spark up

spark up

1. To begin or initiate something, especially a conversation, argument, or . A noun or pronoun can be used between "spark" and "up." I sparked up a conversation with the man sitting next to me, and it turned out that he had gone to high school with my college roommate. What are the odds? The president's actions have been sparking up debates and arguments around the country about its ethics.
2. To ignite a tobacco product in order to smoke it. A noun or pronoun can be used between "spark" and "up." If you absolutely have to spark up after dinner, please go do it outside. I'll always remember my father sitting in his great big armchair sparking cigars up as he watched television into the night.
See also: spark, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

spark up

v.
1. To initiate some conversation, friendship, or debate: On the train, I sparked up a conversation with the person next to me. The trial sparked a debate up over free speech.
2. To light some cigarette, cigar, or similar product: He lit a match and sparked up his pipe. She took a cigar from the case and sparked it up. The smokers went outside to spark up.
See also: spark, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • involve with
  • involve with (someone or something)
  • involved with
  • arrange for
  • arrange for some time
  • arrange some music for
  • back into
  • back into (someone or something)
  • add in
  • angle
References in periodicals archive
This year, the event is staging "The Bigger Pitcher" in association with business accelerator programme, Spark Up.
Festival shares the love with PS5k of support; 'bigger pitcher' prize package
"She always gets me out of the poop," was a relieved James Unett's comment after Spark Up, well ridden by Richard Kingscote, had taken the 1m handicap.
Horse Racing: Apprentice Jones hit with 12-day ban; WOLVERHAMPTON
THERE is less than a week to apply for the latest Spark Up programme and founder Jenny Stewart is encouraging budding entrepreneurs to sign up.
Last call for latest Spark Up scheme; BUSINESS WIRE
FIRMS taking part in Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce business accelerator Spark Up have so far attracted more than PS500,000 worth of investment and created 124 jobs.
Small firms reaping rewards of Spark Up
The chamber held an event at Princes Dock where the latest participants in its business accelerator programme, Spark Up, took part in a showcase.
Chamber's drive to encourage start-ups
ANOTHER 25 entrepreneurs have embarked on the fourth Spark Up business accelerator programme based out of Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce.
Entrepreneurs join the latest city Spark Up; MERSEY ACCELERATOR IS UP AND RUNNING FOR 2016
ONE of the participants in Liverpool's business accelerator Spark Up wants to offer a helping hand to fellow local entrepreneurs.
Business space owner offering a helping hand
MERSEYSIDE entrepreneurs are being urged to sign up for the fourth Spark Up accelerator programme - with the deadline just days away.
Entrepreneurs urged to sign up for Spark Up; CITY'S ENTERPRISE LEADER BACKS ACCELERATOR
A total of 40 fledgling businesses will take part in a two-day boot camp, offering an introduction to key business themes, as well as workshops, seminars and master classes led by Spark Up's resident experts and mentors.
Best of Mersey entrepreneurs join Spark Up
ALL those who have been involved in the Liverpool-based business accelerator, Spark Up, are being invited to a showcase event this week.
Spark Up to hold city showcase; BUSINESS WIRE
ZITA LUITEN A BUSINES taking part in Liverpool's Spark Up 'super business' programme has secured PS500 of funding at a new business networking event in the city.
Artisan food firm scoops a PS500 prize; Spain in a Box is taking part in Spark Up
Liverpool 'S L'SL Spark Up programme is returning for a second year, aiming to create the next wave of Merseyside "super businesses".
2015 RETURN FOR SPARK UP; 'Super business' accelerator starts in city
THREE graduate start-ups from Liverpool business accelerator programme Spark Up are taking centre stage in Liverpool city centre this week as their businesses are showcased on a giant video screen.
Spark Up business entrepreneurs take centre stage as city centre media wall stars
Business Reporter tony.mcdonough@liverpool.com tonymc39 @ LIVERPOOL & Sefton Chambers of Commerce chief executive, Jenny Stewart, said she has already been inundated with applications for the 2015 Spark Up business accelerator programme.
spark up 2015 lures rush of applicants
Entirely private sector-funded, Spark Up was launched by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce in January and put fledgling entrepreneurs through a "rigorous" boot camp-style programme of master classes to help them become the business tycoons of the future.
SPARK UP FIRMSPUSH FORWARD; Entrepreneurs who took part in Mersey accelerator pilot are now reaping the benefits, reports Tony McDonough