Browse all

lawyer up

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To get yourself a lawyer, especially because you're in trouble with the law or think you might be.

Literal meaning: 'Up' here signals preparation or arming oneself — 'lawyering up' means equipping yourself with a lawyer as a defence.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic slang

To hire a lawyer or demand legal representation, especially when facing police questioning or criminal charges.

"The suspect said nothing to detectives and immediately lawyered up."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

(Broader informal use) To bring in legal professionals to handle a dispute or protect one's interests.

"The company lawyered up as soon as the competitor threatened a lawsuit."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Primarily American English slang, popularised by US legal dramas and crime films. Common in news reporting about suspects invoking their right to counsel. Can also be used more broadly for any legal dispute. The 'up' suggests preparing or arming oneself.

Commonly used with

suspect rights interrogation arrest charges investigation

Forms

Base
lawyer up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lawyers up
he/she/it
Past simple
lawyered up
yesterday
Past participle
lawyered up
have + pp
-ing form
lawyering up
continuous

Understand "lawyer up" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

get a lawyer seek legal counsel retain counsel invoke your right to counsel

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "lawyer up" on Looplines