tart up
To make something or yourself look better by adding decoration or makeup — but sometimes too much of it.
Meanings
To make oneself look more attractive by putting on makeup or dressing up, sometimes excessively.
"She spent an hour tarting herself up before the party."
To decorate or improve the appearance of a place or object, often in a superficial or cheap-looking way.
"They tarted up the old café with some fairy lights and a new sign, but it still needs serious renovation."
Primarily British English. Often used with a slightly critical or humorous tone, suggesting the improvement is superficial or garish. Can refer to people applying heavy makeup or to buildings/cars being decorated cheaply. The reflexive 'tart yourself up' is very common.
Commonly used with
Forms
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