fancy up
B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To make something look nicer or fancier.
Meanings
1 B1 informal
To make a place, object, or dish look more attractive by adding decorative elements.
"She fancied up the plain cupcakes with gold sprinkles and edible flowers."
Grammar: separable
2 B1 informal
To dress oneself in a more stylish or elegant way.
"The kids fancied themselves up for their grandmother's birthday dinner."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Common in American informal English. Often used about food, rooms, clothing, or presentations. Can be used reflexively ('fancy yourself up').
Commonly used with
outfit dish recipe room presentation yourself
Forms
Base
fancy up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fancies up
he/she/it
Past simple
fancied up
yesterday
Past participle
fancied up
have + pp
-ing form
fancying up
continuous
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Synonyms
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