1 C1 informal
(Non-standard) To make something, especially an image or photo, larger.
"He tried to enlarge up the photo on his phone to see the details more clearly."
enlarge up
C1 informal
A non-standard or redundant phrase sometimes used to mean making something bigger, particularly an image.
In plain English
To make something bigger (but this is not a real, accepted phrasal verb — use 'enlarge' alone or 'blow up' instead).
What does "enlarge up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something grow upward or larger in size.
Actually means
To make something bigger (but this is not a real, accepted phrasal verb — use 'enlarge' alone or 'blow up' instead).
Usage tip
'Enlarge up' is not a recognized standard phrasal verb in English. 'Up' is redundant because 'enlarge' already means to make bigger. Learners should avoid this form and use 'enlarge,' 'blow up,' or 'zoom in' instead. Occasionally seen in informal or non-native usage.
How to conjugate "enlarge up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
enlarge up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
enlarges up
he/she/it
Past simple
enlarged up
yesterday
Past participle
enlarged up
have + pp
-ing form
enlarging up
continuous
Hear "enlarge up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "enlarge 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.