Browse all

trump up

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To make up a fake reason or accusation to get someone into trouble.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To invent false accusations, charges, or evidence in order to harm or incriminate someone.

"The opposition leader claimed the charges against him had been trumped up by the government."

"He had been arrested on trumped-up charges of subversion."

— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom, 1994
Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To fabricate a pretext or excuse to justify an action.

"They trumped up a reason to cancel the contract and avoid paying the penalty clause."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Almost always used in the passive form ('trumped-up charges' or 'trumped-up accusations'). The adjective 'trumped-up' is far more common than the verb form. Strongly associated with legal and political contexts. Has no connection to the proper noun 'Trump'; derived from an older sense of 'trump' meaning to deceive.

Commonly used with

charges accusations excuses evidence reasons allegations

Forms

Base
trump up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
trumps up
he/she/it
Past simple
trumped up
yesterday
Past participle
trumped up
have + pp
-ing form
trumping up
continuous

Understand "trump up" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

fabricate invent concoct make up manufacture cook up

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "trump up" on Looplines