open up — expand opportunities
To create or increase new possibilities, opportunities, or areas for development, especially in a figurative or abstract sense (e.g. markets, options, perspectives).
Say it like a native
Textbook A degree facilitates access to numerous career opportunities.
Native A degree opens up a lot of doors.
'Open up' (often 'open doors') is the natural way to talk about new opportunities; the formal version is dry.
Pattern: open up (new) opportunities/possibilities/markets/avenues (for someone/something)
In use
- The new trade agreement is expected to open up significant opportunities for local exporters.business
- Implementing renewable energy technologies could open up new avenues for economic growth in developing countries.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It opened up me new opportunities.
✓ It opened up new opportunities for me.
Put the beneficiary with 'for': 'open up opportunities FOR me'.
Common collocations
open up + opportunity— new doors, opportunities, possibilities, a whole new world
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1 sense ('make access possible'), this sense is figurative and refers to the expansion of abstract opportunities, not physical spaces. It is also distinct from the B2 sense ('talk honestly'), which relates to personal communication.
Related
- open up (talk honestly) — 'open up' also has the more basic meaning 'talk honestly'; this is the advanced sense.