# cross up

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cross-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to confuse someone or make them fail by doing something they do not expect.

For teachers: to confuse, mislead, or thwart someone, often by providing contradictory information or making an unexpected move.

## Examples

- The sudden change in plans really crossed me up.
- The pitcher tried to cross up the batter by throwing a slow ball when he expected a fast one.
- The witness's conflicting statements were clearly intended to cross up the prosecution during the cross-examination.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He crossed up to me." but "He crossed me up." — this phrasal verb is transitive and does not take the preposition 'to' before the object.

## Usage notes

- often used in sports or competitive situations; frequently used in the passive voice or with a direct object.
- Teaching tip: this is a relatively rare phrasal verb compared to 'confuse' or 'mix up'; it often implies a deliberate attempt to trick someone.

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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.