dike up
C1 informal separable both
In simple words
To put on your best clothes and make yourself look nice.
Literal meaning: Possibly derived from wearing or arranging a decorative garment (dike/dyke).
Meanings
1 C1 informal
To dress oneself smartly or make oneself look neat and presentable.
"They all diked up for the wedding and looked very smart."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Rare and highly regional; associated with Northern England dialects. Derived from 'dike' or 'dyke' in the sense of a fine garment or decoration. Not understood in most English-speaking contexts outside the region.
Commonly used with
yourself outfit clothes appearance
Forms
Base
dike up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dikes up
he/she/it
Past simple
diked up
yesterday
Past participle
diked up
have + pp
-ing form
diking up
continuous
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