Meaning trap
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).
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To create or increase new possibilities, opportunities, or areas for development, especially in a figurative or abstract sense (e.g. markets, options, perspectives).
'open up' also has the more basic meaning 'talk honestly'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The new trade agreement is expected to open up significant opportunities for local exporters.
Implementing renewable energy technologies could open up new avenues for economic growth in developing countries.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: It opened up me new opportunities.
Say: It opened up new opportunities for me.
Put the beneficiary with 'for': 'open up opportunities FOR me'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Open up' (often 'open doors') is the natural way to talk about new opportunities; the formal version is dry.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
open up + opportunity
- new doors
- opportunities
- possibilities
- a whole new world
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- open up (talk honestly) — 'open up' also has the more basic meaning 'talk honestly'; this is the advanced sense.