cramped

cramp (one's) style

To inhibit or interfere with what one wants to do. Ugh, having a test on Monday is really cramping my style. I just want to party all weekend! My parents coming to stay with me this weekend is totally going to cramp my style. When am I supposed to get anything done? Look, I'm not trying to cramp your style—this is just the advice I wish I'd had gotten at your age.

See also: cramp, style

cramp up

1. To begin to experience muscle cramps. Whoa, I need to rest for a minute—my leg is cramping up. I can't sign autographs for hours on end, my hand will cramp up! A: "My leg cramped up so badly that it woke me out of a sound slumber." B: "Ugh, I hate when that happens."

2. To cause one to begin to experience muscle cramps. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "cramp" and up." I need to get some water—dehydration is starting to cramp me up. I can't sign autographs for hours on end—that'll cramp my hand up for sure! Holding my foot in that strange position cramped it up real good.

3. To squeeze or force someone or something into an overly small space. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "cramp" and up." Every time you try to cramp up more stuff in this closet, it all comes crashing down on me the next time I open it. Don't leave the dog cramped up in his cage all day! I don't know how the camp counselors managed to cram up so many people in one van, but, needless to say, we were thrilled to reach our destination.

See also: cramp, up

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

cramp up

v.

1. To suffer muscle cramps: I cramped up while swimming today.

2. To cause someone or something to suffer muscle cramps: That lousy meal cramped me up.

3. To squeeze something tightly into a restrictive space or position: There are too many subjects cramped up together under the same heading. I was cramped up in the back seat of a compact car for hours.

See also: cramp, up

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.