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dust up

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

A small fight or argument between people.

Literal meaning: A fight that kicks up dust — as in a scuffle on a dirt road.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

(Noun, informal) A minor physical fight or aggressive confrontation between people.

"There was a bit of a dust-up outside the bar, but it was over before the police arrived."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

(Noun, informal) A heated argument or dispute, especially a public or political one.

"The two senators had a dust-up in the corridor after the vote."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Usually used as a noun ('a dust-up') rather than as a verb. When used as a verb, it is rare. The noun form is common in British English journalism to describe minor fights, brawls, or political rows. Also used in American English. Note: the noun 'dustup' or 'dust-up' is much more common than the verb form.

Commonly used with

minor brief verbal physical political pub

Forms

Base
dust up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dusts up
he/she/it
Past simple
dusted up
yesterday
Past participle
dusted up
have + pp
-ing form
dusting up
continuous

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