spruce up

idiom

Meaning

To dress or arrange smartly, elegantly, and neatly; to smarten.

Examples

SIMPLE

I need to spruce up my living room before guests arrive.

CONTEXTUAL

She decided to spruce up her old office with a fresh coat of paint and some new plants.

COMPLEX

The committee worked tirelessly to spruce up the historic town square, hoping to attract more visitors for the upcoming summer festival.

Anchors to

Last updated April 17, 2026