vamp up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To patch or refurbish something old by adding new parts or elements: To repair or update an existing item, idea, or piece of work by incorporating new material, often in a makeshift or improvised way. 2. To fabricate or invent something, typically an excuse or story, hastily or without a solid basis: To concoct or make up something on the spot, often to deceive or to fill a need.
Usage and Examples
- To patch or refurbish:
- The designer decided to vamp up the vintage dress with some modern lace.
- He vamped up his old thesis to turn it into a journal article.
- To fabricate or invent:
- I had to quickly vamp up a reason for being late.
- She vamped up an elaborate story about car trouble.
Advanced Usage
- The term often implies a degree of improvisation, superficiality, or lack of thoroughness in the act of updating or inventing. The result may be functional but not necessarily elegant or deeply considered.
- It can be used in both literal contexts (like clothing or objects) and figurative contexts (like speeches, plans, or excuses).
Variants and Related Words
- Vamp (verb): Can mean to patch up or refurbish, or to seduce. The phrase "vamp up" specifically emphasizes the act of or .
- Cobble together: Similar in meaning to the "patch up" sense, suggesting a makeshift assembly.
- Concoct: Similar in meaning to the "fabricate" sense.
Synonyms
- Patch up: Repair or mend, especially in a temporary way.
- Refurbish: Renovate and redecorate.
- Concoct: Make up or invent (a story, excuse, or plan).
- Fabricate: Invent (typically with intent to deceive).
- Improvise: Create and perform spontaneously.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Make up: The most direct synonym for the "invent" sense (e.g., ).
- Patch up: The most direct synonym for the "repair/renovate" sense (e.g., ).
Related Idioms
- Whip up: To prepare or create something quickly (e.g., , ). This shares the connotation of speedy, improvised creation.
- Throw together: To assemble something hastily.
Verb
- piece (something old) with a new part
- vamp up an old speech
- make up
- vamp up an excuse for not attending the meeting