mess up

/mˈɛs ˈʌp/

to mess up

MAIN VERB

[phrase form: mess]

to make a mistake or error, causing a situation or task to become disorganized, confused, or unsuccessful

synonyms : ball up

make a mess of or create disorder in

synonyms : mess

disturb the smoothness of

synonyms : ruffle

*** Make a mistake; to do something incorrectly; to perform poorly

*** Cause (another person) to make unwanted mistakes in a given task, usually through distraction or obnoxious behavior

*** Damage; injure

*** Manhandle; beat up; rough up

*** Discombobulate, utterly confuse, or confound psychologically; to throw into a state of mental disarray

Examples

1. Oh man, the boss found out that I messed up the budget report, and now I have egg on my face.

2. I was dragged over the coals by my boss last week for messing up the accounting software.

3. I know Mary messed up, but don't haul her over the coals too hard for it.

4. I know Mary messed up, but there was no need to read her the riot act for it.