1 C1 idiomatic informal
to improve the appearance of something so it seems brighter or more attractive
"They brassed up the reception area before the guests arrived."
separable
brass up
C1 informal separable transitive
to make something look smarter, brighter, or more impressive
In plain English
to make something look better and fancier
What does "brass up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
to polish brass parts until they shine
"He spent the morning brassing up the old handles and lamps."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Literally, it can suggest adding brass or polishing brass to make something shine.
Actually means
to make something look better and fancier
Usage tip
Rare and old-fashioned. Sometimes used literally of polishing brass or figuratively of improving appearance.
Words that pair with "brass up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
a room the place uniforms furniture the office the hall
How to conjugate "brass up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
brass up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
brasses up
he/she/it
Past simple
brassed up
yesterday
Past participle
brassed up
have + pp
-ing form
brassing up
continuous
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