English Reference
Idiom idiom

foul up


To make a mistake, to go wrong.

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


SIMPLE

I hope I do not foul up this simple task.

CONTEXTUAL

The team worked hard on the project, but they managed to foul up the final report by missing the deadline.

COMPLEX

Despite his extensive preparation and years of experience, the diplomat feared he might foul up the delicate negotiations during the high-stakes summit.


Related idioms3entries
  1. 01

    cry foul

    To protest about something which appears to be unjust.

  2. 02

    fall foul

    To collide; to conflict with; to attack (+ on, of, upon)

  3. 03

    no harm, no foul

    Although technically a breach of some code or law may have occurred, there was no actual damage meriting punishment, apology or retribution.

Last updated August 10, 2026