magic up

B2 informal separable transitive

In simple words

To make something appear very quickly, like a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat — usually when it seems almost impossible.

Literal meaning: 'Magic' as a verb (to produce by magic) + 'up' (to summon, to produce). The metaphor is clear and adds expressiveness.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To produce or create something quickly and apparently effortlessly, especially when resources or time are limited.

"The chef managed to magic up a three-course dinner from whatever was left in the fridge."

Grammar: separable

2 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To make something appear or materialize as if by magic, often used ironically when the speaker doubts this is possible.

"I can't just magic up a thousand pounds — where do you think the money comes from?"

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Informal and expressive. Often used when someone manages to produce a solution, meal, money, or object with surprising speed. Frequently used in slightly exasperated or impressed contexts: 'I can't just magic up a solution from thin air.' Common in British English.

Commonly used with

solution money meal answer ideas resources

Forms

Base

magic up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

magics up

he/she/it

Past simple

magiced up

yesterday

Past participle

magiced up

have + pp

-ing form

magicing up

continuous

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Synonyms

conjure up rustle up whip up produce out of thin air summon up pull out of a hat

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