heap up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To gather or accumulate things into a pile or stack; to amass or collect in a large quantity.
Usage
The verb "heap up" describes the action of collecting items into a loose, often untidy, mound or stack. It emphasizes the process of accumulation, often resulting in a large or impressive pile. It can be used with both physical objects and abstract concepts like wealth or problems.
Examples
- Physical Objects:
- After the storm, we had to heap up the fallen branches by the curb.
- The children heaped up the autumn leaves to make a giant pile to jump in.
- Abstract Concepts:
- Over the years, he managed to heap up a considerable fortune through wise investments.
- If you ignore small issues, you will eventually heap up a mountain of problems.
Advanced Usage
- "to heap up treasures": To accumulate valuable possessions, often with a connotation of hoarding.
- The old king was said to have heaped up treasures in a secret vault.
- "to heap up insults/praise": To direct a large amount of criticism or compliments at someone.
- The critics heaped up praise on the young director's debut film.
Variants and Related Words
- Heap (noun): An untidy pile of things.
- There was a heap of dirty laundry on the floor.
- Heap (verb): Often used synonymously with "heap up," meaning to put in a pile or to bestow in large amounts.
- They heaped the sand into a mound.
- Fans heaped gifts upon the returning hero.
Synonyms
- Pile up: To place things in a pile.
- Accumulate: To gather or build up over time.
- Amass: To collect a large amount of something, especially wealth.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Heap on: To give a lot of something (e.g., praise, blame, work) to someone.
- After the success, her colleagues heaped congratulations on her.
- Heap with: To load or cover something with a large amount.
- The table was heaped with delicious food for the feast.
Related Idioms
- Heap coals of fire on someone's head: To be kind to someone who has wronged you, making them feel ashamed. (Biblical origin)
- By helping his rival, he was heaping coals of fire on his head.
Verb
- arrange into piles or stacks
- She piled up her books in my living room