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sprucen up

B1 informal separable both
In simple words

To make something or yourself look nicer and cleaner, usually by making small changes

Literal meaning: Possibly from 'spruce' (a type of wood historically associated with fine goods from Prussia); meaning to make smart and neat

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To make a place look cleaner and more attractive, especially with minor improvements

"They spruced up the living room with a fresh coat of paint and some new cushions."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To make yourself look neater, cleaner, or more presentable

"He went upstairs to spruce himself up before the guests arrived."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To improve the appearance or quality of something (a document, presentation, or design) with small adjustments

"The design team spruced up the website with a new colour scheme and cleaner fonts."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Note: the standard spelling is 'spruce up' — 'sprucen up' appears to be a misspelling or dialectal variant and is not standard. Assuming this entry covers 'spruce up.' Very common in British and American English for minor improvements to appearance — rooms, houses, outfits, or oneself. Often used before a special occasion or event.

Commonly used with

house room garden outfit yourself office

Forms

Base
sprucen up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sprucens up
he/she/it
Past simple
sprucened up
yesterday
Past participle
sprucened up
have + pp
-ing form
sprucening up
continuous

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