Punch up

noun

A fight or heated argument.

There was a bit of a punch up at the bar and the police had to be called.

Often appears as...

have a punch up
start a punch up

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial,Idiomatic

verb

To improve something by making important changes.

I need to punch up my resume before I send it out for job applications.

Often appears as...

punch up a manuscript
punch up a proposal

noun

A fight or heated argument.

There was a bit of a punch up at the bar and the police had to be called.

Often appears as...

have a punch up
start a punch up

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial,Idiomatic

verb

To improve something by making important changes.

I need to punch up my resume before I send it out for job applications.

Often appears as...

punch up a manuscript
punch up a proposal

Definition 1 of 2

Pro Tip 1/3

Verb Nuance

Used figuratively to mean a conflict, not always physical.

The debate turned into quite the punch up.

Pro Tip 2/3

Colloquial Usage

More common in casual conversation than in formal settings.

Avoid using 'punch up' in formal essays.

Pro Tip 3/3

Cultural Colloquialism

Familiar to UK, Australia, and NZ speakers; might confuse others.

He didn't understand when I said 'punch up'.

Pro Tip 1/3

Verb Nuance

Used figuratively to mean a conflict, not always physical.

The debate turned into quite the punch up.

Pro Tip 2/3

Colloquial Usage

More common in casual conversation than in formal settings.

Avoid using 'punch up' in formal essays.

Pro Tip 3/3

Cultural Colloquialism

Familiar to UK, Australia, and NZ speakers; might confuse others.

He didn't understand when I said 'punch up'.

Pro Tip 1/3

Verb Nuance

Used figuratively to mean a conflict, not always physical.

The debate turned into quite the punch up.

Pro Tip 2/3

Colloquial Usage

More common in casual conversation than in formal settings.

Avoid using 'punch up' in formal essays.

Pro Tip 3/3

Cultural Colloquialism

Familiar to UK, Australia, and NZ speakers; might confuse others.

He didn't understand when I said 'punch up'.

Visual representation of the word "Punch up"

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