1
general::
Phrase(s): bump someone or something up
1. Lit. to damage or batter someone or something. • The crash into the wall bumped the race driver up a little. • The accident bumped up the passengers a little. 2. Fig. to raise someone or something to a higher category or level. (As if pushing someone into a higher category.) • I wanted to fly first class, but they wouldn’t bump me up. • The ticket agent bumped up both of my friends, but not me.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Suddenly increase, as in Oil-producing nations decided to bump up the price of oil. This term is used mainly for prices or other figures. [Colloquial; 1930s] 2. Give a promotion. For example, Kevin hoped to be bumped up to first class, or After five years, she expected they would bump her up to vice-president. [Slang; second half of 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms