work up

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To help diners work up an appetite before the game, Kieran is setting up goals in the lush grounds surrounding the castle.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Because the person has not worked outside of the house, Trench and Jensen have them start with an entry-level receptionist job paying $45,000 a year, and work up from there.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia can work up the information necessary to submit a seizure warrant to the court in a matter of weeks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Then you work up the chutzpah to share it with other people.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025

I kept clinging to the bar on the bed, holding on, trying to work up the nerve to tell her what I knew.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx