One phrase, 3 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.
Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.
Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.
to heat food again that has already been cooked
There's some curry in the fridge — just warm it up in the microwave.
Shall I warm up the leftovers from last night?
To do gentle exercises before a sport or activity to get your body ready and help prevent injury.
It's important to warm up before you go for a run.
A: Are you ready to play football?
B: Give me a minute to warm up first.
Before my PE class, I always warm up to avoid getting hurt during exercise.
Common mistake
✗I always warm up myself before running.
✓I always warm up before running.
Intransitive here — don't add 'myself'.
Tell it apart
Warm up before the match.
prepare your bodyHe warmed up to me eventually.
became friendlier — senseOften paired with
To start feeling more comfortable and friendly with people, especially after being shy or quiet at first.
It took a while, but she finally warmed up to her new classmates.
A: Was your brother shy at the party?
B: At first, yes, but he warmed up after a while.
When I meet new people, I usually need some time to warm up before I feel comfortable talking.
Common mistake
✗He warmed up with us after a while.
✓He warmed up to us after a while.
'Warm up TO' people (or just 'warm to') — not 'with'.
Tell it apart
She warmed up to the new team.
became friendlierShe warmed up before the run.
prepared her body — senseOften paired with
Practise one meaning at a time and save the ones you mix up for review.