Ramp up
Posted by ESC on January 06, 2006
In 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]