1 B2 idiomatic informal
to put on warm clothing or cover yourself because it is cold
"You should rug up before you go out tonight."
mixed
rug up
B2 informal both transitive/intransitive
to put on warm clothes for cold weather
In plain English
to wear lots of warm clothes so you do not feel cold
What does "rug up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
to dress someone else in warm clothes or cover them warmly
"She rugged the baby up before the early morning walk."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to cover with a rug or blanket
Actually means
to wear lots of warm clothes so you do not feel cold
Usage tip
Mainly Australian and New Zealand English. Often used reflexively: 'rug up' or 'rug yourself up'.
Words that pair with "rug up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
coat scarf kids winter cold weather blanket
How to conjugate "rug up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rug up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rugs up
he/she/it
Past simple
ruged up
yesterday
Past participle
ruged up
have + pp
-ing form
ruging up
continuous
Hear "rug up" in the wild
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