1 C1 informal
For a plant or tree to start producing fruit, particularly during its fruiting season.
"The apple trees in the orchard are beginning to fruit up nicely after last year's cold spring."
inseparable
fruit up
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
For a plant or tree to begin producing fruit.
In plain English
When a tree or plant starts to grow fruit on it.
What does "fruit up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
Figuratively, for work or efforts to begin producing results or rewards.
"Years of research are finally starting to fruit up with some promising findings."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To produce fruit (transparent).
Actually means
When a tree or plant starts to grow fruit on it.
Usage tip
Horticultural and gardening slang. Informal and mainly British. Also occasionally used in a figurative sense to mean that efforts are beginning to produce results. Rare in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "fruit up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tree plant vine garden season summer
How to conjugate "fruit up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fruit up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fruits up
he/she/it
Past simple
fruited up
yesterday
Past participle
fruited up
have + pp
-ing form
fruiting up
continuous
Hear "fruit up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "fruit up"
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