(one's) ears perk up
One becomes suddenly more alert, intrigued, or enthusiastic. My ears perked up when I heard that my favorite author had a new book coming out. Oh, I know something that will make your ears perk up—Rob is single again! Alison is definitely going after this promotion—her ears perked up as soon as the boss mentioned it.
perk along
To function, operate, or carry on as is normal, expected, or desired. My car perked along for nearly 10 years before ever needing so much as an oil change. A: "Is everything all right between you and Linda?" B: "Our marriage is perking along just fine, thank you very much."
perk up
To make or become more lively, energetic, attentive, cheerful, dynamic, etc. I wish you would perk up. There are so many exciting things happening, and you're just moping there in the corner! I think I need some coffee to perk me up. I always use some red chilies to perk up my soups and stews.
perk up (one's) ears
1. To become more or particularly alert, intrigued, or enthusiastic. I perked up my ears when I heard that my favorite author had a new book coming out.
2. To cause one to become more or particularly alert, intrigued, or enthusiastic. I bet I know something that will perk up your ears: Rob is single again!
perked up
Stimulated; made to be or feel more awake, alert, and energetic. Hyphenated if used before a noun. I just can't focus until I get perked up with a bit of coffee in the morning. The officer suspected that the perked-up truck driver might have been high on amphetamines.
perking
1. slang A shortening of percolating, referring to coffee or a coffee maker. There's a pot of coffee perking in the kitchen, if you'd like some. Once the machine is done perking, we can get to work on our review.
2. Carrying on as is normal, expected, or desired. Often followed by "along." My car is nearly 15 years old, but it's still perking along just fine. A: "Is everything all right between you and Linda?" B: "Our marriage is perking along just fine, thank you very much."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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.
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.
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.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
perk up
Restore to good spirits, liveliness, or good appearance, as in You're exhausted, but a cup of tea will perk you up, or The flowers perked up the whole room. [Mid-1600s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.