cross up
verb
crossed up; crossing up; crosses up
US
1
: to make (someone) confused
The team crossed up their opponent by throwing the ball instead of running it.
2
: to ruin (something) completely
His failure to meet the deadline crossed up the deal.
Examples of cross up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In Saturday’s 56th minute, Godfrey received a pass from Dudinha, crossed up her defender, patiently moved to her right, and fired at the perfect moment to score the opening goal and give her team a 1-0 lead.
—
Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
With the Minnesota Timberwolves leading by three in the final 20 seconds of regulation, Anthony Edwards dribbled out the shot clock, tried to cross up Celtics guard Derrick White and kicked the ball, picked it up and fired.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 30 Nov. 2025
Iverson often compared his own fearlessness to Jordan’s aura, famously crossing up Jordan early in his career as a statement of arrival.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Oct. 2025
It's been six days since Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez crossed up his rookie catcher, Cesar Salazar, and the fallout is still revealing itself.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Jarren Duran and Rafaela have been two of baseball’s best defensive outfielders this season, but Saturday marked the second time in a little over a week the two have gotten crossed up.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Tie ribbons secured the slippers on the feet and could be crossed up the legs.
—Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025
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Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
With the Minnesota Timberwolves leading by three in the final 20 seconds of regulation, Anthony Edwards dribbled out the shot clock, tried to cross up Celtics guard Derrick White and kicked the ball, picked it up and fired.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 30 Nov. 2025
Iverson often compared his own fearlessness to Jordan’s aura, famously crossing up Jordan early in his career as a statement of arrival.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Oct. 2025
It's been six days since Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez crossed up his rookie catcher, Cesar Salazar, and the fallout is still revealing itself.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Jarren Duran and Rafaela have been two of baseball’s best defensive outfielders this season, but Saturday marked the second time in a little over a week the two have gotten crossed up.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Tie ribbons secured the slippers on the feet and could be crossed up the legs.
—Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cross up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross%20up. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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