ball up
To scrunch something into a round ball shape, or to get confused or mess something up.
Meanings
To roll or press something, especially paper or fabric, into a tight, compact ball.
"He balled up the rejection letter and threw it across the room."
To curl the body into a tight, rounded position.
"She balled up under the covers and tried to ignore the noise outside."
(American English, informal) To confuse, mix up, or ruin a situation or plan.
"The new instructions only balled up the whole process for everyone."
The physical sense (scrunch into a ball) is neutral and common. The sense of confusing or ruining something is more American English. Not as vulgar as 'balls up.'
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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