1 C1 idiomatic informal
To construct or assemble something in a hurried and makeshift way.
"The survivors cobbled up a raft from driftwood and rope."
separable
cobble up
C1 informal separable transitive
A less common variant of 'cobble together'; to assemble something quickly and imperfectly.
In plain English
To put something together in a quick, messy way.
What does "cobble up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To prepare or write something hastily.
"She cobbled up an excuse and hoped the teacher wouldn't ask further questions."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To roughly stitch or fix something upward into shape — evoking a cobbler's hasty repair work.
Actually means
To put something together in a quick, messy way.
Usage tip
Much rarer than 'cobble together' and largely interchangeable with it. Some speakers use 'cobble up' for physical improvisation and 'cobble together' for abstract things, but this distinction is not consistent.
Words that pair with "cobble up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
solution shelter device plan contraption
How to conjugate "cobble up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cobble up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cobbles up
he/she/it
Past simple
cobbled up
yesterday
Past participle
cobbled up
have + pp
-ing form
cobbling up
continuous
Hear "cobble up" in the wild
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