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to do up
01
to fasten, button, zip, or otherwise secure something, often related to clothing or accessories
Transitive: to do up a button or similar fastening
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
Action verb
Regular
Separable
Particle
up
Base verb
do
Present tense
do up
3rd person singular
does up
Present participle
doing up
Past simple
did up
Past participle
done up
Examples
She asked for help to do up the zipper on the back of her dress.
02
to make oneself look neat or stylish, especially by dressing up or putting on makeup
Dialect
British
BritishTransitive: to do up oneself
Examples
She took extra time to do herself up for the special occasion, choosing an elegant dress and coordinating accessories.
03
to improve the appearance of a building by repairing or decorating it
DialectBritish
BritishTransitive: to do up a building
Examples
The homeowners decided to do up their old farmhouse, giving it a fresh coat of paint and repairing any damages.
04
to prepare food
Transitive: to do up food
Examples
The chef decided to do up a special dish for the evening's menu to surprise the guests.
05
to clean a room or a house thoroughly, often in preparation for a special occasion or a new occupant
Transitive: to do up a room or a house
Examples
Before the guests arrived, they worked diligently to do up the entire house, ensuring it was spotless.
06
to wrap something into a compact form
Examples
She did up her hair in a ponytail.
