1 B2 idiomatic informal
To make an embarrassing mistake, especially in speech or a performance.
"The actor flubbed up his lines twice during the live broadcast."
separable
flub up
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To make an embarrassing mistake, especially in speech or a performance.
In plain English
To make a silly or embarrassing mistake, especially when you say something wrong or perform badly.
What does "flub up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To ruin or spoil something through careless mistakes.
"We had a perfect plan, but they completely flubbed it up at the last minute."
separable
Usage tip
Primarily American English. Often used for verbal blunders, acting mistakes, or public slip-ups. The base verb 'flub' is more common than the phrasal 'flub up'.
Words that pair with "flub up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
lines speech presentation performance interview
How to conjugate "flub up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
flub up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
flubs up
he/she/it
Past simple
flubed up
yesterday
Past participle
flubed up
have + pp
-ing form
flubing up
continuous
Hear "flub up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "flub up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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