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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.
Leaving the wet laundry outside in the sun caused it to dry up quickly.
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.
The old leather wallet was left in the sun for too long, causing it to dry up.
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.
The actor on stage had a moment where he completely dried up, leaving an awkward silence in the theater.
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.
With the increased demand, the store 's inventory of popular products quickly began to dry up.
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.
Using a hairdryer, she was able to dry up the spilled water on the bathroom floor.
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.
In the restaurant kitchen, the staff members take turns washing and drying up the dishes.
