paint up
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
Make something look nicer by painting it, or put on a lot of make-up.
Literal meaning: To paint something so it looks 'up' (improved) — fairly transparent.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To paint a building or object to improve or refresh its appearance.
"They painted up the old seafront cottages in bright colours before the tourist season began."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
(Dated, informal) To apply a lot of make-up or cosmetics to one's face.
"She painted herself up for the evening, red lipstick and all."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Less common than 'paint up' in everyday usage. The make-up sense is somewhat dated and can be dismissive. More commonly heard in the context of property renovation.
Commonly used with
house fence face building boat shop
Forms
Base
paint up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
paints up
he/she/it
Past simple
painted up
yesterday
Past participle
painted up
have + pp
-ing form
painting up
continuous
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Synonyms
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