1 B1 neutral
to repair something quickly or roughly so that it works or holds together again
"We patched up the fence before the storm got worse."
separable
patch up
B2 neutral mixed transitive
to repair something damaged or to restore peace after a disagreement
In plain English
to fix something, or help people stop being angry with each other
What does "patch up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
to treat an injured person with basic medical care
"The nurse patched him up and sent him home to rest."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
to restore a relationship or end a disagreement between people
"After weeks of silence, the brothers finally patched things up."
mixed
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to cover a hole or damaged area with a patch, then make it whole again
Actually means
to fix something, or help people stop being angry with each other
Usage tip
Common for both physical repairs and damaged relationships. In medical contexts, it can mean giving basic treatment rather than fully curing someone.
Words that pair with "patch up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
relationship quarrel wound differences roof friendship
How to conjugate "patch up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
patch up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
patches up
he/she/it
Past simple
patched up
yesterday
Past participle
patched up
have + pp
-ing form
patching up
continuous
Hear "patch up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "patch up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "patch up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
fix heal make peace mend reconcile repair
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