smarten up
To look neater and smarter, or to start behaving better and more sensibly.
Meanings
To improve one's personal appearance by dressing more neatly or stylishly.
"You'll need to smarten up before the interview — that T-shirt won't do."
To improve one's behaviour, attitude, or performance.
"The manager told the team they needed to smarten up if they wanted to keep their jobs."
To make a place look neater, more modern, or more attractive.
"They spent the weekend smartening up the shop front with a fresh coat of paint."
Common in British English, especially in the imperative ('smarten yourself up!'). Used both for physical appearance (dressing tidily) and for attitude or behaviour. Can be used reflexively.
Commonly used with
Forms
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