step up

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you tell me whether I am right about my interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentence?

EU steps up the pressure on Irish banks, opens talks with IMF

step up = to increase, especially in stages or

step up = to improve one's performance or take on more responsibility, especially at a crucial time

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V

[sarat_106]

Dear teachers,

Would you tell me whether I am right about my interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentence?
EU steps up the pressure on Irish banks, opens talks with IMF

step up = to increase, especially in stages or

step up = to improve one's performance or take on more responsibility, especially at a crucial time

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V

Both the meanings are correct but the second one is appropriate here.

[apex2000]

I beg to differ. In this context it is clear that the EU is increasing its pressure on the Irish banks. It would not be appropriate to infer that the EU had previously shown a poor approach.