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bunk up

B2 informal separable both
In simple words

To help someone climb by lifting them, or to slide over to make space.

Literal meaning: To push or bounce someone upward.

Meanings

1 B2 informal

(British informal) To help someone climb over an obstacle by letting them step on your hands or by lifting them.

"Can you bunk me up over the wall? I can't reach the top."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 informal

(British informal) To move along or make room for another person to sit.

"Bunk up a bit — there's room for one more on this bench."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Primarily British English. 'Give someone a bunk up' is a very common fixed expression. Can also be used on its own. The 'make room' sense is slightly less common than the 'boost over a wall' sense.

Commonly used with

wall fence seat bench train bus

Forms

Base
bunk up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bunks up
he/she/it
Past simple
bunked up
yesterday
Past participle
bunked up
have + pp
-ing form
bunking up
continuous

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