English Reference

Phrasal verb

fruit up

Definition

phrasal verb. to add fruit to a meal or drink to make it better. You can also use it to say you are making something look more colorful and fun.

phrasal verb. to incorporate fruit into a foodstuff or beverage; extensionally, to enhance the aesthetic appeal or vibrancy of an object or space through ornamentation. The verb is transitive and informal in register.

Examples

“I like to fruit up my water with lemon and lime slices.”

“To make the party punch more festive, the host decided to fruit up the bowl with sliced oranges and frozen grapes.”

“The marketing team sought to fruit up the brand's image by incorporating a palette of neon greens and bright pinks into the summer advertising campaign.”

Examples

simple

“I like to fruit up my water with lemon and lime slices.”

contextual

“To make the party punch more festive, the host decided to fruit up the bowl with sliced oranges and frozen grapes.”

complex

“The marketing team sought to fruit up the brand's image by incorporating a palette of neon greens and bright pinks into the summer advertising campaign.”

Usage

This phrasal verb is optional in its separability, meaning you can say 'fruit up the drink' or 'fruit the drink up'.

Teaching tip

Encourage students to see the connection between the literal act of adding fruit and the figurative act of adding 'flavor' or 'color' to a project.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

fruit + up + object

Synonyms

jazz upgarnishembellishdecorate

Antonyms

simplifystrip down

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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