STRIKE UP

v. 1a. To start to sing or play. We were sitting around the camp fire. Someone struck up a song, and we all joined in. The President took his place on the platform, and the band struck up the national anthem. 1b. To give a signal to start (a band) playing. When the team ran on the field, the band director struck up the band. 2. To bring about; begin; start. The policeman struck up a conversation with John while they were waiting for the bus. It did not take Mary long to strike up acquaintances in her new school.