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gummy up

C1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To make something sticky and clogged up so it doesn't work properly.

Literal meaning: To make something gummy (sticky) — transparent.

Meanings

1 C1 informal

To cause something to become sticky, clogged, or obstructed so that it cannot function properly.

"The sugary residue had gummied up the valve so badly that no air could pass through."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very rare variant of 'gum up.' Most native speakers would say 'gum up' rather than 'gummy up.' Learners should use 'gum up' as the default form.

Commonly used with

mechanism works engine filter system

Forms

Base
gummy up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gummies up
he/she/it
Past simple
gummied up
yesterday
Past participle
gummied up
have + pp
-ing form
gummying up
continuous

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Synonyms

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