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Angliholic Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

This year, I decided to dress up as Santa. But the idea of Santa is hard to

This year, I decided to dress up as Santa. But the idea of Santa is hard to live up to.

To begin with, is "up" optional?

Second, what does the underlined part mean? Thanks.
  

Top answer

up is optional, but useful in emphasizing the fact that a costume is worn which is supposed to impersonate a figure from history, myth, or legend. dress up as is the usual idiom. The underlined portion means that it is difficult to act as selflessly as Santa.

  • up is optional, but useful in emphasizing the fact that a costume is worn which is supposed to impersonate a figure from history, myth, or legend.
  • dress up as is the usual idiom.
  • The underlined portion means that it is difficult to act as selflessly as Santa.
  • ) to live up to is to be as good as, to be as worthy as.
  • CJ
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2 Answers
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up is optional, but useful in emphasizing the fact that a costume is worn which is supposed to impersonate a figure from history, myth, or legend. dress up as is the usual idiom.

The underlined portion means that it is difficult to act as selflessly as Santa. ("Santa" is a corruption of the name "Saint Nicholas", a man who, according to legend, acted selflessly to h
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Thanks, Jim, for the clear explanation.

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