flex up

B2 informal intransitive

In simple words

To squeeze your muscles tight to show how strong you are, or to become stronger and more powerful.

Literal meaning: To flex (contract muscles) upward into a display position — transparent.

Meanings

1 B1 informal

uncommon

To contract and display muscles, especially in a pose.

"The bodybuilder flexed up on stage as the judges scored his physique."

2 B2 idiomatic neutral

uncommon

To increase strength, capacity, or resources (figurative).

"The military announced it would flex up its presence in the region in response to the threat."

Usage notes

Used in fitness and gym contexts. Figuratively used in business or sports to mean increasing capacity or strength. More common in American English.

muscles biceps team capacity forces defenses

Base

flex up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

flexes up

he/she/it

Past simple

flexed up

yesterday

Past participle

flexed up

have + pp

-ing form

flexing up

continuous

Try:

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?