1 B2 idiomatic informal
To marry someone who is wealthier, more powerful, or of higher social status than oneself.
"Her grandmother always told her to marry up if she wanted a comfortable life."
inseparable
marry up
B2 informal mixed transitive/intransitive
To marry someone of higher social standing, or to join two things together so they correspond.
In plain English
Marry someone richer or more important than you, OR fit two things together perfectly.
What does "marry up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To join or connect two things so that they fit together or correspond correctly.
"Make sure the two pieces of pipe marry up before you tighten the joint."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move 'up' through marriage — suggesting upward social mobility.
Actually means
Marry someone richer or more important than you, OR fit two things together perfectly.
Usage tip
Has two distinct senses: (1) social — marrying above one's station, and (2) practical — aligning or connecting two things. Sense 2 is more common in British English. Both senses are relatively informal.
Words that pair with "marry up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
socially well figures data ends seams
How to conjugate "marry up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
marry up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
marries up
he/she/it
Past simple
married up
yesterday
Past participle
married up
have + pp
-ing form
marrying up
continuous
Hear "marry up" in the wild
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