team up with: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘team up with’ mean?
The idiom "team up with" means to collaborate or work together with someone, usually to achieve a common goal or purpose.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "team up" means to collaborate or work together with others, usually with the goal of achieving a common purpose or objective.
The idiom "talk to" means to communicate with someone about a particular issue, usually in order to try and resolve a problem or reach an agreement. It implies an open and direct conversation where both parties express their thoughts and feelings.
The idiom "talk someone into something" means to persuade or convince someone to do something that they may not initially want to do.
The idiom "take someone's part" means to support or defend someone in an argument or disagreement, often without considering the opposing viewpoint.
The idiom "take sides" means to choose or support one person, group, or opinion over another, often in a conflict or disagreement.
The idiomatic phrase "take one for the team" means to sacrifice oneself or endure something unpleasant or difficult for the benefit of others or a larger group. It implies selflessness, teamwork, and putting the needs of the group before one's own.
The idiom "tag along" means to go with someone as a companion or follower, often without being invited or asked to join. It implies a sense of going along with someone else's plans or activities without taking the lead or having much say in the matter.
The idiom "tag along" has several meanings and uses in American English. It is a phrasal verb that originated in the early 19th century and is still widely used today.
The idiom "stick together" means to support and stay united with a group of people, especially during difficult times.
An idiom meaning to improve one's skills or performance in order to achieve better results or compete at a higher level.
Powerful Alliances
The idiom "team up with" is a commonly used phrase in English language, particularly in American idiomatic expression. It is a phrasal verb that means to form a team or work together with someone or a group towards a common goal. When examining the etymology of the idiom, it is important to note that "team" originated from the Old English word "team," meaning "set of draft animals yoked together," which later evolved to include a group of people working together. The origin of "up" can be traced back to Old English as well, with a general meaning of "motion upwards" or "concentration in one place."
The combination of "team" and "up" in the idiom "team up" suggests a sense of unity, collaboration, and coordination. The addition of the preposition "with" introduces the notion of partnering or joining forces with another individual or group. The idiom implies a mutual decision to work towards a shared objective, pooling resources, skills, and efforts in order to achieve a desired outcome.
It's worth noting that "team up with" is not limited to professional settings or work-related contexts. The idiom can also be used in personal relationships, such as a friendship, romantic partnership, or even a joint hobby or interest. In these cases, the idiom conveys the idea of combining strengths and abilities to enhance the overall experience or to accomplish a specific goal.
The idiom's versatility is further highlighted by its usage in various domains and industries. For instance, in sports, athletes may "team up with" each other to form a formidable duo or to create a stronger team dynamic. In business, professionals may "team up with" colleagues or partners to collaborate on a project or to jointly launch a new venture. In entertainment, artists and performers may "team up with" others to create collaborations or partnerships that result in innovative artistic expressions.
Another related idiom is "join forces," which carries a similar meaning to "team up with." When individuals or groups "join forces," they come together and combine their efforts, resources, and skills to work towards a common goal. This phrase often implies a sense of unity and a shared objective. It can be used in various contexts, including professional, personal, and even social situations. For example, two companies may "join forces" to develop a new product or to expand their market reach. Similarly, individuals with a common cause may "join forces" to advocate for a specific issue.
A similar idiom that can be used interchangeably with "team up with" is "band together." When individuals "band together," they unite and form a cohesive group in order to achieve a common purpose or objective. This idiom often conveys a sense of solidarity and collective action. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, including social movements, community initiatives, and even informal gatherings. For instance, a group of friends may "band together" to support a friend in need or to organize a charity event.
Furthermore, the idiom "team up with" can also denote a temporary or situational teamwork, where individuals or groups come together for a specific task or event. It signifies a short-term alliance or association, allowing individuals to combine their skills, knowledge, or resources for a shared purpose, and disbanding once the objective has been achieved.
The idiom "team up with" encapsulates the concept of collaborative effort, highlighting the importance of unity and partnership in achieving shared goals. It signifies an intentional decision to work together, whether in professional or personal contexts, emphasizing the value of pooling resources and abilities to maximize outcomes. As with any idiom, the figurative and metaphorical implications of "team up with" continue to evolve in contemporary usage, offering endless possibilities for its application.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *team up with* can be used in a sentence:
- She decided to team up with her colleague to work on the project together.
- The two companies teamed up to create a new product.
- He is planning to team up with a famous chef to open a new restaurant.
More "Collaboration" idioms
