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bump up

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bump someone or something up

 

1. Lit. to damage or batter someone or something. The crash into the wall bumped the race driver up a little. The accident bumped up the passengers a little.

2. Fig. to raise someone or something to a higher category or level. (As if pushing someone into a higher category.) I wanted to fly first class, but they wouldn't bump me up. The ticket agent bumped up both of my friends, but not me.

See also: bump, up

bump up

1. Suddenly increase, as in Oil-producing nations decided to bump up the price of oil. This term is used mainly for prices or other figures. [Colloquial; 1930s]

2. Give a promotion. For example, Kevin hoped to be bumped up to first class, or After five years, she expected they would bump her up to vice-president. [Slang; second half of 1900s]

See also: bump, up

bump up

v.

1. To damage or batter someone or something: Whoever tried to park that truck bumped up my car pretty badly. The skiing accident bumped me up a bit, but I'm okay.

2. To move someone to a higher position in a list: The doctors bumped up anyone who needed immediate medical attention to the top of the list. My friend at the theater bumped me up in the line for tickets.

3. To raise something or someone to a higher category or level: The store had to bump up their prices when the price of heating oil went up. All I had to do was ask, and the airline bumped me up from coach to business class.

See also: bump, up