weigh up

What it means

To consider the advantages, disadvantages, or options of something carefully before making a decision. It is separable, more common in British English, and suggests a thoughtful, balanced process.

Examples

• She's weighing up two job offers before giving her answer.
• You should weigh up the pros and cons before signing anything.
• He weighed the risks up carefully and then decided to invest.
• It took her weeks to weigh up whether to move abroad.

Where it comes from

From the literal image of placing items on a scale to compare their weight, used figuratively for decision-making since the 1800s. American English speakers more often say 'weigh' on its own or 'weigh out'.

Related phrasal verbs