step up

step it up

To do something better, faster, or more efficiently. I know you're under a lot of pressure at home, but you really need to step it up here at work, Larry. I kind of coasted through my first semester, so I'm really trying to step it up now.
See also: step, up

step things up

To do things better, faster, or more efficiently. I know you're under a lot of pressure at home, but you really need to step things up here at work, Larry. I kind of coasted through my first semester, so I'm really trying to step things up now.
See also: step, thing, up

step up

1. To increase, improve, or hasten something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "step" and "up." We plan to step production up by nearly 75% over the next six months. I'm trying to step up my output ahead of tomorrow's deadline.
2. To give extra effort or take on additional responsibilities, especially when doing so is critical. Someone will need to step up and lead this project now that Dylan has resigned. We're all counting on you to step up and get this done. Your mother is going back to work, so we're going to need you to step up and start looking after your sister after school.
See also: step, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

step something up

 
1. to make something more active. I hope we can step the pace of business up in the next few days. We can step up business considerably by putting out a larger sign.
2. to make something go or run faster. The engineer stepped the motors up and the production line moved even faster. Please step up the speed of your activity.
See also: step, up

step up

to increase. Industrial production stepped up a large amount this last quarter. Traffic has stepped up since the road was paved.
See also: step, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

step up

1. Increase, especially in stages, as in We've got to step up production. [Early 1900s] Also see step down, def. 2.
2. Come forward, as in Step up to the podium, folks, and I'll show you how it works. [Mid-1600s]
See also: step, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

step up

v.
1. To increase something, especially in stages: The factory stepped up production to meet the growing demand. The runners stepped their pace up for the last two laps.
2. To come forward: When I call your name, please step up and be counted. The speaker stepped up to the podium and addressed the crowd.
3. To improve one's performance or take on more responsibility, especially at a crucial time: You need to step up and take responsibility for your actions. The player stepped up at a crucial moment and scored the winning point.
See also: step, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • step it up
  • step things up
  • lean, mean (something) machine
  • faster and faster
  • faster
  • almost
  • (almost) upon (one)
  • upon you
  • oiled
  • a well-oiled machine
References in periodicals archive
The Jericho Atrium is 97% occupied and all tenants in the building have leases that have annual rent step ups. Major tenants include residential developer Beechwood Organization, New York State United Teachers and Hoegh Autoliners Inc., the North American division of a Norweigan ocean shipping company.
But as well as counting calories, she exercised, which included long walks on the beach and step ups.
Friends and family turned up at the Royal British Legion Club in Berkswell on Saturday to cheer Paddy on as he pulled on a 100lb backpack and began by seeing how many step ups he could manage on a 15-inch bench in one minute.
"I use the steps on the deck for step ups and tricep dips and then do a few sprints in the garden before sit-ups and press-ups back on the deck.
DAVWEIGHT Just because is turning turning to and rice as Stick with your and natural Step ups: Use a chair or some stairs.
Our twice weekly sessions continue as circuits, combining hand weights, squats, step ups and short, fast runs, and the rowing machine is becoming more of a familiar sight.
WHAT DO YOU NEED: A chair for the step ups. Dumbbells for the upper back exercise, this is optional and on po th Easy/hard: Where possible, I have demonstrated easy and hard versions on the video Warm up and cool down with four to five minutes walk or jog, to warm the body up.
WEIGHTED STEP UPS: Stand holding two dumb-bells with your left foot on a bench.
The second session steps up the pace with a cardiovascular circuit combining sets of star jumps, tricep dips, step ups, side twists, trunk twists and the dreaded shuttle runs.
Sunday or Monday 1 mile run Leg lifts from a wall Squats Step ups from a wall Lunges Burpees (see todays video) Advanced squats Knee thrusts Stomach 1, 2, 3, 4 Side stomach Plank Side plank After an easy mile focus on your bottom half.
The 18-strong group is paired off to take part in timed circuits which combine squats, star jumps, tricep curls, step ups, sit ups and jogging.