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mist up

B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To go blurry because of water droplets forming on glass.

Literal meaning: For mist to build up on a surface — the 'up' signals increasing coverage.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

(Of glass or a mirrored surface) To become covered with condensation and difficult to see through.

"My glasses misted up as soon as I walked into the warm kitchen from outside."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

(Of eyes) To become watery because of emotion.

"His eyes misted up when the team finally won the championship."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in British English for glass, windows, mirrors, and car windscreens. Can also be used metaphorically for eyes filling with tears, though 'mist over' is more common for this sense. Highly practical, everyday vocabulary.

Commonly used with

windscreen glasses mirror windows goggles visor

Forms

Base
mist up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
mists up
he/she/it
Past simple
misted up
yesterday
Past participle
misted up
have + pp
-ing form
misting up
continuous

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Synonyms

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