prink up

C1 informal both both

In simple words

to tidy yourself and try to look nice

Literal meaning: Literally, to decorate or arrange neatly.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

rare

to groom yourself carefully to look attractive or respectable

"He went inside to prink up before the family photo."

Grammar: both

2 C1 idiomatic informal

rare

to make someone or something look smarter or more decorative

"They prinked the small hall up with ribbons and candles."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Old-fashioned and uncommon in modern English. Learners are much more likely to hear 'primp up' or 'spruce up'.

oneself hair clothes before church for company appearance

Base

prink up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

prinks up

he/she/it

Past simple

prinked up

yesterday

Past participle

prinked up

have + pp

-ing form

prinking up

continuous

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