suit up
To put on your uniform, costume, or work clothes and get ready to do something.
Meanings
To put on a business suit or formal attire, typically before an important meeting or professional event.
"We need to suit up before the client presentation — first impressions matter."
"Suit up!"
— Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris), 'How I Met Your Mother', CBS, 2005–2014 (recurring catchphrase)
To put on a specialized functional suit or protective gear before a dangerous or technical activity, such as diving, astronaut training, or firefighting.
"The astronauts spent two hours suiting up before the spacewalk."
To put on a sports uniform or kit before a game or practice.
"The team suited up in the locker room and headed onto the field."
(Figurative) To prepare yourself mentally and practically for a difficult task or challenge.
"It's going to be a tough negotiation, but we're going to suit up and get it done."
Used in both literal senses (putting on a business suit, sports uniform, spacesuit, diving suit, etc.) and figurative senses (getting ready for a challenge). Popularized in casual American English and in the TV show 'How I Met Your Mother' through the character Barney Stinson's catchphrase.
Commonly used with
Forms
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