pass up — not take an opportunity
phrasal verbB2IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to decide not to accept or use an opportunity when it is available.
Say it like a native
Textbook It would be unwise to decline such an advantageous opportunity.
Native You can't pass up an offer like that.
'Decline such an advantageous opportunity' is stiff; 'pass up' is punchy and natural.
Pattern: pass up (something)
In use
- I couldn't pass up the chance to travel abroad for free.daily life
- If I were offered a job in another country, I don't think I would pass up the opportunity, because it would be a great experience.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I passed up on the chance.
✓ I passed up the chance.
'Pass up' something (no 'on'); compare 'pass ON', which does take 'on'.
Common collocations
pass up an opportunity— pass up, pass up the chance, too good to pass up, pass up an opportunity
Don't confuse it
Do not confuse with 'give up' (to stop trying) or 'miss out on' (to not experience something).