color up
B1 informal both
In simple words
When your face turns red because you're embarrassed or shy.
Literal meaning: The face takes on colour — transparent physiological description.
Meanings
1 B1 informal
(Of a person) to blush or become visibly red in the face, especially from embarrassment.
"She colored up the moment he walked into the room and smiled at her."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral
To add colour or vibrancy to something that is dull or plain.
"A few potted plants really colored up the dull grey office."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
The 'blush' sense is the most common; it is mainly British English despite the American spelling used here — both 'color up' and 'colour up' are used across varieties. The 'add colour' sense is less frequent. Often used for describing a spontaneous, involuntary reaction.
Commonly used with
cheeks face embarrassment compliment mention
Forms
Base
color up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
colors up
he/she/it
Past simple
colored up
yesterday
Past participle
colored up
have + pp
-ing form
coloring up
continuous
Understand "color up" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "color up" on Looplines