lace up
To tie your shoelaces or fasten something with laces.
Meanings
To fasten shoes, boots, or similar footwear by threading and tying the laces.
"She sat on the bench and laced up her running shoes before heading out."
To fasten any garment or piece of equipment that uses laces, such as a corset or boxing gloves.
"His corner man laced up his gloves just before the fight began."
(Figurative) To prepare oneself mentally or physically for a challenging activity.
"It's time to lace up and get ready for the biggest challenge of our careers."
Very common in everyday English. Primarily used for shoes and boots ('lace up your shoes'), but also applies to corsets, boxing gloves, and similar items. Often used as an adjective in compound forms: 'lace-up boots', 'lace-up shoes'.
Commonly used with
Forms
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