English Reference
Idiom idiom

cheer up


To become happier or less downcast.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

She bought him flowers to cheer him up.

CONTEXTUAL

After a long and difficult week at work, he went to the cinema to cheer himself up.

COMPLEX

Although the persistent rain dampened their spirits, the group tried to cheer up by sharing stories and singing songs around the fireplace.


Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    Bronx cheer

    Synonym of raspberry (“a sound intended to resemble flatulence made by blowing air out of the mouth while the tongue is protruding from and pressed against the lips, used humorously or to express disdain or scorn”).

Last updated August 10, 2026