Do people often use the phrasal verb “open up” in everyday speech and writing? Absolutely! They do, and in very natural ways. The verb open comes from Old English openian (“to uncover, make accessible”), related to the Proto-Germanic root upana (“open, not closed”). The particle up adds intensity, giving a sense of full release or expansion. Over time, open up grew to mean more than physical opening; it became an idiomatic way to talk about sharing feelings freely or embracing new opportunities. For example: “She finally opened up about her childhood.” / “This project could open up new possibilities for the company.” Mastering phrasal verbs like open up is vital because they make speech and writing more fluent, idiomatic, and close to how native speakers really express themselves.
In Turkish, open up can be expressed as “içini dökmek”, “açılmak”, or “fırsatları kucaklamak” depending on the context. For example: “Sonunda bana açıldı ve tüm hikâyeyi anlattı” (He finally opened up to me and told the whole story). Another example: “Yeni bir iş fırsatı önünde açıldı” (A new job opportunity opened up before him). And emotionally: “Bazen dostlarla oturunca insan içini döker” (Sometimes, when sitting with friends, a person opens up).
Here are some English quotes with the word open up:
- Dalai Lama: “When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others that will open up your life.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. It will open up new possibilities.”
- Bob Marley: “Open up your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?”
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