To talk about someone or something in a very positive way to make them seem important or impressive.
The manager really built up the new project in the meeting.
A: Everyone says Tom is amazing at his job. B: Yeah, his boss really builds him up.
Sometimes, companies build up their products to attract more customers.
Common mistake
✗They built up it too much.
✓They built it up too much.
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'build it up'.
Tell it apart
They built it up.
hyped it / praised it in advance
They played it down.
downplayed it, made it seem less
Often used when someone is described as better or more important than they really are.Not the same as 'show off', which means to display oneself, not to praise others.
To gradually increase tension, anticipation, or excitement, especially in a story, conversation, or event, so that people are eager to see what happens next.
The director skillfully built up suspense throughout the film, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
A: Did you enjoy the novel? B: Absolutely. The way the author built up the tension before the final reveal was brilliant.
In effective presentations, speakers often build up anticipation before delivering their main point, which helps to engage the audience.
Common mistake
✗The story builds up a suspense.
✓The story builds up the suspense. / builds suspense.
Usually 'build up the tension/suspense' — no 'a'.
Tell it apart
It builds up the tension.
creates suspense, makes you wait
It releases the tension.
lets it all out
'Build up' in this sense is commonly used when talking about films, books, presentations, or any situation where tension or anticipation is deliberately increased. It is neutral in register and works well in both spoken and written English.Unlike the B1/B2 senses, which focus on making something larger, stronger, or more positive, this sense is about increasing emotional or psychological tension, not physical or personal qualities.