Meaning
To be fully informed and current on a subject, situation, or task, especially after having recently learned or reviewed the necessary information.
It’s most often used when someone new joins a project or returns after an absence and needs a quick summary to catch up.
Origin
The phrase draws on an automotive or mechanical metaphor: a vehicle or engine that has reached its normal operating speed, as opposed to still idling or accelerating, is running at full, proper capacity. Applied to a person, being “up to speed” means having reached the same level of knowledge or readiness as everyone else, rather than lagging behind.
Examples
Can you get me up to speed on what happened while I was out?
The new hire needs a few days to get up to speed.
Let’s get everyone up to speed before the meeting starts.
A: Do you know about the changes? B: Not yet, fill me in and get me up to speed.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Up to speed' mean?
To be fully informed and current on a subject, situation, or task, especially after having recently learned or reviewed the necessary information.
It’s most often used when someone new joins a project or returns after an absence and needs a quick summary to catch up.