puff up
B2 neutral both both
In simple words
to get bigger and rounder, or make something sound better than it is
Literal meaning: Literally, to fill up with puffs of air.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
to become swollen or fuller, often from air, heat, or irritation
"Her eyes puffed up after she touched the cat."
Grammar: both
2 B2 neutral
to make something fuller or rounder with air or heat
"The oven caused the bread to puff up nicely."
Grammar: both
3 C1
idiomatic
informal
to praise or advertise someone or something too much
"The review puffed the new restaurant up as if it were world-famous."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used for eyes, faces, pastries, coats, and also for exaggerated praise or promotion.
Commonly used with
face eyes jacket pastry ego article
Forms
Base
puff up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
puffs up
he/she/it
Past simple
puffed up
yesterday
Past participle
puffed up
have + pp
-ing form
puffing up
continuous
Understand "puff up" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "puff up" on Looplines