pass up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pass up’ mean?
The idiom pass up means to decline or reject an opportunity, offer, or invitation. It suggests the act of intentionally choosing not to take advantage of something that is being offered or presented.
Idiom Explorer
"Sell the pass" is an idiom that means to betray or deceive someone, especially for personal gain. The origin of the idiom comes from historical military strategies where a pass (a narrow path through mountains or hills) would be strategically sold by a person to the opposing army, allowing them to gain access and defeat their own side. The idiom is often used to describe situations where someone betrays their own team, group, or allies.
The idiom "run past" means to quickly mention or discuss something without going into detail or providing much information.
The idiom "rule out" means to eliminate or exclude something as a possibility or option. It is often used when discussing a process of elimination or when making a decision based on certain criteria.
Idiom: Rule Out
The idiom "put forward" means to propose or suggest something for consideration or discussion. It is often used when presenting an idea, argument, or opinion in a formal setting or during a meeting.
The idiom "put off" means to delay or postpone something. It can refer to a physical action or a decision. It implies a sense of procrastination or avoiding a task or responsibility.
The idiom "play hooky" means to skip school or work without permission or a valid reason.
The idiom "play down" means to minimize or downplay the importance or significance of something, often by making it seem less serious or less significant than it actually is.
The idiom "pass the river" refers to successfully overcoming a difficult or challenging situation, often with perseverance or determination, as if crossing a river. It implies a sense of accomplishment or achievement despite obstacles.
Decoding "Pass Up"
The idiom "pass up" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It has several meanings and uses that are well understood. This analysis will explore the idiom, including its origins, variations, and usage across different contexts. Whether used literally or figuratively, "pass up" is a versatile idiom that is an integral part of everyday conversation.
One of the primary meanings of "pass up" is to decline or reject an opportunity or offer. This usage suggests a conscious decision to not take advantage of something being presented. For example, someone might pass up an invitation to an event or pass up a job offer if they are not interested or if it doesn't feel like the right fit. "Pass up" communicates a deliberate choice to decline.
Another common usage of the idiom is to miss out on or overlook something. This can refer to a missed chance or an oversight. For instance, someone might pass up on an investment opportunity and later realize they missed out on significant profits. Similarly, someone might pass up an important piece of information or fail to notice an opportunity due to lack of attention. In these instances, "pass up" implies a regrettable oversight or a failure to seize a valuable opportunity.
Furthermore, "pass up" can also indicate surpassing or overtaking something or someone. This implies moving ahead or moving past a particular point or individual. For example, in a race, a runner might pass up their competitors to take the lead. In a more metaphorical sense, someone might pass up their colleagues in their career progression, indicating their superior performance or advancement.
The origins of "pass up" can be traced back to the late 19th century. The use of "pass" meaning to move by or go beyond, combined with "up" indicating progression or advancement, likely gave rise to the figurative meaning of the phrase. Over time, the idiom became widely understood and incorporated into the English language.
Despite its origins and established meaning, "pass up" remains a flexible idiom that can be adapted and applied in various situations. Its multi-faceted nature allows it to be used in both formal and informal contexts, contributing to its longevity and continued usage.
Additionally, there are several related idioms that are worth exploring in relation to "pass up."
"pass on" is an idiom that can be used interchangeably with "pass up." It also means to decline or reject something, usually an opportunity or offer. For example, someone might pass on an invitation to a party or pass on a job opportunity if they are not interested.
"give something a miss" is another related idiom that has a similar meaning to "pass up." It means to decline or forgo an opportunity or experience. For instance, someone might give a concert a miss if they're not a fan of the artist.
"parade passed someone by" is an idiomatic expression that means someone missed out on a spectacle or event. It implies that the person was present but didn't fully experience or appreciate the moment or event. For example, someone might say, "The parade passed me by because I was busy with work."
"offer up" is an idiomatic phrase that means to present or provide something, usually in a voluntary manner. While it doesn't have the exact same meaning as "pass up," it can be related in the sense of offering something but then choosing to decline it. For example, someone might offer up a piece of advice but then pass up on following it themselves.
"pass the buck" is an idiomatic expression that means to shift responsibility or blame to someone else. This idiom is different from "pass up" in meaning but shares a similarity in the use of the word "pass." For example, someone might pass the buck when they don't want to take ownership of a mistake or problem.
The idiom "pass up" serves as a valuable linguistic tool that enables effective communication in a variety of scenarios. Its ability to convey conscious choices, missed opportunities, and surpassing others makes it a versatile and widely used phrase. The numerous variations and interpretations of "pass up" ensure its relevance and continued usage in the English language.
Now that you have a deeper understanding of the idiom "pass up" and its related idioms, you can confidently incorporate them into your everyday conversation. Remember to use them appropriately and enjoy the richness they bring to your language skills.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "pass up" can be used in a sentence include:
- I had to pass up the opportunity to travel abroad because of my work commitments.
- She didn't want to pass up the chance to try something new, so she signed up for the cooking class.
- He regretted passing up on the job offer as he realized it was a great career opportunity.
More "Opportunity" idioms
