The phrasal verb "save up" is predominantly used in informal contexts, appearing frequently in everyday conversations, personal finance discussions, and less formal writing. It denotes the act of setting aside money over a period of time for a particular purpose such as a large purchase or future financial goal. "Save up" is commonly used among individuals discussing budgeting, financial planning, or achieving specific life milestones, like buying a new gadget, going on a holiday, or planning for education. While it rarely appears in formal discourse, the concept it represents is universally understood and applicable across different contexts, making it a versatile and widely recognized expression.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To accumulate money for a specific purpose.
She plans to save up enough to buy a new car.
He's saving up for a summer trip to Europe.
They need to save up for a house deposit.
We're saving up to get the kitchen remodeled.
I have been saving up all year for Christmas presents.
2. To withhold from spending to build up savings over time.
It's wise to save up a portion of each paycheck.
I save up by avoiding unnecessary expenses.
We save up our loose change in a jar.
Most families must save up for unforeseen emergencies.
Children are taught to save up for things they really want.