Phrasal verb
firm up
Definition
phrasal verb. to make a plan or an arrangement more certain and final. You can also use it to describe making your body stronger or more solid.
phrasal verb. to make something more definite, stable, or certain. Often used transitively with abstract nouns like 'plans' or 'arrangements', or in a physical sense regarding muscle tone.
Examples
“We need to firm up the details for our trip.”
“After weeks of vague discussions, the two companies finally met to firm up the terms of the merger.”
“The administration sought to firm up its policy on carbon emissions before the international summit commenced in late October.”
Examples
simple
“We need to firm up the details for our trip.”
contextual
“After weeks of vague discussions, the two companies finally met to firm up the terms of the merger.”
complex
“The administration sought to firm up its policy on carbon emissions before the international summit commenced in late October.”
Usage
This phrase is commonly followed by nouns like 'plans', 'details', or 'arrangements'.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'solidify' or 'finalize' to show how 'firm up' bridges the gap between casual and professional speech.
Pitfall
We need to firm the plan.
We need to firm up the plan.
The particle 'up' is required to change the adjective 'firm' into a phrasal verb meaning to make something definite.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
firm + up + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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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