open up
OH-pen UP
/ˈəʊpən ʌp/
To start to talk more freely about your personal feelings and experiences.
Implies a previous state of being closed or secretive.
The story behind the word. The image is of a locked box or a closed flower. To 'open up' is to remove the barriers that keep the 'inside' (the heart or mind) hidden.
Word relationships
- confide: 'Confide' is more formal and usually involves a specific secret.
- clam up: To suddenly stop talking or refuse to speak, especially due to nerves.
Commonly confused with
- reveal: 'Reveal' is about the information; 'open up' is about the person's willingness to share.
Collocations
- open up to someone
- refuse to open up
- slowly open up
Example sentences
- "It took several sessions before he finally began to open up about his childhood." A therapy session.
- "I wish you would open up to me and tell me what's bothering you." A friendship.
Memory hook
Imagine opening a window to let fresh air into a stuffy room. Unlock the heart.
When not to use
Don't use it for purely factual information; it usually involves emotions or secrets.
Fun facts
- In business, 'opening up' a market means making it available for trade.
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