strike up

To begin a conversation, friendship, or other connection with someone.

• We struck up a conversation on the bus.
• She often strikes up friendships while travelling.
• Have you struck up a relationship with anyone there?

How to use it: strike up something with someone (He struck up a friendship with his neighbour.)

Similar words: start, begin, initiate

Common phrases: strike up conversation, strike up friendship

If musicians do this, they begin playing music.

• The band struck up at noon.
• The orchestra struck up a familiar song.
• Everyone danced when the musicians struck up again.

How to use it: strike up something (The band struck up a lively tune.)

Similar words: start playing, begin playing

Opposites: stop playing

Common phrases: strike up music, strike up a tune

To shape flat metal into a raised form by hitting it or pressing it into a shaped tool.

• Workers strike up metal to make pans.
• The craftsperson struck up a small copper bowl.
• This press can strike up thin metal sheets.

How to use it: strike up something in a die (Workers struck up the metal in a shaped die.)

Similar words: form, press into shape

Common phrases: strike up metal, strike up a bowl