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patch together

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To make something by joining different pieces together in a quick and rough way.

Literal meaning: To sew or join patches of material together to make a whole.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To assemble something quickly and roughly from available parts or resources, often producing an imperfect result.

"Working with no budget, the students patched together a documentary using borrowed cameras and free editing software."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To form an agreement, coalition, or plan from disparate or conflicting elements through improvisation.

"After weeks of talks, the parties managed to patch together a fragile peace agreement."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Always implies the result is improvised, makeshift, or less than ideal. Used for physical objects, plans, agreements, coalitions, and systems. The tone is often mildly critical, suggesting the solution is not elegant or durable.

Commonly used with

agreement plan coalition deal solution system

Forms

Base
patch together
I/you/we/they
3rd person
patches together
he/she/it
Past simple
patched together
yesterday
Past participle
patched together
have + pp
-ing form
patching together
continuous

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