1 C1 neutral
(bookbinding/trade) To place a finished item into its outer casing or cover.
"After sewing the pages, the bookbinder cased up the block and attached the hardcover."
separable
case up
C1 neutral separable transitive
To enclose or cover something in a case or protective casing.
In plain English
To put something inside a case or cover to protect it.
What does "case up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
To store or enclose an object in a protective case.
"She carefully cased up her violin after the performance."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place something up into a case — the 'up' signals completion of the enclosing action.
Actually means
To put something inside a case or cover to protect it.
Usage tip
Relatively rare and technical. More common in trade or craft contexts such as bookbinding, where 'casing up' refers to attaching the book block to the cover. Less common in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "case up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
book instrument equipment display unit
How to conjugate "case up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
case up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cases up
he/she/it
Past simple
cased up
yesterday
Past participle
cased up
have + pp
-ing form
casing up
continuous
Hear "case up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "case up"
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