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.
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.
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]
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.
perked (up)
mod. alcohol intoxicated. (see also pepped (up).) No more. She’s done. She’s perked up for good.