bung up
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To block up a hole or make a passage impossible to use.
Literal meaning: To push a bung (stopper/plug) upward into an opening.
Meanings
1 B2 informal
To block or plug a hole, pipe, or drain so that nothing can pass through.
"The children had bunged up the drain in the garden with leaves and mud."
Grammar: separable
2 B1 informal
(Of the nose) to become blocked with mucus due to a cold or allergy.
"I can't smell anything — my nose is completely bunged up."
Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 informal
To close or seal an opening with any suitable material.
"He bunged up the gap in the wall with a piece of old cloth to stop the draught."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Common in British and Australian informal English. Very natural for describing a blocked nose during a cold ('My nose is all bunged up'). Can also refer to physically plugging holes or drains.
Commonly used with
nose drain pipe hole sink pores
Forms
Base
bung up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bungs up
he/she/it
Past simple
bunged up
yesterday
Past participle
bunged up
have + pp
-ing form
bunging up
continuous
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