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mix it up

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To do things differently to keep it interesting, or to start a fight.

Literal meaning: To literally mix everything up — the idiomatic extension to adding variety is natural.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To vary a routine or approach to avoid monotony and keep things interesting.

"Try to mix it up at the gym — doing the same workout every day stops being effective."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To engage in a physical fight or aggressive confrontation.

"The two teams started mixing it up after a controversial foul in the final minute."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To combine different people, styles, or elements in a fresh or unexpected way.

"The DJ loves mixing it up — one minute you get jazz, the next you get techno."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The 'add variety' sense is extremely common in sports commentary, fitness, marketing, and everyday life advice. The 'fight' sense is older and less common but still in use, particularly in American English. A fixed expression — the 'it' cannot be replaced.

Commonly used with

routine workout menu tactics lineup approach

Forms

Base
mix it up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
mixes it up
he/she/it
Past simple
mixed it up
yesterday
Past participle
mixed it up
have + pp
-ing form
mixing it up
continuous

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Synonyms

vary things change it up switch things up add variety diversify shake things up

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