lather up

B1 informal separable both

In simple words

To rub soap on yourself until it gets all bubbly and foamy; or to get really excited or upset about something.

Literal meaning: Transparent in the literal sense — to create a lather (foam) by rubbing soap, and to build it 'up' into a rich foam.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

common

To apply soap, shampoo, or shaving cream and rub it to produce a thick foam on skin or hair.

"Lather up the shampoo well before rinsing it out thoroughly."

Grammar: separable

2 B2 idiomatic informal

uncommon

(Figurative) To become or cause someone to become very excited, agitated, or emotionally worked up.

"The commentator was getting all lathered up over a decision that would have no impact on the final result."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

The literal sense is common in everyday and advertising language ('lather up with this shampoo'). The figurative sense ('get lathered up') is informal and can mean either excited or angry/flustered. Originally, a horse in a lather was sweating heavily from exertion.

Commonly used with

soap shampoo beard hair skin crowd

Forms

Base

lather up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

lathers up

he/she/it

Past simple

lathered up

yesterday

Past participle

lathered up

have + pp

-ing form

lathering up

continuous

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Synonyms

soap up foam up work up get worked up whip into a lather

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