fluff up
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To make something appear fuller, softer, or larger by shaking, beating, or agitating it, typically applied to soft items like pillows, cushions, or hair.
- To fail to perform something correctly; to make a mistake (informal, idiomatic usage).
Usage
The verb "fluff up" is used with a direct object. It describes the action of adding volume or a fuller appearance to something soft. It is often used in domestic contexts.
Examples
Literal Usage:
- Please fluff up the cushions on the sofa before the guests arrive.
- She fluffed up her hair to give it more volume.
- I need to fluff up this down comforter after washing it.
Idiomatic/Informal Usage (to make an error):
- The actor fluffed up his lines during the crucial scene.
- I completely fluffed up the presentation by forgetting my main points.
Advanced Usage
- "to fluff up one's feathers": Used literally for birds making their feathers stand out, often to appear larger or for insulation. Can be used metaphorically for a person preparing or making themselves look more impressive.
- The bird fluffed up its feathers against the cold.
- He fluffed up his resume with impressive-sounding but irrelevant experience.
Variants and Related Words
- Fluff (verb): The base form, meaning to make something fluffy or to fail at something.
- Fluff the pillows.
- He fluffed the easy shot.
- Fluffy (adjective): Having a light, soft, and airy texture.
- a fluffy towel
Synonyms
- Plump up: Often used interchangeably with "fluff up" for pillows and cushions.
- Fluff: A simpler synonym.
- Shake out: To shake something to restore its shape.
- Botch or Bungle: Synonyms for the idiomatic meaning of making an error.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Fluff out: Very similar in meaning to "fluff up," often used for hair or feathers.
- The cat fluffed out its tail when it saw the dog.
Related Idioms
- Fluff one's lines: A specific idiom from theater and performance meaning to forget or deliver lines incorrectly.
- Even experienced actors sometimes fluff their lines.
Verb
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make fuller by shaking
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fluff up the pillows
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