1 C1 idiomatic informal
(Non-standard) To become stiff and formal in posture or behavior
"He seemed to poker up whenever his father-in-law entered the room."
poker up
C1 informal intransitive
(Non-standard, very rare) To become stiff, rigid, or prim in posture or manner
In plain English
To stand or sit very stiffly and formally, as if you are not relaxed
What does "poker up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To become as rigid as a fireplace poker
Actually means
To stand or sit very stiffly and formally, as if you are not relaxed
Usage tip
This is an extremely rare and non-standard phrasal verb. The standard expression is 'poker-faced' (adjective) or 'stiff as a poker'. ESL learners should not use 'poker up' and should instead use 'stiffen up', 'become stiff', or 'straighten up'. Included here for completeness.
Words that pair with "poker up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
posture manner attitude
How to conjugate "poker up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
poker up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pokers up
he/she/it
Past simple
pokered up
yesterday
Past participle
pokered up
have + pp
-ing form
pokering up
continuous
Hear "poker up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "poker up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.