line up

1) PHR-V-ERG If people line up or if you line them up, they move so that they are standing in a line.

[V P] The senior leaders lined up behind him in orderly rows...

[V n P] The gym teachers lined us up against the cement walls...

[V n P] Four members of a family were lined up and shot...

[V P n (not pron)] When he came back the sergeant had lined up the terrorists.

2) PHRASAL VERB If you line things up, you move them into a straight row.

[V P n (not pron)] I would line up my toys on this windowsill and play...

[V n P] He finished polishing the cocktail glasses and lined them up behind the bar.

3) PHR-V-RECIP-ERG If you line one thing up with another, or one thing lines up with another, the first thing is moved into its correct position in relation to the second. You can also say that two things line up, or are lined up.

[V n P with n] You have to line the car up with the ones beside you...

[V P with n] Gas cookers are adjustable in height to line up with your kitchen work top...

[V P pl-n] Mahoney had lined up two of the crates...

[pl-n V P] When the images line up exactly, the projectors should be fixed in place...

[V-ed P] All we have to do is to get the two pieces lined up properly. [Also V P n with n, V pl-n P]

4) PHRASAL VERB If you line up an event or activity, you arrange for it to happen. If you line someone up for an event or activity, you arrange for them to be available for that event or activity.

[V P n to-inf] She lined up executives, politicians and educators to serve on the board of directors...

[V P n (not pron)] Bob Dylan is lining up a two-week UK tour for the New Year. [Also V n P, V n P to-inf]

5) PHRASAL VERB If you line up with, behind, or alongside a person or group, you support them. If you line up against a person or group, you oppose them.

[V P prep] Some surprising names have lined up behind the idea...

[V-ed P] We Spaniards have lined up against each other all too often.

6) → See also line-up