smarten up

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smarten up

He decided to smarten up before the important job interview.

Definition

  1. Verb (transitive):

    • To make something or someone look neater, tidier, or more stylish in appearance.
    • To improve the appearance or condition of something.

  2. Verb (intransitive):

    • To make oneself look neater, tidier, or more stylish; to improve one's own appearance or behavior.
Usage
  • The verb "smarten up" can be used with an object (transitive) to describe improving the appearance of something else. It can also be used without an object (intransitive) to describe a person improving their own appearance or conduct.
  • It often implies a noticeable improvement from a previously less tidy or less sophisticated state.
Examples
  • Transitive use (with an object):
    • We need to smarten up the office before the clients arrive.
    • She smartened up her old dress with a new belt.
  • Intransitive use (without an object):
    • You should smarten up for your job interview.
    • He finally smartened up and started taking his studies seriously.
Advanced Usage
  • "smarten up your act": An idiomatic extension meaning to improve one's behavior or performance to meet expected standards.
    • If you want to keep this job, you need to smarten up your act.
Variants and Related Words
  • Smarten (verb): A less common, simpler form with a similar meaning (e.g., ).
  • Spruce up (verb phrase): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "smarten up."
  • Tidy up (verb phrase): Focuses more on creating order and cleanliness rather than style.
  • Groom (verb): Often used for personal appearance, especially in a careful, detailed way.
Synonyms
  • Spruce up
  • Tidy up
  • Neaten
  • Groom
  • Primp (for personal appearance)
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Clean up: To make clean or tidy. While similar, "clean up" emphasizes hygiene and removal of dirt more than style.
    • Clean up your room.
  • Doll up (informal): To dress smartly or glamorously, typically used for women.
    • She dolled up for the party.
Related Idioms
  • Turn over a new leaf: To start behaving in a better way. This idiom relates to the intransitive behavioral use of "smarten up."
    • After the warning, he decided to turn over a new leaf.
smarten up

He decided to smarten up before the important job interview.

Verb
  1. dress and groom with particular care, as for a special occasion
    • He spruced up for the party
  2. make neat, smart, or trim
    • Spruce up your house for Spring
    • titivate the child

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