step up

[thru]

"Soon after the tornado, Connie is told her insurance does not cover the damage. She stays at George's after Dale makes an insensitive joke about it. Missy steps up as the responsible one running the house and talking with Dale abut his feelings."

Source: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Young_Sheldon_episodes#Season_7_(2024)

What does "step up" mean here?

 

[emsr2d2]

First, tell us what you found when you searched for the [phrasal] verb "step up" in several good online dictionaries. We like to see that you've done some legwork yourself before asking us.

 

[5jj]

You'll find some useful dictionaries here: https://www.onelook.com/

 

[thru]

One of the two following definitions that I've found might be the right one for 'step up':

1. to take on more responsibilities

2.to take action when there is a need or opportunity for it

I'm not sure which one I can choose as the definition of it.

 

[Tarheel]

It looks like there's some overlap there. Indeed, you might say it's often possible for it to be either. Neither one excludes the other.