marry up
B2 informal mixed both
In simple words
Marry someone richer or more important than you, OR fit two things together perfectly.
Literal meaning: To move 'up' through marriage — suggesting upward social mobility.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To marry someone who is wealthier, more powerful, or of higher social status than oneself.
"Her grandmother always told her to marry up if she wanted a comfortable life."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral
To join or connect two things so that they fit together or correspond correctly.
"Make sure the two pieces of pipe marry up before you tighten the joint."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Has two distinct senses: (1) social — marrying above one's station, and (2) practical — aligning or connecting two things. Sense 2 is more common in British English. Both senses are relatively informal.
Commonly used with
socially well figures data ends seams
Forms
Base
marry up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
marries up
he/she/it
Past simple
married up
yesterday
Past participle
married up
have + pp
-ing form
marrying up
continuous
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Synonyms
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