ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gum up

idiom
Meaning

To make non-functional; to interfere with or put into a state of disorder; to ruin.

Examples
SIMPLE

Sticky syrup will gum up the lock.

CONTEXTUAL

If you do not clean the machine regularly, dust and oil will gum up the gears.

COMPLEX

Bureaucratic delays often gum up the process, preventing the team from completing their work on schedule.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    have seen one's last gum tree

    Of a person, on the edge of death.

  2. 02

    walk and chew gum at the same time

    To do two normally trivial tasks at the same time; to exhibit basic competence or task-management skills.

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