doll up
To make yourself look really nice and pretty, like a doll.
Meanings
To make oneself look very attractive by dressing elaborately and applying make-up.
"She dolled herself up for the awards ceremony, wearing a full-length gown and diamond earrings."
To dress or style another person, especially a child, in an elaborate or attractive way.
"The grandmother loved to doll up the little girl in frilly dresses on Sundays."
Used for both reflexive and non-reflexive contexts ('she dolled herself up' / 'she dolled up her daughter'). Predominantly used to describe women, though not exclusively. Can sometimes carry a slightly patronising tone depending on context. Very common in British and American English.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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