# bottle up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bottle-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to keep your feelings inside instead of talking about them. You use this when someone hides their anger or sadness for a long time.

For teachers: To repress or suppress strong emotions rather than expressing them. Transitive; the object is typically an abstract noun representing an emotional state.

## Examples

- It is not healthy to bottle up your anger.
- Instead of discussing the problem with his manager, he bottled up his frustration until he eventually quit.
- The protagonist's tendency to bottle up his resentment serves as the primary catalyst for the narrative's tragic climax.

## Usage notes

- The object (feelings, emotions, anger) can sit between 'bottle' and 'up' or after the full phrase.
- Teaching tip: Use the visual of a pressurized container to explain why 'bottling up' often leads to a sudden 'outburst' or 'explosion' of emotion.

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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.