foul up

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Verb (transitive and intransitive): To make a serious mistake or error; to handle something so poorly that it becomes ruined, confused, or fails completely. It implies causing a mess, botching, or bungling a task.

Usage

This phrasal verb is informal and is used to describe situations where someone makes an error that leads to failure or disorder. It can be used with or without a direct object. * When used transitively, it takes a direct object (e.g., "foul up the plans"). * When used intransitively, it does not take a direct object (e.g., "I really fouled up").

Examples
  • Transitive use: "Be careful with the instructions, or you'll foul up the entire experiment." (You will ruin the experiment.)
  • Intransitive use: "I'm sorry I'm late; I completely fouled up and took the wrong train." (I made a serious mistake.)
  • Transitive use: "The new software update fouled up the printing system for everyone in the office." (It caused the system to malfunction.)
Advanced Usage
  • Noun form ('foul-up'): The mistake or botched situation itself can be called "a foul-up."
    • Example: "A paperwork foul-up caused the delay in our flight." (A mistake in the paperwork caused the delay.)
  • Often used in the passive voice to describe a situation that has been ruined.
    • Example: "The travel itinerary was completely fouled up by the last-minute changes."
Variants and Related Words
  • Foul-up (n): A mistake or instance of mismanagement. (See 'Advanced Usage' above).
  • Botch (v/n): To carry out a task badly or carelessly; a clumsy piece of work.
  • Bungle (v): To carry out a task clumsily or incompetently.
  • Screw up (v, informal): A very close synonym with identical meaning and usage patterns.
Synonyms
  • Botch
  • Bungle
  • Mess up
  • Screw up (informal)
  • Flub
  • Mishandle
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Mess up: A very common synonym with the same meaning and grammatical structure.
    • Example: "Don't mess up this opportunity." (Don't ruin this opportunity.)
Verb
  1. make a mess of, destroy or ruin
    • I botched the dinner and we had to eat out
    • the pianist screwed up the difficult passage in the second movement

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "foul up"