rack up

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Thân thiện
Definition

Verb (transitive): 1. To accumulate or amass something, typically points, victories, or achievements: To gather or collect a significant amount or number, often in a competitive context like sports, games, or business. 2. To inflict or suffer (a loss, defeat, or injury): To cause or experience a significant negative outcome. 3. (Archaic/Horse care) To supply a rack with feed for animals.

Usage and Examples
  • To accumulate points, wins, or amounts:
    • The star player racked up 30 points in the first half of the game.
    • The company has racked up significant profits this quarter.
    • She racked up over 100,000 frequent flyer miles last year.
  • To inflict or suffer a loss/injury:
    • The hurricane racked up billions of dollars in damages.
    • The inexperienced driver racked up several traffic violations.
  • (Archaic) To supply a feed rack:
    • The stable hand racked up the horses for the night.
Advanced Usage and Notes
  • The phrasal verb "rack up" is almost always used with a direct object (what is being accumulated or suffered). It implies a steady or rapid accumulation.
  • It often carries a connotation of a notable or impressive total, whether positive (scores, sales) or negative (debts, losses).
  • In informal contexts, it can mean to achieve a series of successes:
Variants and Related Words
  • Rack (verb): To cause extreme physical or mental stress (e.g., ). This is a different but related verb, sharing the origin of causing strain or accumulation.
  • Run up (phrasal verb): A close synonym for accumulating, especially debts or bills (e.g., ).
Synonyms
  • Accumulate
  • Amass
  • Notch up
  • Chalk up
  • Score
  • Sustain (for injuries/losses)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Rack up does not typically combine further. It is itself a phrasal verb.
Related Idioms
  • To rack one's brains: To think very hard. (Note: This uses "rack" as a separate verb, not the phrasal verb "rack up").
  • Off the rack: Refers to mass-produced clothing (not custom-made). (Note: This is a different idiom using "rack" as a noun).
Verb
  1. supply a rack with feed for (horses or other animals)
  2. defeat thoroughly
    • He mopped up the floor with his opponents
  3. place in a rack
    • rack pool balls
  4. gain points in a game
    • The home team scored many times
    • He hit a home run
    • He hit .300 in the past season

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Từ chứa "rack up"