Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of approaching or preparing for an event: A "run-up" is the period of time or series of actions immediately before an important event, during which preparations are made or activity increases.
   • A rapid increase: A "run-up" is a substantial rise in the amount, level, or value of something over a short period.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Period of preparation):
  • In the run-up to the election, there were many debates on television.
  • The team trained hard in the run-up to the championship final.
• Noun (Rapid increase):
  • There has been a sharp run-up in oil prices this month.
  • The stock experienced a dramatic run-up before the company's earnings report.

Advanced Usage

• "In the run-up to...": This is the most common phrase, used to describe the period leading to a significant event.
  • Security was tightened in the run-up to the royal wedding.

Variants and Related Words

• Run up (phrasal verb): To accumulate something, like a debt or a score.
  • He ran up a large bill at the hotel.
• Buildup: A similar noun meaning a gradual increase or preparation.
• Lead-up: A near synonym, especially for the period before an event.

Synonyms

• Prelude: An action or event serving as an introduction to something more important.
• Build-up: A gradual accumulation or increase.
• Surge: A sudden powerful forward or upward movement.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Run up against: To encounter an unexpected difficulty or obstacle.
  • The project ran up against some legal problems.

Related Idioms

• In the home stretch: The final part of an activity or period. This is similar to the final part of a "run-up."
  • We're in the home stretch of the fundraising campaign.

Noun

1. the approach run during which an athlete gathers speed
2. a substantial increase over a relatively short period of time
   • a runup in interest rates
   • market runups are followed by corrections