1 B1 neutral
To improve your skills, performance, or technique so they are more precise and effective.
"You'll need to sharpen up your presentation skills before the client meeting."
separable
sharpen up
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To improve, hone, or make something (a skill, plan, or performance) more precise and effective.
In plain English
To get better at something and make it more exact and impressive.
What does "sharpen up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To become more alert, focused, or mentally acute.
"The cold morning air helped him sharpen up before the big exam."
inseparable
3 B2 neutral
To make a plan, argument, or piece of writing more focused, clear, and effective.
"The editor asked her to sharpen up the opening chapter before publication."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something sharp — like sharpening a pencil or knife — so it works better.
Actually means
To get better at something and make it more exact and impressive.
Usage tip
Used both transitively ('sharpen up your skills') and intransitively ('You need to sharpen up'). Common in sports coaching, business, and educational contexts. Slightly more formal than 'shape up'.
Words that pair with "sharpen up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
skills focus performance technique act reflexes thinking
How to conjugate "sharpen up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sharpen up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sharpens up
he/she/it
Past simple
sharpened up
yesterday
Past participle
sharpened up
have + pp
-ing form
sharpening up
continuous
Hear "sharpen up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "sharpen up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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