Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To fasten or secure something, typically clothing or an object with closures.
   • To wrap or package something, often in an attractive or decorative way.
   • To renovate, repair, or redecorate something, such as a building or room.

Usage

The verb "do up" is a phrasal verb. It requires a direct object (e.g., "do up a coat," "do up a parcel"). The object can be placed between "do" and "up" or after "up" (e.g., "do the coat up" or "do up the coat").

Examples

• Fastening:
  • Can you help me do up this zipper? It's stuck.
  • He did up the buttons on his shirt.
• Wrapping decoratively:
  • She did up the presents with beautiful ribbons and bows.
  • The gift was done up in pretty red paper.
• Renovating:
  • They bought an old house and are planning to do it up completely.
  • We should do up the living room; it looks very tired.

Advanced Usage

• "do oneself up": To make oneself look attractive by dressing elegantly and using cosmetics.
  • She did herself up for the job interview.
  • He spent an hour doing himself up for the party.

Variants and Related Words

• Redo (verb): To do something again or differently, often to improve it. (Related to the renovation meaning).
• Fasten (verb): To close or attach securely. (A synonym for the primary meaning).
• Wrap (verb): To cover or enclose something in paper or soft material. (Related to the packaging meaning).

Synonyms

• Fasten: To close or secure (buttons, zippers).
• Wrap up: To enclose in wrapping paper.
• Renovate: To restore to a good state of repair.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Do over: To do something again from the beginning.
  • I made too many mistakes, so I'll have to do the report over.
• Do with: To be connected with or related to.
  • What does your job have to do with marketing?

Related Idioms

• Done up like a dog's dinner: (British English, informal) Dressed in a showy or overly elaborate way, often in poor taste.
  • He arrived at the casual barbecue done up like a dog's dinner in a tuxedo.

Verb

1. use special care in dressing, making-up, etc.
   • She dolled herself up for the night out with her friends
2. wrap for decorative purposes
   • The gift was done up in pretty red paper