1 B2 idiomatic informal
To vary a routine or approach to avoid monotony and keep things interesting.
"Try to mix it up at the gym — doing the same workout every day stops being effective."
inseparable
mix it up
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To introduce variety, change, or unpredictability into a routine or situation, or to engage in a fight.
In plain English
To do things differently to keep it interesting, or to start a fight.
What does "mix it up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To engage in a physical fight or aggressive confrontation.
"The two teams started mixing it up after a controversial foul in the final minute."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To combine different people, styles, or elements in a fresh or unexpected way.
"The DJ loves mixing it up — one minute you get jazz, the next you get techno."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To literally mix everything up — the idiomatic extension to adding variety is natural.
Actually means
To do things differently to keep it interesting, or to start a fight.
Usage tip
The 'add variety' sense is extremely common in sports commentary, fitness, marketing, and everyday life advice. The 'fight' sense is older and less common but still in use, particularly in American English. A fixed expression — the 'it' cannot be replaced.
Words that pair with "mix it up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
routine workout menu tactics lineup approach
How to conjugate "mix it up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
mix it up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
mixes it up
he/she/it
Past simple
mixed it up
yesterday
Past participle
mixed it up
have + pp
-ing form
mixing it up
continuous
Hear "mix it up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "mix it up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "mix it up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
add variety change it up diversify shake things up switch things up vary things
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.