bunch up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To gather or cause to gather into a tight group or cluster: This refers to the action of things or people moving close together into a compact mass.
- To form into a bunch: This describes the process of becoming gathered or clustered.
Usage
- As a transitive verb (bunch something up): To cause something to form a cluster or gather together.
- As an intransitive verb: To come together to form a cluster.
Examples
- Transitive use:
- She bunched up the fabric to create a decorative effect.
- He bunched his fists up in anger.
- Intransitive use:
- The runners bunched up at the starting line.
- The sheep bunched up for warmth during the storm.
Advanced Usage
- "to bunch oneself up": To curl or tighten one's body into a compact shape.
- The cat bunched itself up on the cozy chair.
Variants and Related Words
- Bunch (n): A number of things, typically of the same kind, growing or fastened together (e.g., , ).
- Bunch (v): To form or be formed into a tight group or cluster. Often used interchangeably with "bunch up."
- The flowers bunch nicely in this vase.
Synonyms
- Cluster: To come together in a small, close group.
- Huddle: To crowd together, often for warmth or comfort.
- Congregate: To gather into a crowd or mass.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Bunch together: Very similar in meaning to "bunch up," emphasizing the act of gathering as a group.
- The students bunched together to hear the announcement.
Related Idioms
- Bunch of fives (British slang, noun phrase): A fist.
- He threatened him with a bunch of fives. (Note: This idiom uses "bunch" as a noun, not the phrasal verb "bunch up.")
Verb
- gather or cause to gather into a cluster
- She bunched her fingers into a fist
- form into a bunch
- The frightened children bunched together in the corner of the classroom