English phrase from drama scenes
What Does "you've been acting up lately" Mean?
Learn what "you've been acting up lately" means, when people say it, and how to use it naturally in English.
Beginner
Rude
Firm
Complain
Ethan, come on. You've been acting up lately.
It means the speaker thinks the other person has been misbehaving or causing trouble recently.
From Billionaire’s Betrayal, Episode 13
When do people say this?
Scene Context
Someone complains that the other person has been behaving badly lately.
Usage Scenario
Use this when complaining about someone's behavior, especially to a child or in a tense argument. It can sound scolding.
Better ways to say it
1
You've been acting up lately.
2
You've been acting out lately.
3
You've been misbehaving lately.
How to learn English with ReelFluent
1
Discover
Scenes unlock real expressions as you watch
2
Understand
Tap to translate or use dual subtitles
3
Use
Practice immediately with AI Characters
4
Retain
Reinforce with quick quizzes and repetition
Learn practical English from scenes, not drills.
Build speaking confidence with drama-based context, instant explanations, and AI-powered practice tailored to real conversations.
Start learning
