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froth up

B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

When a liquid makes lots of little bubbles and gets foamy, like milk when you steam it for a coffee.

Literal meaning: To produce froth upward — largely transparent.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

For a liquid to produce foam or froth, or to make a liquid produce foam.

"Froth up the milk with the steamer before pouring it into the espresso."

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

Figuratively, to become visibly angry, excited, or agitated.

"The commentator was frothing up over the referee's decision."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used literally in cooking, coffee-making, and natural science contexts. Can also be used figuratively to describe an angry or agitated person 'frothing up' with emotion. The figurative use is informal.

Commonly used with

milk beer sea mouth coffee soap

Forms

Base
froth up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
froths up
he/she/it
Past simple
frothed up
yesterday
Past participle
frothed up
have + pp
-ing form
frothing up
continuous

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Synonyms

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