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strike up

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strike something up

to begin something; to cause something to begin. (Typically, the playing of a band, a conversation, or a friendship.) We tried to strike a conversation up—to no avail. I struck up a conversation with Molly.

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strike up something

to begin something She struck up a relationship with an artist soon after she arrived in Paris. We walk into the room and a brass band strikes up a rendition of "Parker's Mood." I was hoping he'd strike up a conversation.

See also: strike, up

strike up

v.

1. To initiate or begin some conversation or relationship: They often see each other on the bus, but neither of them ever strikes up a conversation. My best friend and I struck it up while working together in the Peace Corps.

2. To reach some agreement: You might be able to get a discount if you strike up a deal with the storekeeper.

3. To start to play or sing something: A few of the musicians struck up a waltz. Everybody got up to dance once the band struck up.

4. To cause something to start to play or sing: Strike up the orchestra and let the celebration begin!

See also: strike, up