work up

US /wɜːrk ʌp/

UK /wɜːrk ʌp/

1.

to develop or create something gradually

:

•

She needs to work up the courage to ask for a raise.

•

The chef will work up a new menu for the restaurant.

:

develop create formulate devise generate

2.

to make someone feel a particular emotion, especially a strong one

:

•

He tried to work up some enthusiasm for the task.

•

Don't work yourself up over small things.

:

arouse excite stir up generate provoke

:

worked up working work to work work on work at on the up and up