What are the definitions of “cross up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Confuse, deceive.
The treasure map was deliberately drawn to CROSS us UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cross up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cross up is to confuse or deceive someone. It is often used when someone intentionally provides misleading or incorrect information to cause confusion.
What are the different verb forms of “cross up”?
| Root Verb | cross up |
| Third Person Singular Present | crosses up |
| Present Participle | crossing up |
| Simple Past | crossed up |
| Past Participle | crossed up |
Example
The magician tried to cross up the audience with his tricks.
Example
She crosses up her opponents with her clever strategies.
Example
He is crossing up the other team with his unpredictable moves.
Example
The spy crossed up the enemy by giving them false information.
Example
The detective was crossed up by the suspect's lies.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cross up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“cross up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The riddles in the game crossed up the players.
Example
The confusing instructions crossed us up.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“cross up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The riddles in the game crossed up the players.
Example
The confusing instructions crossed us up.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cross up”?
Good things to know
Does “cross up” have an informal or formal tone?
Cross up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'confuse' or 'deceive'.
