match up
Related to match up: meet up
match up
1. verb To be identical to, comparable to, or compatible with someone or something; to match. These two match up perfectly—they must come from the same batch. Joan and I match up really well even though we have very different personalities.
2. verb To join things together or arrange them so that they correspond, harmonize, or fit together in some way. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "match" and "up." Match up your end to mine and then we'll fold it diagonally. Tiffany and Tina like to match up their costumes every year with the same theme. If you find the puzzle piece I'm looking for, try matching it up to this one.
3. verb To form a pair with another person. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "match" and "up." OK, everyone, please find a partner and match up.
4. verb In a competition, to pit against or be pitted against an opponent. They have Danny matched up against their fastest player, so he'll need some help. Let's take a look at how these two teams match up.
5. verb In a competition, to have a similar skill level as or have the ability to compete with someone in an effective way. They have a better record, but I think we match up really well against these guys.
6. noun In a competition, the pitting of one opponent against another. In this usage, the phrase is usually hyphenated or spelled as one word. These are both strong teams, so tonight's game will be all about the individual matchups.
See also: match, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
match someone (up) (with someone)
and match something (up) (with something)to pair people or things. I will match Carl up with Kelly and George with Jane. I will match up Carl with Kelly.
match up
[for things or people] to match, be equal, or complementary. These match up. See how they are the same length? Sorry, but these two parts don't match up.
See also: match, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
match up
v.
1. To be the same, comparable, or in agreement: There's some kind of mistake—the numbers you wrote on these two forms don't match up. Match the pictures up—they're crooked.
2. To cause something to be the same, comparable, or in agreement: He matched up the edges of the books on the bookcase. Match the pictures up—they're crooked.
3. To form a pair or group from some set of people or things: I have to thank the dating service for matching us up. I matched up the socks.
4. match up with To be the same as, comparable with, or in agreement with something else: Each number on this list must match up with the numbers on the other list.
5. match up with To take something as a corresponding element or partner: The teacher asked each student to match up with one other student and form a double line.
See also: match, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- game, set, (and) match
- strike a match
- match day
- split decision
- be out of (one's) league
- be out of somebody's league
- heaven
- be not fussed (about someone or something)
- cheer for
- cheer for (someone or something)