strike up a (conversation/friendship)
Meaning(s)
1. create or establish a conversation or friendship with another person
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
strike up a conversation with someone at a party
Analysis
The phrasal verb 'strike up' means to begin a conversation or a relationship with someone in a casual way. To 'strike up' can also mean to begin to do something or to begin to play music.
Social Examples (Basic)
- Brian moved into the student residence at the same time I did, and we very quickly struck up a friendship.
- The band struck up a tune as soon as the Mayor arrived.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- I would have liked the chance to strike up a conversation with my boss at the function, but there were too many people milling around her.
- It's much easier to reach a deal if you can strike up a friendship with the person you're negotiating with. That's one of the reasons good social skills are so important in business.