Ramp up

Posted by ESC January 06, 2006In reply to Ramp up posted by RRC on January 06, 2006

What is the correct use of "ramp up"? I've heard it used in two contradictory ways recently - "There's hardly anyone there - the Department ramps up for the holidays", and "Unions are ramping up their campaign, putting increased pressure on the government". Pamela

The second usage is correct: "ramp up" implies an increased effort.
The first use seems like a mistake.

Perhaps the first usage is a typo/mishearing of "the Department wraps up for the holidays". RRC

Dictionary.com says:

ramp up

v : bolster or strengthen; "We worked up courage"; "build up confidence"; "ramp up security in the airports" [syn: build up, work up, build]