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# freshen up

phrasal verb (freshen up, freshens up, freshened up, freshening up); noun (a freshen-up)

«freshen up» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism) go to the toilet, or wash and tidy yourself, especially after a journey: «I'll just freshen up».
2. make something look cleaner or newer: «freshen up a room with paint».
3. make a drink colder or add more: «freshen up your drink».

### In the lessons

Polite way to say «use the toilet» or «have a quick wash» in front of guests, at hotels or restaurants; polite, all regions. The sense about rooms is common in home and decorating talk.

### Examples

- I'll just freshen up before dinner.
- Would you like to freshen up after your long flight?
- She went to the ladies' room to freshen up.
- We freshened up the classroom with new posters.
- A coat of paint will freshen up the kitchen.
- The guests went upstairs to freshen up before the party.
- Let me freshen up your lemonade with some ice.
- The hotel has a lounge where travellers can freshen up.

### Note

Trap: «I'll freshen up» often politely means «I need the toilet». About rooms or drinks it means make newer or cooler. Past: freshened up.