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general::
Phrase(s): work up to something
1. Lit. [for something] to build or progress to something. (Usually concerning the weather.) • The sky is working up to some kind of storm. • The weather is working up to something severe. 2. Fig. [for someone] to lead up to something. • You are working up to telling me something unpleasant, aren’t you? • I think I am working up to a good cry.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs