fold up
fold up — phrasal verb
- fold upbase form
- folds up3rd person singular
- folding up-ing form
- folded uppast simple
1. When an object or part of a structure bends, falls down, or crushes inward becau
When an object or part of a structure bends, falls down, or crushes inward because it is no longer strong enough to hold its shape or support weight.
The old wooden chair folded up under Kevin's weight with a loud crack.
fold up under + weight/pressure
Kasia's cardboard box folded up after the heavy rain soaked it through.
Ryo watched the tent poles fold up one by one in the strong wind.
The legs of the metal table folded up when Esme placed the heavy box on it.
A stack of plastic chairs folded up as the heat made the frames buckle.
文法句型
fold up (no object)
用法筆記
Subject is usually a physical object (chair, table, box, tent) or part of one. The meaning is literal — the object actually bends or breaks under pressure.
常見錯誤
2. To stop trying to do something, either because the difficulty is too great or be
To stop trying to do something, either because the difficulty is too great or because you have lost your energy and hope.
After three hours of trying to fix the engine, Samir finally folded up and called a mechanic.
fold up + finally + and [alternative action]
The team folded up in the last ten minutes of the match, letting in three quick goals.
Jiwoo almost folded up during her final exams but kept going with support from friends.
Layla refused to fold up when her business hit hard times, even though others told her to quit.
Noa folded up after the third rejection letter from her dream university.
文法句型
fold up (no object)
用法筆記
Common in sports, exams, work, and personal challenges. Frequently used with 'almost' or 'refused to' to describe close calls. Usually followed by a description of what triggered the giving up.
常見錯誤
3. When a company, shop, or organization stops operating permanently because it can
When a company, shop, or organization stops operating permanently because it cannot make enough money or get the support it needs to stay open.
The small bookstore on the corner folded up after the big chain store opened nearby.
fold up after [cause of failure]
Meera's family restaurant almost folded up during the economic crisis, but new investors saved it.
The local newspaper folded up last year when advertising revenue dropped too low.
Gabriela's clothing label folded up after just two years because of rising production costs.
Several small farms in the region folded up when the drought ruined three harvests in a row.
- go bankrupt
a legal/financial term; more specific and formal
- close down
neutral term; can be voluntary or forced
- shut down
slightly informal; focuses on the act of stopping operations
- stay in business
continue operating successfully
- thrive
grow and do well
文法句型
fold up (no object)
用法筆記
Subject is always an organisation, business, or institution. Do not use this sense for individuals quitting a job — use 'quit' or 'resign' instead. Often paired with a reason clause (because of/due to/after).