cobble up
C1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To put something together in a quick, messy way.
Literal meaning: To roughly stitch or fix something upward into shape — evoking a cobbler's hasty repair work.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To construct or assemble something in a hurried and makeshift way.
"The survivors cobbled up a raft from driftwood and rope."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
To prepare or write something hastily.
"She cobbled up an excuse and hoped the teacher wouldn't ask further questions."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Much rarer than 'cobble together' and largely interchangeable with it. Some speakers use 'cobble up' for physical improvisation and 'cobble together' for abstract things, but this distinction is not consistent.
Commonly used with
solution shelter device plan contraption
Forms
Base
cobble up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cobbles up
he/she/it
Past simple
cobbled up
yesterday
Past participle
cobbled up
have + pp
-ing form
cobbling up
continuous
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