to be as good as what was expected or promised, or to match a certain standard.
The movie didn’t live up to the hype; it was actually pretty boring.
A: How was your new job? Did it live up to your expectations? B: Honestly, not really. It’s a lot more stressful than I thought.
Many students feel pressure to live up to their parents’ hopes, especially when it comes to academic success.
Common mistake
✗The hotel didn't live up with the reviews.
✓The hotel didn't live up to the reviews.
'Live up TO + expectations/hype/reviews' — not 'with'.
Tell it apart
The trip lived up to expectations.
was as good as hoped
She lived up to her ideals.
acted on her principles
Use 'live up to' when talking about meeting standards, hopes, or promises, not for simply living somewhere or surviving.Not the same as 'live on' (to survive using something) or 'live for' (to be very interested in something).
C2live up to sth responsibilities/principles/idealswritten
to act in accordance with one's moral principles, values, or responsibilities, especially when these are demanding or require integrity.
Despite the pressure, she always tried to live up to her principles, even when it meant making unpopular decisions.
A: Do you think he handled the crisis well? B: Honestly, I admire how he lived up to his responsibilities as a leader, even though it must have been incredibly tough.
In my view, politicians should strive to live up to the ideals they promote, rather than simply seeking public approval.
Common mistake
✗He didn't live up his promises.
✓He didn't live up to his promises.
Needs 'to' — 'live up TO'.
Tell it apart
He lived up to his values.
acted on his principles
The film lived up to the hype.
met expectations
Use this sense when discussing whether someone behaves according to their ethical beliefs, duties, or ideals, especially in challenging situations. It is evaluative and often used in formal or reflective contexts.Unlike the B2 sense of 'live up to' (meeting expectations or standards), this sense is about fulfilling one's ethical or moral obligations, not just achieving a promised result.