1 C1
(Non-standard/rare) To move toward or position at a corner, or to trap someone in a corner.
"The negotiators felt cornered up with no room left to maneuver."
corner up
C1
Not a widely established standard phrasal verb. May appear in niche or regional contexts meaning to form corners, to position at a corner, or (rarely) to trap someone.
In plain English
To go to or form a corner, or possibly to trap someone in a corner.
What does "corner up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move or position to a corner.
Actually means
To go to or form a corner, or possibly to trap someone in a corner.
Usage tip
This phrasal verb is not standard and does not appear in major dictionaries. Learners should avoid it. In the sense of trapping someone, use 'corner' alone. In the sense of forming a corner architecturally, technical vocabulary is more appropriate.
How to conjugate "corner up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
corner up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
corners up
he/she/it
Past simple
cornered up
yesterday
Past participle
cornered up
have + pp
-ing form
cornering up
continuous
Hear "corner up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "corner up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "corner up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
back into a corner corner trap
Keep exploring
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