BUILD SOMETHING (UP)ON SOMETHING

build something (up)on something: translation

build something (up)on something

1. Lit. to construct something on the base of something else. (

Upon

is formal and less commonly used than

on

.) •

The ancients built their houses upon the houses of earlier people.

2. Fig. to add to and develop something that already exists. •

We have a good reputation and we must build on it.

•

He has to build on his strong friendships with the customers.