belt up
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
Either 'be quiet!' or 'put on your seatbelt!'
Literal meaning: To fasten a belt tightly — hence both senses: securing a belt or metaphorically 'closing' one's mouth.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
(British, informal, often rude) To stop talking; to be quiet.
"The teacher told the noisy students to belt up and get on with their work."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
(British) To fasten one's seatbelt in a vehicle.
"Belt up, everyone — we're about to pull out of the car park."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The 'be quiet' sense is British and can be considered rude or aggressive. The 'seatbelt' sense is also chiefly British; Americans say 'buckle up'. Context makes the meaning clear.
Commonly used with
seatbelt car noise complaining children
Forms
Base
belt up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
belts up
he/she/it
Past simple
belted up
yesterday
Past participle
belted up
have + pp
-ing form
belting up
continuous
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