bronze up
C1 informal separable both
In simple words
To get very tanned skin, or to make something look bronze-coloured.
Literal meaning: To become or make something the colour of bronze — a direct extension of the literal metal's appearance.
Meanings
1 C1 informal
To develop a deep tan or bronzed skin tone through sun exposure or artificial means.
"After two weeks in the Caribbean, she had bronzed up beautifully."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 neutral
To apply a bronze-coloured coating or finish to a surface or object.
"The sculptor bronzed up the plaster model before displaying it at the gallery."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Informal and uncommon. Used in both the intransitive sense (skin bronzing naturally) and transitive sense (applying a bronze-coloured product). Encountered in beauty, fashion, and bodybuilding contexts.
Commonly used with
skin complexion body statue limbs finish
Forms
Base
bronze up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bronzes up
he/she/it
Past simple
bronzed up
yesterday
Past participle
bronzed up
have + pp
-ing form
bronzing up
continuous
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