Word Differences – What is the Difference Between ‘Open’ and ‘Open Up’

differenceword-difference

The question has already been asked but with a different context and therefore the answers do not answer my question.

Example:

"Open your eyes" – Title of one of Guano Apes' songs

"Open up your eyes" – From song "Politik" by ColdPlay

Is there any difference in meaning or is it just a matter of choice?

Best Answer

Up can be attached phrasally to quite a few verbs that aren't verbs of motion like walk, run, etc. Or you can consider it something like an adverb instead of a preposition.

The meaning is one of emphasis or "completely, totally" - e.g. open up X or open X up = open X all the way it can go.

I cut up all the paper.

I already washed up for dinner.

I finished up all the tasks.

I typed up a couple papers.