ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pass up

idiom
Meaning

To refuse (not accept); forgo.


Examples
SIMPLE

I cannot pass up such a great offer.

CONTEXTUAL

She worked hard for years, so she decided not to pass up the chance to travel abroad.

COMPLEX

Although the position required him to relocate, he felt it was an opportunity he could not pass up given his long-term career goals.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    come to pass

    To happen; to occur.

  2. 02

    hard pass

    An unequivocal rejection with no possibility of a later change of mind.

  3. 03

    let this cup pass from me

    An appeal to God or another authority to take away one's present or future suffering.

  4. 04

    parade passed someone by

    Someone missed out on the joys of life, an opportunity, or popular movement

  5. 05

    pass away

    To die.

  6. 06

    pass muster

    To meet or exceed a particular standard.

  7. 07

    pass on

    To die.

  8. 08

    pass the bottle of smoke

    To acquiesce in some falsehood; to make pretence.

Last updated April 17, 2026