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shave up

C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To shave and make yourself look neat and tidy.

Literal meaning: To shave in an upward direction — as in moving the razor upward during shaving.

Meanings

1 C1 informal

(Informal/non-standard) To shave and tidy one's appearance before going out or meeting someone.

"You'd better shave up before the interview — you look scruffy."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Not a recognized standard phrasal verb. Occasionally heard in informal speech meaning to groom oneself by shaving, similar to 'clean up' or 'smarten up'. Learners should prefer 'shave' or 'shave off' for clarity.

Commonly used with

face beard stubble

Forms

Base
shave up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shaves up
he/she/it
Past simple
shaved up
yesterday
Past participle
shaved up
have + pp
-ing form
shaving up
continuous

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