roll up

To wrap or fold something around itself so it forms a tube or a smaller folded shape.

• Roll up the poster carefully.
• He rolled up his sleeves before washing the dishes.
• We rolled the carpet up to move it.

How to use it: roll up something / roll something up (She rolled the map up and put it away.)

Similar words: roll, fold up

Opposites: unroll, unfold

Common phrases: roll up sleeves, roll up something, roll something up

To raise a car window or a door or barrier that moves upwards by rolling.

• Roll up the window, please.
• She rolled up the garage door.
• The shopkeeper rolls the security shutter up every morning.

How to use it: roll up something / roll something up (Please roll the window up.)

Similar words: raise, wind up

Opposites: roll down, lower

Common phrases: roll up the window, roll up the shutter, roll something up

To make a cigarette or similar thing by wrapping tobacco or another substance in paper.

• He rolled up a cigarette.
• She was rolling up at the kitchen table.
• He rolled up some tobacco before going outside.

How to use it: roll up something / roll something up (He rolled a cigarette up while he waited.)

Similar words: roll

Common phrases: roll up a cigarette, roll up a joint

If someone does this, they arrive in a car or another vehicle.

• A car rolled up outside.
• He rolled up in a taxi just before noon.
• Who was rolling up to the house in that huge truck?

How to use it: roll up in something (She rolled up in a red sports car.); roll up at something (A taxi rolled up at the gate.)

Similar words: arrive, pull up

Common phrases: roll up outside, roll up in something, roll up at something

To pack your things together into a bundle that you can carry.

• She rolled up her bedding.
• He rolled up his clothes in a blanket and left.
• We rolled our things up before leaving camp.

How to use it: roll up something in something (He rolled up his belongings in a blanket.)

Similar words: bundle up, pack up

Opposites: unpack

Common phrases: roll up belongings, roll up bedding, roll something up

To gain control of a market by buying and combining many businesses.

• The group rolled up several local businesses.
• Investors hope to roll up the market through further purchases.
• They rolled up the industry by buying their main rivals.

How to use it: roll up something by doing something (They rolled up the industry by buying smaller competitors.)

Similar words: consolidate, corner the market

Common phrases: roll up companies, roll up markets

A seller calls this out to invite people to come closer and buy something.

• Roll up! Fresh cakes for sale!
• Roll up, everyone! Get your tickets here!
• Roll up, folks! Come and see our wonderful show!

Similar words: come along, step right up

Common phrases: roll up everyone, roll up folks