ɡɛt ʌp tuː spiːd
Business
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- To accelerate until reaching a certain velocity
What does "get up to speed" mean?
- To become fully informed about a situation
- To reach the expected level of knowledge or productivity
Examples
- Let me get you up to speed on what happened in the meeting.
- It takes new employees a few weeks to get up to speed.
- I need to get up to speed on the latest changes to the project.
Origin
From automotive and machinery terminology—bringing something up to its operating speed. Applied figuratively to learning and adaptation.
How to use it
Very common in business and professional contexts. Often used when onboarding or after absences.
Similar expressions
catch up
become informed
get oriented
learn the ropes
Opposites
fall behind
remain uninformed
Related idioms
- on the same page
In agreement or having the same understanding
- cut to the chase
To get to the point without wasting time
- hit the ground running
To start a new job or activity with immediate effectiveness
- in the loop
Included in the flow of information
- the bottom line
The most important point or factor
- think outside the box
To think creatively and unconventionally
Use it in a practice answer
Try "get up to speed" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.