1 C1 idiomatic informal
To falsify or fabricate something, such as a document, excuse, or piece of evidence.
"He tried to phoney up his qualifications to get the job, but was caught during the background check."
separable
phoney up
C1 informal separable transitive
To falsify or fake something; to make something appear genuine when it is not.
In plain English
To pretend something is real when it isn't, or to make a fake version of something.
What does "phoney up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
British spelling variant of 'phony up'. Quite rare and informal. More common in American English in its 'phony up' spelling. Not appropriate in formal contexts. 'Fake', 'fabricate', or 'forge' are more widely used alternatives.
Words that pair with "phoney up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
documents excuse alibi evidence credentials story
How to conjugate "phoney up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
phoney up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
phoneys up
he/she/it
Past simple
phoneyed up
yesterday
Past participle
phoneyed up
have + pp
-ing form
phoneying up
continuous
Hear "phoney up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "phoney up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "phoney up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.