1 B1 neutral
To hang decorations, lights, or objects by suspending them with string, wire, or rope.
"They strung up fairy lights around the garden for the summer party."
separable
string up
B2 informal separable transitive
To hang something by suspending it with string or rope, or (informal) to hang a person as punishment.
In plain English
To hang something up using a string or rope, or (very informal) to hang someone as a punishment.
What does "string up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
(Informal) To hang someone as a form of punishment or execution; often used hyperbolically to express anger.
"If I catch whoever stole my bicycle, I'll string them up!"
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use a string or rope to raise something upward and suspend it.
Actually means
To hang something up using a string or rope, or (very informal) to hang someone as a punishment.
Usage tip
The decorative sense ('string up lights/bunting') is common and cheerful. The execution/punishment sense is informal and stark, often used hyperbolically in anger ('I could string him up!'). The punishment sense may be considered offensive in serious contexts.
Words that pair with "string up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
lights bunting decorations lanterns hammock rope
How to conjugate "string up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
string up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
strings up
he/she/it
Past simple
stringed up
yesterday
Past participle
stringed up
have + pp
-ing form
stringing up
continuous
Hear "string up" in the wild
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