balls up
B2 slang separable both
In simple words
To make a big mistake and ruin something completely.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
slang
(Vulgar, British) To make a serious and obvious mistake that ruins something.
"He completely balled up the presentation by using last year's data."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
slang
(Vulgar, British) Used as a noun (balls-up): a chaotic failure or serious mistake.
"The whole event was a complete balls-up from start to finish."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common British vulgar slang. The noun form 'balls-up' (or 'ballsup') refers to the mistake itself. More emphatic than 'mess up.' Avoid in formal writing or professional settings.
Commonly used with
job interview plan presentation project deal
Forms
Base
balls up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ballses up
he/she/it
Past simple
ballsed up
yesterday
Past participle
ballsed up
have + pp
-ing form
ballsing up
continuous
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Synonyms
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