patch up

USAGE SUMMARY

"patch up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to when two people make up after a disagreement or quarrel. For example: "The two friends decided to patch up their differences and move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Do we patch up after?

The New York Times

"You cannot patch up these places.

The New York Times

Some saw a chance to patch up old feuds.

The New York Times

They're dying or not dying or trying to patch up something or even marrying someone.

The Guardian - Music

This might help patch up differences over the war within the international community, he suggested.

The Guardian

And we've still got some holes to patch up so we can keep going".

The New York Times - Sports

Things are going too well for Testaverde and Groh not to patch up their differences.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"This won't be a patch-up job.

The Guardian

Saussure's version is defective next to Peirce's, and not curable by patch-up.

The New York Times - Books

"They thought they'd shut us down after a little patch-up work on the apartments".

The New York Times

Now the stations, and Mr. Leno, are getting the benefit of NBC's efficient patch-up job.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical repairs, specify what is being patched up to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "patch up" when the damage is beyond repair or reconciliation. The phrase implies a fix that restores functionality or harmony, not a complete overhaul or replacement.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "patch up" primarily functions as a verb of repair or reconciliation. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, and the numerous examples demonstrate its use in both physical and interpersonal contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "patch up" is a versatile and frequently used expression, suitable for describing both physical repairs and the restoration of relationships. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from News & Media to informal conversations. When using "patch up", ensure the context aligns with mending or resolving an issue, and avoid using it when the damage is irreversible. Consider related phrases like "mend" or "reconcile" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mend

Focuses on repairing something broken or damaged.

repair

Emphasizes restoring something to its original condition.

fix

Implies making something functional again.

make amends

Highlights efforts to repair a relationship or situation.

reconcile

Specifically refers to restoring friendly relations.

settle differences

Suggests resolving disagreements.

iron out

Focuses on resolving minor problems or disagreements.

smooth over

Implies concealing or minimizing problems.

heal

Emphasizes recovery and restoration, often emotionally.

cover up

Implies concealing something to prevent further damage or discovery.

FAQs

How can I use "patch up" in a sentence?

You can use "patch up" to describe repairing something physically, like "We need to patch up the roof before winter", or mending a relationship, like "They decided to patch up their differences and move forward".

What is a good alternative to "patch up"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "patch up" include "mend", "repair", "reconcile", or "make amends".

Is it correct to say "patch up things"?

Yes, it is correct to say "patch up things". It generally refers to resolving issues or repairing a situation, especially in relationships or collaborations.

What's the difference between "patch up" and "cover up"?

"Patch up" implies repairing or resolving a problem, while "cover up" suggests concealing or hiding something, often to avoid scrutiny or consequences. They have very different implications.