up to

1. As far as or approaching a certain point. For example, The water was nearly up to the windowsill , or They allowed us up to two hours to finish the test , or This seed should yield up to 300 bushels per acre . [c. a.d. 950]

2. be up to . Be able to do or deal with, as in When I got home, she asked if I was up to a walk on the beach . This usage is often put negatively, that is, not be up to something , as in He's not up to a long drive . [Late 1700s]

3. Occupied with, engaged in, as in What have you been up to lately? This usage can mean “devising” or “scheming,” as in We knew those two were up to something . It also appears in up to no good , meaning “occupied with or devising something harmful,” as in I'm sure those kids are up to no good . [First half of 1800s]

4. Dependent on, as in The success of this project is up to us . [c. 1900] Also see the following idioms beginning with up to .

Example Sentences

But despite clues pointing to their guilt, investigators struggled for years to prove they teamed up to commit murder.

From Los Angeles Times

In the days leading up to her death, the 13-year-old complained to her mother about pain in her legs and stomach.

From BBC

This can lead to "starballing" where starfish curl up to float with the current which can make them vulnerable to beach strandings.

From BBC

"Governments have not stepped up to the plate and sport is going to have to take some unilateral judgments and decisions here," added Coe.

From BBC

Abortion is legal in Illinois up to the point of fetal viability, meaning around 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy, with no restrictions.

From Salon

Related Words

• acceptable 
• likely 
• qualified 
• suitable