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lash up

C1 informal separable both
In simple words

To quickly put something together in a rough way using rope or whatever you can find.

Literal meaning: To secure something 'up' by lashing (tying tightly with rope) — the 'up' suggests completing the fastening.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To construct or assemble something quickly and roughly, especially using rope or improvised materials.

"The campers lashed up a basic shelter from branches and a tarpaulin."

Grammar: separable
2 C1 neutral

To tie or bind something firmly upward or in place using rope.

"He lashed up the sail tightly against the mast before the storm arrived."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Chiefly British. As a noun, 'a lash-up' describes something poorly or hastily constructed. The verb form is less common than the noun. Can carry a tone of mild disapproval about quality.

Commonly used with

shelter antenna structure frame repair system

Forms

Base
lash up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lashes up
he/she/it
Past simple
lashed up
yesterday
Past participle
lashed up
have + pp
-ing form
lashing up
continuous

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Synonyms

rig up cobble together knock up improvise jerry-rig MacGyver

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