# pass up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pass-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Please pass up the salt to me." but "Please pass the salt to me." — 'Pass up' means to reject an opportunity, not to physically hand an object to someone.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.