gather up
To pick up lots of things that are spread around and put them together.
Meanings
To collect or pick up several objects scattered in different places.
"She gathered up her books and bag and hurried out of the classroom."
To summon or muster an inner resource such as courage or energy.
"He gathered up every last bit of his courage and knocked on the headmaster's door."
To pull or draw fabric, hair, or a similar material into a bunch or bundle.
"She gathered up the hem of her long skirt before wading through the puddle."
Extremely common in everyday English. Can apply to physical objects or abstract things like courage or energy. The 'up' adds a sense of completeness — gathering everything in.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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