1 B2 idiomatic slang
(Vulgar, British) To make a serious and obvious mistake that ruins something.
"He completely balled up the presentation by using last year's data."
separable
balls up
B2 slang separable transitive/intransitive
(British, vulgar slang) To make a serious mess of something; to ruin or mismanage a task.
In plain English
To make a big mistake and ruin something completely.
What does "balls up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic slang
(Vulgar, British) Used as a noun (balls-up): a chaotic failure or serious mistake.
"The whole event was a complete balls-up from start to finish."
inseparable
Usage tip
Common British vulgar slang. The noun form 'balls-up' (or 'ballsup') refers to the mistake itself. More emphatic than 'mess up.' Avoid in formal writing or professional settings.
Words that pair with "balls up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
job interview plan presentation project deal
How to conjugate "balls up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
balls up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ballses up
he/she/it
Past simple
ballsed up
yesterday
Past participle
ballsed up
have + pp
-ing form
ballsing up
continuous
Hear "balls up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "balls up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "balls up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.