Definition of the word open up

The expression "open up" originated in the mid-19th century, primarily as a command given to someone who was being secretive or tight-lipped. The phrase literally meant "make an opening or space" and was often used in the context of travel, as in "the road opens up ahead," or in reference to a person's mood or behavior, as in "She opened up and revealed her true feelings." There are a few theories as to the origin of the term itself. One story suggests that "open up" evolved from the nautical expression "make way," which was used to signal a ship's helmsman to steer in a particular direction. "Make way" would eventually be shortened to "make deploy," and then further truncated to "make a deployment," which evolved into "make an opening" and ultimately "open up." An alternative theory suggests that the phrase "open up" may have originated in the context of mining or drilling, where it was used to denote the process of creating a new opening or shaft underground. Regardless of its origin, it's clear that the expression has evolved to take on a range of meanings beyond its literal sense, encompassing notions of emotional openness, honesty, and receptivity.