1 B1 idiomatic informal
to spend time resting so that you feel stronger or healthier
"You should rest up before the long drive tomorrow."
“
Get some sleep and rest up.
— Common dialogue and interview phrasing
intransitive
rest up
B1 informal intransitive intransitive
to rest in order to recover strength or prepare for something
In plain English
to relax and get your energy back
What does "rest up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to rest thoroughly or completely
Actually means
to relax and get your energy back
Usage tip
Common in conversation when someone is tired, ill, traveling, or has a demanding event coming soon.
Words that pair with "rest up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
before the trip after surgery for the game at home this afternoon for tomorrow
How to conjugate "rest up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rest up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rests up
he/she/it
Past simple
rested up
yesterday
Past participle
rested up
have + pp
-ing form
resting up
continuous
Hear "rest up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rest up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "rest up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
recover relax rest sleep take it easy
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.