1 B2 idiomatic slang
To hire a lawyer or demand legal representation, especially when facing police questioning or criminal charges.
"The suspect said nothing to detectives and immediately lawyered up."
inseparable
lawyer up
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To hire a lawyer or demand legal representation, typically when facing criminal investigation, interrogation, or legal threat.
In plain English
To get yourself a lawyer, especially because you're in trouble with the law or think you might be.
What does "lawyer up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
(Broader informal use) To bring in legal professionals to handle a dispute or protect one's interests.
"The company lawyered up as soon as the competitor threatened a lawsuit."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Up' here signals preparation or arming oneself — 'lawyering up' means equipping yourself with a lawyer as a defence.
Actually means
To get yourself a lawyer, especially because you're in trouble with the law or think you might be.
Usage tip
Primarily American English slang, popularised by US legal dramas and crime films. Common in news reporting about suspects invoking their right to counsel. Can also be used more broadly for any legal dispute. The 'up' suggests preparing or arming oneself.
Words that pair with "lawyer up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
suspect rights interrogation arrest charges investigation
How to conjugate "lawyer up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lawyer up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lawyers up
he/she/it
Past simple
lawyered up
yesterday
Past participle
lawyered up
have + pp
-ing form
lawyering up
continuous
Hear "lawyer up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "lawyer up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
get a lawyer invoke your right to counsel retain counsel seek legal counsel
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