open something up

open something up†

1. Lit. to unwrap something; to open something. •

Yes, I want to open my presents up.

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I can't wait to open up my presents.

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Open up this door!

2. Fig. to begin examining or discussing something. •

Do you really want to open it up now?

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Now is the time to open up the question of taxes.

3. Fig. to reveal the possibilities of something; to reveal an opportunity. •

Your letter opened new possibilities up.

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Your comments opened up a whole new train of thought.

4. Fig. to start the use of something, such as land, a building, a business, etc. •

They opened the coastal lands up to resort development.

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We opened up a new store last March.

5. Fig. to make a vehicle go as fast as possible. (As in opening up the throttle.) •

We took the new car out on the highway and opened it up.

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I've never really opened up this truck. I don't know how fast it'll go.

6. to make something less congested. •

They opened the yard up by cutting out a lot of old shrubbery.

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We opened up the room by taking the piano out.