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./