1 B2 idiomatic informal
(Noun, informal) A minor physical fight or aggressive confrontation between people.
"There was a bit of a dust-up outside the bar, but it was over before the police arrived."
inseparable
dust up
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
A minor fight, quarrel, or confrontation between people.
In plain English
A small fight or argument between people.
What does "dust up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
(Noun, informal) A heated argument or dispute, especially a public or political one.
"The two senators had a dust-up in the corridor after the vote."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
A fight that kicks up dust — as in a scuffle on a dirt road.
Actually means
A small fight or argument between people.
Usage tip
Usually used as a noun ('a dust-up') rather than as a verb. When used as a verb, it is rare. The noun form is common in British English journalism to describe minor fights, brawls, or political rows. Also used in American English. Note: the noun 'dustup' or 'dust-up' is much more common than the verb form.
Words that pair with "dust up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
minor brief verbal physical political pub
How to conjugate "dust up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
dust up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dusts up
he/she/it
Past simple
dusted up
yesterday
Past participle
dusted up
have + pp
-ing form
dusting up
continuous
Hear "dust up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "dust up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.