English Reference

Phrasal verb

pass up

Definition

phrasal verb. to decide not to take an opportunity or offer. You use this when you say no to something good that is available to you.

phrasal verb. to decline or fail to take advantage of an opportunity, offer, or invitation. This transitive phrasal verb is optionally separable and typically takes an abstract noun as its object.

Examples

“I can't believe you passed up that free ticket.”

“She decided to pass up the dessert because she was already full from the main course.”

“While the investment seemed lucrative, the board chose to pass up the acquisition due to concerns regarding the target company's long-term debt obligations.”

Examples

simple

“I can't believe you passed up that free ticket.”

contextual

“She decided to pass up the dessert because she was already full from the main course.”

complex

“While the investment seemed lucrative, the board chose to pass up the acquisition due to concerns regarding the target company's long-term debt obligations.”

Usage

The object is usually an abstract noun like 'opportunity', 'chance', or 'offer'.

Teaching tip

Contrast this with 'turn down', which is more common for specific invitations, whereas 'pass up' often implies missing a beneficial opportunity.

Pitfall

Please pass up the salt to me.

Please pass the salt to me.

'Pass up' means to reject an opportunity, not to physically hand an object to someone.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

pass + (object) + up

Synonyms

declineturn downmiss out onforgo

Antonyms

acceptseizetake

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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