# botch up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/botch-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to do a piece of work or a task very badly or carelessly. You use this when someone makes a mess of a job.

For teachers: to perform a task clumsily or unsuccessfully; to ruin something through poor workmanship or lack of skill. Often carries a colloquial register.

## Examples

- I really botched up the interview yesterday.
- The builders botched up the roof repair, and now it leaks even more than before.
- The administration botched up the rollout of the new software, leading to widespread confusion among the staff and a significant loss in productivity.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He botched up of the project." but "He botched up the project." — the phrasal verb is transitive and takes a direct object without an extra preposition like 'of'.

## Usage notes

- often used with tasks, repairs, or social situations that go wrong.
- Teaching tip: point out that 'botch' can be used alone as a verb with the same meaning; adding 'up' emphasizes the completeness of the failure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.