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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]

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