English Reference

Phrasal verb

filter up

Definition

phrasal verb. to move slowly from a lower level of a group or system to a higher one. You use this when news or ideas reach the bosses from the workers.

phrasal verb. to move gradually or in small stages from a lower level of a hierarchy or system to a higher one. The verb is intransitive and frequently describes the movement of information or capital.

Examples

“News about the new project will filter up to the manager soon.”

“Complaints from the factory floor eventually filter up to the board of directors, though the process is often slow.”

“In a decentralized organization, innovative ideas frequently filter up from junior staff to the executive suite, driving long-term growth.”

Examples

simple

“News about the new project will filter up to the manager soon.”

contextual

“Complaints from the factory floor eventually filter up to the board of directors, though the process is often slow.”

complex

“In a decentralized organization, innovative ideas frequently filter up from junior staff to the executive suite, driving long-term growth.”

Usage

This phrase is typically intransitive and often takes the preposition 'to'.

Teaching tip

Contrast this with 'filter down' to help students visualize the direction of information flow within a hierarchy.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

filter + up

Synonyms

trickle upmove upreachclimb

Antonyms

filter downtrickle down

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference