colour up
B1 informal intransitive
In simple words
When your face goes red because you feel embarrassed or shy.
Literal meaning: The face gains colour — a transparent physiological metaphor.
Meanings
1 B1 informal
(Of a person) to blush; to become visibly red in the face from embarrassment, shyness, or strong emotion.
"He coloured up when the teacher read his essay aloud to the class."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral
To add colour or brightness to something dull or plain.
"Fresh flowers on the table really coloured up the grey winter kitchen."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Primarily British English. A vivid, slightly old-fashioned expression for blushing. Found in novels and narrative writing. Less common in spoken British English today, where 'go red' or 'blush' are preferred.
Commonly used with
cheeks face immediately visibly suddenly
Forms
Base
colour up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
colours up
he/she/it
Past simple
coloured up
yesterday
Past participle
coloured up
have + pp
-ing form
colouring up
continuous
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