1 C1 idiomatic informal
To handle something badly or fail at it, especially through clumsiness or poor execution.
"He had an open goal but completely muffed up the shot."
separable
muff up
C1 informal separable transitive
To fail at something or handle it badly, especially by being clumsy or inept at a crucial moment.
In plain English
To make a mess of something through clumsiness or incompetence.
What does "muff up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Relatively rare and predominantly British. 'Muff' alone means to handle something badly (especially catching something in sport). 'Muff up' adds extra emphasis on the failure. Often used for missed sporting chances or failed performances.
Words that pair with "muff up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
chance opportunity shot catch lines interview
How to conjugate "muff up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
muff up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
muffs up
he/she/it
Past simple
muffed up
yesterday
Past participle
muffed up
have + pp
-ing form
muffing up
continuous
Hear "muff up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "muff up"
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