stepped up to

[quietdandelion]

Though an official apology is unlikely, the U.S. has stepped up to help solve the problem. The clean-up project will cost approximately Us$60 million and aims to be completed by 2010.

Which can replace the words in bold, has begun or has speeded up? Thanks.

 

[Dimcl]

Though an official apology is unlikely, the U.S. has stepped up to help solve the problem. The clean-up project will cost approximately Us$60 million and aims to be completed by 2010.

Which can replace the words in bold, has begun or has speeded up? Thanks.

Neither, in my opinion. It means that the U.S. has "offered" or "volunteered" to help solve the problem. "Stepped up" does not inform us whether the process has begun or not.

 

[pachomius]

'Stepping up' also implies that no one else was willing to do it.

 

[quietdandelion]

Thanks, my friends, for the extra information.