build up to (something)

build up to (something)

1. To reach something gradually. I know you're building up to your point, but you're also putting your audience to sleep. You can't just walk into the gym and grab the 50-pound weights—you need to build up to that!
2. To become or develop into something gradually. The issues that you're trying to ignore in your relationship will build up to serious problems in time.
See also: build, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

build up to something

 
1. [for a person] to lead up to something or advance to doing or saying something. I can tell you are building up to something. What is it?
2. [for a situation] to develop into something. The argument is building up to something unpleasant.
See also: build, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • build up to
  • in the (grand) scheme of things
  • in the great scheme of things
  • in the scheme of things
  • damn right
  • stand on (one's)/its own
  • Mr Right
  • So what if I do?
  • hold it together
  • mind over matter