hard times."
to continue doing something difficult until the end
"Even though the job was hard, he decided to stick it out."
to be noticeable or different; to continue doing something difficult
"You have to stick out the first few weeks of training."
to continue following or supporting a particular position or argument
"She stuck to her point despite the criticism."
to follow a plan strictly without giving up
"If you stick to a plan, you’ll achieve your goals faster."
to remain committed to educational or personal objectives
"To achieve success, you must stick to goals no matter how hard it gets."
to stay focused on the main topic during a discussion
"The moderator asked everyone to stick to the point during the debate."
to remain committed to your plans and objectives
"If you stick to your goals, you’ll eventually succeed."
to remain firm in your beliefs or decisions even under pressure
"He stuck to his guns even when others doubted him."
to keep your promises and do what you say
"A disciplined person always sticks to their word."
to support each other, especially in difficult times
"Families should stick together no matter what happens."
to defend or support someone’s opinion or right
"He always sticks up for his friends when they are criticized."
to continue doing something even if it is difficult
"If you stick with your habits, success will come."
to continue following positive routines or behaviors
"It’s important to stick with good habits even when you’re busy."
to continue doing something even when it becomes difficult
"Don’t give up; just stick with it until you reach your goal."
to stay committed to your plans and not give up
"If you stick with your goals, you’ll see results soon."
to take a risk by doing or saying something that others may disagree with
"He stuck his neck out to defend his colleague."
quiet or calm people often have deep thoughts or emotions
"He may seem quiet, but remember, still waters run deep."
to encourage people to buy more goods or services
"The government reduced taxes to stimulate demand in the economy."
to cause activity or energy to increase
"New infrastructure projects have stirred up economic growth in rural areas."
to increase or stimulate consumer demand
"Lower interest rates can stir up demand for housing and cars."
to cause or provoke conflict or unrest
"Certain groups tried to stir up trouble during the election."
to buy or collect a large amount of food for future use
"We stocked up on vegetables for the week."
to remain calm in difficult or stressful situations
"Even during the crisis, she maintained stoic calm."
to visit a place briefly on your way somewhere else
"Let’s stop by the souvenir shop before heading home."
to stay somewhere for a short time during a long journey
"We’ll stop over in Dubai for one night before heading to Paris."
to enter suddenly and angrily, like a storm
"The teacher stormed in as the students were shouting loudly."
to leave a place angrily, like a storm
"He stormed out of the room when we mentioned the weather again."
a relationship full of arguments and conflicts
"They had a stormy relationship for many years."
Information directly from the original or most reliable source.
"I heard it straight from the horse's mouth that he got promoted."
A person who is honest and direct.
"You can trust him; he’s a straight shooter."