Definition of the word chase up

The origin of the phrase "chase up" can be traced back to the late 19th century in the United Kingdom. The phrase is a non-standard English adaptation of the expression "to chase after" or "to pursue." The word "chase" originally meant "to hunt" or "to pursue" animals such as foxes or deer. In the context of business or administrative procedures, "chase" came to mean "to follow up" or "to seek out" unresolved matters, such as overdue payments, documents, or information. The term "up" in "chase up" is a phrasal verb particle used to indicate motion or direction, implying that the person or entity being pursued has moved away or is in a higher position. Thus, "chase up" is a concise and colloquial way of expressing the need to pursue or follow up on outstanding matters that have been left unresolved or pending, typically in a formal, administrative, or business context.