do up: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  USUKglobalneutral
  • To fasten or secure an item of clothing or a fastening, such as buttons, zippers, or buckles.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Before going out, she did up her coat and fastened all the buttons to keep warm.

    Antes de salir, se abrochó el abrigo y cerró todos los botones para mantenerse abrigada.

  • He forgot to do up his zipper and had to return home to fix it before the meeting.

    Olvidó cerrar la cremallera y tuvo que regresar a casa para arreglarla antes de la reunión.

  • The child struggled to do up the shoelaces but finally managed with some help.

    El niño tuvo dificultades para abrocharse los cordones de los zapatos pero finalmente lo logró con ayuda.

  • Make sure you do up the buckle securely so the helmet stays in place during the ride.

    Asegúrate de abrochar la hebilla de forma segura para que el casco se mantenga en su lugar durante el paseo.

• 2.

  UKUSinformalneutral
  • To renovate, redecorate, or repair a building, room, or other structure so as to improve its condition or appearance.

  Examples

  Beta

  • They decided to do up the old farmhouse before putting it on the market.

    Decidieron renovar la antigua casa de campo antes de ponerla en venta.

  • After buying the apartment, Maria spent months doing it up with new paint and furniture.

    Después de comprar el apartamento, María pasó meses remodelándolo con nueva pintura y muebles.

  • We plan to do up the office space this summer to create a more modern environment.

    Planeamos renovar el espacio de la oficina este verano para crear un ambiente más moderno.

• 3.

  USUKneutral
  • To pack, wrap, or prepare items for transport or storage.
  • To tidy or arrange a place or possessions, making them ready for use or removal.

  Examples

  Beta

  • She carefully did up the gift with wrapping paper and a bright ribbon for the birthday party.

    Ella envolvió cuidadosamente el regalo con papel de regalo y una cinta brillante para la fiesta de cumpleaños.

  • Before moving, we did up all our belongings into boxes labeled by room.

    Antes de mudarnos, empaquetamos todas nuestras pertenencias en cajas etiquetadas por habitación.

  • He did up his suitcase quickly, packing everything he would need for the trip.

    Empacó su maleta rápidamente, metiendo todo lo que necesitaría para el viaje.

  • The volunteers did up care packages with essentials before distributing them to those in need.

    Los voluntarios prepararon paquetes de ayuda con artículos esenciales antes de distribuirlos a quienes lo necesitaban.

• 4.

  USUKinformal
  • To dress, groom, or style someone or oneself, often with the intention of making a neat or attractive appearance.

  Examples

  Beta

  • She did up her hair in an elegant bun for the wedding ceremony.

    Se arregló el cabello en un elegante moño para la ceremonia de la boda.

  • Before the interview, he did himself up in a sharp suit and polished shoes.

    Antes de la entrevista, se arregló con un traje elegante y zapatos pulidos.

  • The stylist did up the model’s makeup to highlight her features on the runway.

    El estilista maquilló a la modelo para resaltar sus rasgos en la pasarela.