1 B2 idiomatic informal
To do something in a grand, impressive, or celebratory fashion.
"If we're going to have a retirement party, let's do it up properly — book a venue and hire a band."
inseparable
do it up
B2 informal separable transitive
To do something in a big, impressive, or celebratory way; to decorate or renovate thoroughly.
In plain English
To do something really well and in a big, impressive way.
What does "do it up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To decorate, renovate, or improve the appearance of something thoroughly.
"They bought the old farmhouse for a low price and did it up over two years."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To do something all the way up — to the fullest extent.
Actually means
To do something really well and in a big, impressive way.
Usage tip
Common in American and British English. Often used as encouragement ('do it up!') or to describe throwing a party or event lavishly. Also used to mean renovating or decorating a space thoroughly. Can be used as a standalone exclamation.
Words that pair with "do it up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
party event house room celebration style
How to conjugate "do it up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
do it up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
does it up
he/she/it
Past simple
did it up
yesterday
Past participle
done it up
have + pp
-ing form
doing it up
continuous
Hear "do it up" in the wild
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