tinker up
C1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To put something together or fix it up by experimenting and adjusting as you go.
Literal meaning: To build or construct something through tinkering.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To assemble or construct something in an improvised, experimental way.
"He tinkered up a radio receiver from spare parts he found in the garage."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
To make small improvements or adjustments to something in order to get it working better.
"The technicians spent the afternoon tinkering up the old projector."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Relatively rare; 'tinker with' is far more common. 'Tinker up' tends to suggest the end result of tinkering — producing or assembling something. More common in British English and older written sources.
Commonly used with
solution device engine contraption gadget system
Forms
Base
tinker up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tinkers up
he/she/it
Past simple
tinkered up
yesterday
Past participle
tinkered up
have + pp
-ing form
tinkering up
continuous
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