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to dry up
[phrase form: dry]
01
to become empty of water or other liquids, often through evaporation
Intransitive
Examples
As the sun beat down, the river began to dry up, revealing more of its rocky bed.
02
to get smaller and wrinkled due to loss of all one's moisture
Intransitive
Examples
If you leave fruit exposed to the sun for too long, it may dry up and shrivel.
03
to suddenly stop speaking, often due to forgetting or not knowing what to say next
Intransitive
Examples
During the presentation, the speaker suddenly dried up and struggled to recall the key points.
04
to not exist anymore, such as resources, opportunities, etc.
Intransitive
Examples
During the economic downturn, job opportunities started to dry up, leaving many unemployed.
05
to make something lose its moisture
Transitive: to dry up sth
Examples
The heat from the sun can quickly dry up wet clothes hung outside.
06
to use a towel to dry dishes after one is done washing them
Dialect
British
BritishTransitive: to dry up dishes
Examples
After washing the dinner plates, she would dry up each one with a clean kitchen towel.
