Cock up
verb
To make a mistake or mess something up.
If you cock up your exams, you may have to retake them.
Often appears as...
- cock up a job
- cock up an opportunity
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
noun
A mistake or something that has gone wrong.
The whole holiday was a complete cock up.
Often appears as...
- a complete cock up
- a total cock up
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To lift or raise something so it is not flat or level.
He cocked up his hat at a jaunty angle.
verb
To make a mistake or mess something up.
If you cock up your exams, you may have to retake them.
Often appears as...
- cock up a job
- cock up an opportunity
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
noun
A mistake or something that has gone wrong.
The whole holiday was a complete cock up.
Often appears as...
- a complete cock up
- a total cock up
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To lift or raise something so it is not flat or level.
He cocked up his hat at a jaunty angle.
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Usage
Use 'cock up' in casual conversation, not in formal writing or speeches.
I've really cocked up this time, haven't I?
Pro Tip 2/3British Slang
'Cock up' is primarily British slang, may confuse speakers from other regions.
You'll have to explain what 'cock up' means to our American colleagues.
Pro Tip 3/3Apologizing
Often used when admitting a mistake or taking responsibility for an error.
Sorry, I cocked up the instructions you gave me.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Usage
Use 'cock up' in casual conversation, not in formal writing or speeches.
I've really cocked up this time, haven't I?
Pro Tip 2/3British Slang
'Cock up' is primarily British slang, may confuse speakers from other regions.
You'll have to explain what 'cock up' means to our American colleagues.
Pro Tip 3/3Apologizing
Often used when admitting a mistake or taking responsibility for an error.
Sorry, I cocked up the instructions you gave me.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Usage
Use 'cock up' in casual conversation, not in formal writing or speeches.
I've really cocked up this time, haven't I?
Pro Tip 2/3British Slang
'Cock up' is primarily British slang, may confuse speakers from other regions.
You'll have to explain what 'cock up' means to our American colleagues.
Pro Tip 3/3Apologizing
Often used when admitting a mistake or taking responsibility for an error.
Sorry, I cocked up the instructions you gave me.
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