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string up

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To hang something up using a string or rope, or (very informal) to hang someone as a punishment.

Literal meaning: To use a string or rope to raise something upward and suspend it.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To hang decorations, lights, or objects by suspending them with string, wire, or rope.

"They strung up fairy lights around the garden for the summer party."

Grammar: separable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

(Informal) To hang someone as a form of punishment or execution; often used hyperbolically to express anger.

"If I catch whoever stole my bicycle, I'll string them up!"

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The decorative sense ('string up lights/bunting') is common and cheerful. The execution/punishment sense is informal and stark, often used hyperbolically in anger ('I could string him up!'). The punishment sense may be considered offensive in serious contexts.

Commonly used with

lights bunting decorations lanterns hammock rope

Forms

Base
string up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
strings up
he/she/it
Past simple
stringed up
yesterday
Past participle
stringed up
have + pp
-ing form
stringing up
continuous

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Synonyms

hang up suspend put up hoist hang

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