# coil up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to twist or wind something into a circular shape. You also use this when an animal or person curls their body into a tight ball.

For teachers: to wind or twist into a series of concentric rings or a spiral. The verb functions both transitively, when arranging an object like a rope, and intransitively, when describing the posture of an animal.

## Examples

- The cat likes to coil up on the sofa.
- Please coil up the extension cord when you finish using the drill so it stays tidy.
- As the predator approached, the viper began to coil up, its body tensing in preparation for a sudden strike.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He coiled up it." but "He coiled it up." — When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used for long, flexible items like ropes, cables, or snakes.
- Teaching tip: Distinguish from 'curl up', which focuses on warmth or comfort, whereas 'coil up' emphasizes the spiral or circular shape.

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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.