Phrasal Verbs with ‘Up’ (Part 2)

– The Road to Perfection

In the last blog, we explored two major patterns with phrasal verbs using ‘up’:

1. Movement ↑ – When ‘up’ simply means going higher.
2. Creation or Ending – Where ‘up’ signals the beginning or end of something.

Now, let’s dive into Part 3, where ‘up’ takes us on a journey toward perfection.

What is Perfection?

Can you see, smell, or touch perfection? Not really—nothing in life is truly perfect. But we all have an idea of perfection, whether it’s the perfect holiday, meal, or partner.

When we add "up" to certain verbs, it moves the action closer to this idea of perfection—making something better, more complete, or fully developed.

Let’s break it down with examples.

Filling Up – The Idea of Fullness

Imagine an empty glass. Its purpose is to hold liquid. When the glass is completely full, it’s doing its job 100%—it’s as perfect as a glass can be.

That’s why we say:
Fill up the glass.
Fill up the car with petrol.
Pump up a tyre.

Even though these aren’t always about moving up (since air expands in all directions), "up" here means completeness—the action is fully done.

We Grow Up, But We Never Become Perfect

Humans grow up, but animals and plants simply grow. Why? Because growing up isn’t just about getting bigger—it’s about developing towards an ideal version of ourselves.

We bring up children by educating and nurturing them.
She grew up in New York.

In both cases, "up" suggests progress towards full development.

Up = The Best Version of Something

Sometimes, "up" helps push something to its best possible state.

He dressed up for the wedding. → Not just dressed, but perfectly dressed.
Turn up the TV! → Make the volume perfectly loud.
Speak up! → Speak clearly and loudly.

Even make-up follows this idea—it enhances someone’s appearance, aiming for a kind of perfected femininity.

Flattery, Cleaning, and Making Things Better

Phrasal verbs with "up" often appear when someone improves or enhances something.

He’s always buttering me up. → Trying to win favor by saying nice things.
I tidied up my bedroom. → Cleaned and made it look perfect.
I jazzed up the living room. → Added decorations to make it look better.
I brushed up on my French. → Refreshed my skills to bring them to a higher level.

Whenever we clean, fix, or improve something, "up" makes it sound more complete.

Closing Up – The End of Something

Many verbs with "up" also suggest finishing, sealing, or closing something completely.

The shop is closed. → Might be temporary.
The shop is closed up. → Completely shut for the night.

Some other examples:

• Lock up the house. (Perfectly secure.)
• Board up the windows. (Completely sealed.)
• Seal up a letter. (Fully closed.)
• Zip up your jacket. (Completely fastened.)
• Tie up your shoelaces. (Securely fastened.)

In all of these, "up" emphasizes finality—there’s no more to be done.

Final Thought: The Journey to Perfection

So why do we say something is closed up, tidied up, or sealed up?

Because ‘up’ takes the action to its highest possible level—whether that means making it better, finishing it completely, or sealing it off for good.

And with that, time’s up! Stay tuned for the next lesson, where we’ll explore even more phrasal verbs and their hidden logic.