1 B1 informal
(Of a person) to blush; to become visibly red in the face from embarrassment, shyness, or strong emotion.
"He coloured up when the teacher read his essay aloud to the class."
inseparable
colour up
B1 informal intransitive
British English: to blush or go red in the face, typically from embarrassment or shyness.
In plain English
When your face goes red because you feel embarrassed or shy.
What does "colour up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To add colour or brightness to something dull or plain.
"Fresh flowers on the table really coloured up the grey winter kitchen."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
The face gains colour — a transparent physiological metaphor.
Actually means
When your face goes red because you feel embarrassed or shy.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. A vivid, slightly old-fashioned expression for blushing. Found in novels and narrative writing. Less common in spoken British English today, where 'go red' or 'blush' are preferred.
Words that pair with "colour up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cheeks face immediately visibly suddenly
How to conjugate "colour up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
colour up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
colours up
he/she/it
Past simple
coloured up
yesterday
Past participle
coloured up
have + pp
-ing form
colouring up
continuous
Hear "colour up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "colour up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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