split up

Related to split up: split off

split up

1. To separate or divide into two or more pieces, groups, sets, etc. We'll find them faster if we all split up. The polar ice caps are going to start splitting up if global temperatures continue to rise.
2. To cause something or a group to separate or divide into two or more smaller pieces, groups, sets, etc. A noun or pronoun can be used between "split" and "up." Take this axe and go split those logs up into firewood. The teacher split up the class to work on the project in groups.
3. To end a romantic relationship with someone else. My parents split up when I was only five years old. Mary says that she split up with Sarah, but they've had such an off-again-on-again relationship that none of us is surprised anymore.
4. To cause a romantic couple to end their relationship. A noun or pronoun can be used between "split" and "up." My mom's gambling issues very nearly split up her marriage, but she got counseling and they're still together to this day. Tommy's been conniving to split Jenny and Phil up because he's still madly in love with her.
See also: split, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

split people up

to separate two or more people (from one another). If you two don't stop chattering, I'll have to split you up. I will have to split up that twosome in the corner.
See also: people, split, up

split someone or something up (into something)

to divide people or things up into something, such as groups. I had to split the group up into two sections—there were so many who showed up. I split up the class into two discussion sections.
See also: split, up

split up (with someone)

[for someone] to separate from someone; to break up a marriage or love affair. Jeff split up with Judy. I had heard that they had split up with each other.
See also: split, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

split up

v.
1. To separate someone or something, such as people or groups; disunite someone or something: Artistic differences split up the band. They've been together too long to let a little argument split them up.
2. To become divided or part company as a result of discord or disagreement: My parents split up after 20 years of marriage.
3. To divide something, as for convenience or proper ordering: They split up the remainder of the money among themselves and parted ways. We split the project up into stages.
4. To become divided or be divisible: Let's split up into teams. This poem doesn't split up into stanzas very well.
See also: split, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.

split up

1. in. to separate. The two split up and went their separate ways.
2. n. an act of separating or breaking up. (Usually split-up.) Everyone was mentally prepared for the company’s split-up.
See also: split, up
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • split people up
  • moonshine
  • divide (something) by (something)
  • divide by
  • fraction
  • split in
  • split in (number or fraction)
  • divide up
  • polarize
  • polarize (one group of people) into (two groups of people)
References in periodicals archive
Up to 147,000 children aged under 16 were in families where their parents split up, a quarter of them were aged under five.
DIVORCE UP FOR 1st TIME IN 5 YRS; 144,000 marriages end
Dropping out can easily happen addiction, depression, split ups, leaving the forces, or the community just letting you down.
Rough sleeper captured in paint; LETTERS
London, October 9 ( ANI ): The number of gay couples "separating" has increased, as 2012 saw a 20 percent rise in split ups, according to reports.
7 year itch exists among gay marriages too
Zalinsky is experienced in advocating and legal problem solving for clients in a diverse array of business matters, including entity formation, maintenance, restructuring and dissolution, from choice of entity to member/shareholder dispute resolution and business split ups, employment law and commercial negotiation and disputes.
Bertrand A. Zalinsky Named Partner at Cronin, Bisson & Zalinsky, P.C.
As many as 46 per cent of Scots have argued in the car with their partner, with these rows leading to split ups in 13 per cent of cases.
Why we are the kindest drivers
More than three in four Scottish drivers admitted to frequently getting hot under the collar while behind the wheel with as many as 46 per cent of Scots having argued with their partner in the car, with these rows leading to split ups in 13 per cent of cases.
My right of way? No, after you..