1 C1 idiomatic informal
To construct or assemble something quickly and roughly, especially using rope or improvised materials.
"The campers lashed up a basic shelter from branches and a tarpaulin."
separable
lash up
C1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To construct something quickly and roughly, or to tie something up securely with rope; also a noun ('a lash-up') meaning a rough, improvised construction.
In plain English
To quickly put something together in a rough way using rope or whatever you can find.
What does "lash up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
To tie or bind something firmly upward or in place using rope.
"He lashed up the sail tightly against the mast before the storm arrived."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To secure something 'up' by lashing (tying tightly with rope) — the 'up' suggests completing the fastening.
Actually means
To quickly put something together in a rough way using rope or whatever you can find.
Usage tip
Chiefly British. As a noun, 'a lash-up' describes something poorly or hastily constructed. The verb form is less common than the noun. Can carry a tone of mild disapproval about quality.
Words that pair with "lash up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
shelter antenna structure frame repair system
How to conjugate "lash up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lash up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lashes up
he/she/it
Past simple
lashed up
yesterday
Past participle
lashed up
have + pp
-ing form
lashing up
continuous
Hear "lash up" in the wild
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