Browse all

wedge up

C1 neutral separable transitive

To fix or secure something firmly in place using a wedge, or to keep something open or closed by wedging it.

In plain English

To use something like a piece of wood or a door stopper to hold something firmly in place.

What does "wedge up" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 C1 neutral

To secure or fix something in position by inserting a wedge or wedge-shaped object.

"He wedged up the wobbly table with a folded piece of cardboard."

separable
2 C1 neutral

To keep a door or window open or closed by placing a wedge beneath or against it.

"She wedged up the fire door with a brick so they could bring boxes through."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To use a wedge to hold something up or fixed — fully transparent.

Actually means

To use something like a piece of wood or a door stopper to hold something firmly in place.

Usage tip

A practical, non-idiomatic expression used in DIY, building, and everyday contexts. Not widely found in dictionaries as a headword. Most commonly used to describe securing a door open or a piece of furniture level.

Words that pair with "wedge up"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

door window table leg frame wheel

How to conjugate "wedge up"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
wedge up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wedges up
he/she/it
Past simple
wedged up
yesterday
Past participle
wedged up
have + pp
-ing form
wedging up
continuous

Hear "wedge up" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "wedge up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.