1.
see open 2, 12
2.
If a place, economy, or area of interest opens up, or if someone opens it up, more people can go there or become involved in it.
As the market opens up, I think people are going to be able to spend more money on consumer goods...
He said he wanted to see how Albania was opening up to the world...
These programmes will ~ markets for farmers...
PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P to n, V P n (not pron)
3.
If something opens up opportunities or possibilities, or if they ~, they are created.
It was also felt that the collapse of the system opened up new possibilities...
New opportunities are opening up for investors who want a more direct stake in overseas companies.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), V P, also V n P
4.
If you ~ a lead in a race or competition, you get yourself into a position where you are leading, usually by quite a long way.
The Chinese team had opened up a lead of more than two minutes.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)
5.
When you ~ a building, you unlock and open the door so that people can get in.
Three armed men were waiting when the postmaster and his wife arrived to ~ the shop...
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)
6.
If someone opens up, they start to say exactly what they think or feel.
Lorna found that people were willing to ~ to her.
PHRASAL VERB: V P to n