perk up

perk someone up

to make someone more cheery or refreshed. A nice cup of coffee would really perk me up. A cup of coffee will perk up the sleepiest person.

See also: up

perk something up

to refresh or brighten something; to make something more lively. A bit of bright yellow here and there will perk this room up a lot. We need something to perk up the second act of the play.

See also: up

perk up

to become invigorated; to become more active. After a bit of water, the plants perked up nicely. About noon, Andy perked up and looked wide-awake.

See also: up

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perk up (somebody) also perk somebody up

to make someone more active and interested It was a clear summer day, and Nancy looked like she was beginning to perk up. His stay with Aunt Podie soon perked him up.

See also: up

perk up something also perk something up

to make something more interesting or active Chopped prunes can really perk up a fruit salad. It's a pretty dull movie, though the supporting actors perk things up a little.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form perk up your ears (to cause you to become interested): A new book about using the Internet might not exactly perk up your ears.

See also: up