# chum up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/chum-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be friendly toward (with or to) someone, especially in an ingratiating way; to form a friendship (with).

## Examples

- He tries to chum up with the boss to get a promotion.
- The new student started to chum up with the popular kids on his very first day at school.
- The politician attempted to chum up with the local voters by attending every community event in the district.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.