Freed Up: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
July 20, 2023

"Freed up" generally means making something available by releasing it from what's tying it down or preventing its use. Whether it's time, resources, or data, the idiom implies that you have managed to liberate something for use elsewhere. In the world of finance and technology, this term has particular significance and nuanced usage.

In short:

  • When you use this idiom, you're indicating that you've made something available by removing restrictions or reallocating resources.
  • It's about creating availability in a system, whether it's time in your day, cash in your budget, or space on your hard drive.

What Does "Freed Up" Mean?

"Freed up" is a commonly used idiom that denotes making something available or accessible by eliminating what's been holding it back. It's often used to refer to the act of liberating resources, time, or space, especially when such elements are under constraints.

Let's delve into its primary meanings and application:

  • "Freed up" signifies the act of removing restrictions.
    • For example: "With restrictions lifted, underwriters were freed up to trade new shares at market prices instead of the initial fixed price."
  • You can also use the phrase when talking about making a resource or time available.
    • For example: "By automating several tasks at work, John freed up valuable time, which he could then allocate to more strategic and creative projects."
  • In a technology context, "freed up" can refer to the act of deleting unnecessary files to create more storage space on a device.
    • For example: "Deleting those files has freed up a lot of space on my hard drive."
  • Comparable phrases to "freed up" include "made available," "unlocked," "released," and "opened up."

Where Does "Freed Up" Come From?

The phrase "freed up" has its roots in the simple combination of "freed," past tense of "free," meaning to make available or unencumbered, and "up," used here as an intensifier. Over time, the term has found widespread use across different fields, including finance and technology, each adopting its own specific implications.

Historical Example

"Would you expand on what funds ave been or may be available to be freed up?"

- Departments of Treasury and Post Office and Executive Office Appropriations for 1969

10 Examples of "Freed Up" in Sentences

To help you grasp when and how to use this idiom, let's dive into some examples across various scenarios:

  • When they deemed it necessary, the council freed up additional funds for the community project.
  • Closing down non-profitable branches freed up resources for the company to invest in new markets.
  • Effective immediately, the CEO freed up resources to invest in the company's new venture.
  • After they freed up the phone lines, I was finally able to lodge a complaint about the poor service.
  • It may seem like a small thing, but by decluttering, you've freed up a lot of space in our home.
  • Upon my retirement, I freed up time for future endeavors like traveling and painting.
  • Implementing cloud storage solutions freed up local storage space on their servers.
  • Refinancing their debt freed up monthly cash flow for the business.
  • The use of AI in customer service freed up human agents to handle more complex queries.
  • After John freed up his afternoon, he was able to substitute for the coach at the baseball game.

Examples of "Freed Up" in Pop Culture

The phrase "freed up" is often used in popular culture, generally in the context of liberating or releasing something or someone.

Let's explore some instances:

  • "Freed Up: Beyond Orthodoxy Through Meditation" is a book written by William Radcliffe and published in 1999. This enlightening work explores the concept of going beyond orthodox beliefs and practices through the practice of meditation.
  • The book "Telecoms and Media" by Alexander Brown also uses the phrase: "How will radio frequencies freed up by the switchover be reallocated?"
  • Here's another quote from the book "Grow Up Already" by Daniel Urban: "Since we both freed up our afternoon, do you want to go get tacos?"
  • "Freed Up" is a song by the American rapper Russel James Vitale, better known as Russ.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Freed Up"

There are several other phrases that convey a similar meaning to "freed up."

Here are some alternatives:

  • Made available
  • Opened up
  • Unlocked
  • Released
  • Unleashed
  • Unburdened
  • Cleared
  • Disentangled
  • Liberated
  • Unhindered

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Freed Up":

  • What does "freed up" mean?

"Freed up" refers to making something available that was previously occupied or engaged, such as time, resources, or space.

  • How can I use "freed up" in a sentence?

You can use "freed up" to describe the liberation of resources, space, or time. For example, "My bad for the delay, I've just freed up my schedule so we can discuss your proposal now."

  • Can "freed up" be used in professional contexts?

Yes, "freed up" is often used in professional and business contexts to signify the release or availability of time, space, resources, or funds.

  • Does "freed up" imply the complete availability of something?

Not necessarily. "Freed up" simply suggests that something has been made available or unoccupied, it doesn't specify the extent of availability.

  • Can "freed up" refer to intangible resources like time or energy?

Yes, "freed up" can indeed refer to intangible resources like time or energy. For instance, you could say, "Delegating some tasks freed up time for me to focus on more critical projects."

  • What is the significance of "freed up" in the tech world?

In the tech world, "freed up" often refers to freeing up memory or storage space in a device, such as a computer or smartphone, or on a network.

  • What does "freed up" mean in finance?

In finance, "freed up" refers to the release or availability of funds or assets that were previously tied up or unavailable.

  • Can "freed up" be used in a personal context?

Yes, "freed up" can be used in a personal context. For example, you could say, "Selling my old books freed up some space on my bookshelf."

  • Is "freed up" a universally understood concept?

While the phrase is in English, the concept of making something available or releasing it from constraints is understood across different cultures and languages.

Final Thoughts About "Freed Up"

The idiom "freed up" highlights the importance of making resources, time, or space available for other uses. Whether it's in personal, professional, or tech scenarios, freeing up allows for more efficient and effective use of these resources.

Here's a quick recap:

  • "Freed up" points out that making resources available or unoccupied is beneficial.
  • You can use it in various contexts, from personal to professional.
  • It doesn't necessarily mean total availability—it's about making some amount of time, space, or other resources available for different use.

The phrase underscores the value of optimization and the efficient use of resources. This concept is crucial in many areas of life, from managing your personal time to running a successful business.

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