spiff up

B2 informal both transitive

In simple words

to make something look nicer and neater

Literal meaning: to make something spiffy, or smart-looking

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

uncommon

to clean, improve, or decorate something so it looks smarter and more attractive

"They spiffed up the front office before the clients arrived."

Grammar: both

2 B2 idiomatic informal

uncommon

to make yourself look smarter by washing, grooming, or dressing well

"Go and spiff yourself up before dinner."

Grammar: both

Usage notes

Informal and slightly old-fashioned, especially in American English. Often used for clothes, rooms, storefronts, or appearance.

room house appearance store office outfit

Base

spiff up

I/you/we/they

3rd person

spiffs up

he/she/it

Past simple

spiffed up

yesterday

Past participle

spiffed up

have + pp

-ing form

spiffing up

continuous

Try:

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?