perk up
(redirected from perk someone up)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.
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.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 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.
perk up
v.
1. To become more lively, cheerful, or attentive: We perked up when we heard the good news. The students perked up when the professor began the lecture.
2. To cause someone or something to become more lively, cheerful, or attentive: The morning coffee really perked me up! I perked up the kitten by feeding it catnip.
3. To refresh the appearance of something: New furniture and paint have perked up the room. Washing the windows has really perked the kitchen 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.
perked (up)
mod. alcohol intoxicated. (see also pepped (up).) No more. She’s done. She’s perked up for good.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.