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scrum up

C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To crowd together or push together as a group, like players in a rugby game

Literal meaning: To form a scrum (rugby formation) and push up — relatively transparent for those familiar with rugby

Meanings

1 C1 neutral

(Rugby) To form a scrum, with players packing tightly together to contest possession of the ball

"The referee signalled for both teams to scrum up after the ball went out of play."

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

(British informal) To gather closely together in a tight group, especially to compete for something

"Everyone scrummed up around the notice board when the exam results were posted."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Primarily used in British English. In rugby, a scrum is a tightly packed formation of players. 'Scrum up' is sometimes used informally to mean gathering closely together or competing aggressively for something. Rarely used outside of sports or informal British contexts.

Commonly used with

players team crowd together around group

Forms

Base
scrum up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scrums up
he/she/it
Past simple
scrumed up
yesterday
Past participle
scrumed up
have + pp
-ing form
scruming up
continuous

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Synonyms

huddle up bunch up crowd together pack together cluster together

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