bolt up

USAGE SUMMARY

'bolt up' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of quickly closing a door or window by firmly pressing it shut with a loud noise. For example, "He heard a noise outside, so he quickly bolted up the front door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

If you must bolt up to Boston for your bibb, so be it.

The New York Times

At about four in the morning I was sitting bolt up, gasping in horror as the novel came to its breathtaking close.

The Guardian

No one who saw Thistlecrack bolt up in the World Hurdle in March will doubt that he has the necessary engine to win a Gold Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

"You'll see people bolt up in their chair and their eyes go all wide," Ezra Wegbreit, a graduate student in the Jung-Beeman lab who often administers the C.R.A. test, said.

The New Yorker

Canford Cliffs (4.20) is also a skinny price for the Coventry Stakes, but unless the greatly experienced Richard Hannon has got it totally wrong, this Newbury winner has the potential to bolt up in this.

The Guardian - Sport

As cars rumbled down the street every five minutes, Jonathan would bolt up off the chair and hop swiftly to the safety of the side of the road, dragging his lawn chair behind him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He bolted up from his chair, turned away and sobbed.

The New York Times

Here's a bearded elder man bolting up at 4 30 a.m.

The New York Times - Magazine

I bolted up and shouted at her, and she turned around and ran out.I got up and got dressed.

The Economist

Jumps with relish, and bolted up on this kind of going at Huntingdon earlier in the season.

Independent

As we got back on the highway, I found myself bolting up and pointing to the divider.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bolt up" to vividly describe a sudden, often startled, movement, whether it's someone rising quickly or securing something with a bolt.

Common error

Avoid using "bolt up" to describe gradual or continuous actions. The phrase implies a sudden and immediate movement or securing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bolt up" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, describing a sudden and quick action. It can refer to the act of rising or sitting up quickly, often in response to a startling event, as seen in Ludwig's examples. It also describes the act of quickly closing something with a loud noise.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Vice

6%

Huffington Post

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "bolt up" is used to describe a sudden or quick movement, often in reaction to surprise or as a means of swiftly securing something. Ludwig AI shows that it's grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media sources. While not overly formal, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts where conveying urgency and speed is key. Consider alternatives like "jump up" or "secure firmly" depending on the context, and avoid using it for gradual actions. To effectively utilize this phrase, remember its connotation of immediacy and apply it where a sense of suddenness needs to be conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jump up

Emphasizes a sudden upward movement, similar to "bolt up" when used to describe someone rising quickly.

rise abruptly

Similar to "bolt up" in emphasizing a sudden and unexpected rising action.

sit up quickly

Highlights the speed of sitting upright, resembling the suddenness in "bolt up".

startle awake

Focuses on the abrupt awakening aspect, akin to "bolt up" when used in the context of waking suddenly.

jerk upright

Highlights the sharp, uncontrolled movement of rising, mirroring the suddenness in "bolt up".

rush upwards

Emphasizes the speed and direction of movement, similar to the upward trajectory in "bolt up".

spring to one's feet

Implies a quick and energetic rise, similar to the active nature of "bolt up".

lock securely

Focuses on the action of securing something swiftly, like bolting a door.

fasten quickly

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of securing an object.

secure firmly

Stresses the strength and reliability of the fastening.

FAQs

How can I use "bolt up" in a sentence?

You can use "bolt up" to describe someone rising quickly, such as "He "jumped up" in surprise" or securing something quickly, like "She "locked securely" the door before leaving".

What does it mean to "bolt up"?

To "bolt up" can mean to rise or sit up suddenly and quickly, often due to surprise or fear, or to fasten something securely with a bolt.

Which is the correct usage: "bolt up" or "bolt down"?

"Bolt up" and "bolt down" have different meanings. "Bolt up" usually describes a sudden upward movement or securing something. "Bolt down" means to eat something quickly. Choose the correct phrase based on your intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "bolt up" when referring to someone rising quickly?

Alternatives include "jump up", "startle awake", or "rise abruptly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.