To make something or someone look cleaner, neater, or more attractive
To make something look nicer and fresher than it did before
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To make a place look cleaner, tidier, or more attractive, usually with minor improvements
"We spruced up the living room before the guests arrived by adding some flowers and fresh cushions."
It's time to spruce up your home for the holidays.
— Better Homes & Gardens, recurring seasonal headline
To make oneself look smarter or more presentable in appearance
"He spruced himself up with a new haircut and a clean shirt before the job interview."
To improve or update something such as a design, product, or system to make it feel more modern or appealing
"The company spruced up its logo and packaging to attract younger customers."
Spruce is a type of evergreen tree associated with freshness; 'up' suggests improvement — the image is of something becoming as clean and fresh as a spruce tree
To make something look nicer and fresher than it did before
Very common in everyday British and American English. Often used before an event or visit. Can be reflexive ('spruce yourself up'). Suggests a quick or light improvement rather than a major overhaul.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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