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The English language is full of unusual idioms (sayings with figurative meanings) that can be hard to understand unless you're a native speaker. "What have you been up to?" is one that you might not have heard before. Basically, if someone asks, "What have you been up to?" they're asking what you've been doing since the two of you last spoke. Keep reading for examples of what you can say and when or why you'd use each reply.
Things You Should Know
- Tell the person what you've been doing since you last saw them to answer the question "What have you been up to?"
- Be as detailed with your answer as you like. If you're not in the mood to talk, that's fine—just keep your reply brief.
- Tell them what you've been doing, then ask what they've been up to. This is a great way to keep the conversation going and be polite.
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Tips
- Occasionally, this idiom is used to accuse someone of doing something. For instance, if a teenager comes home after curfew, their parent might be waiting up for them to sternly say, "What have you been up to?" because they suspect the teen was breaking house rules.Thanks
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