English Reference

Phrasal verb

crap up

Definition

phrasal verb. to ruin or spoil something by doing it badly. You use this when someone makes a mess of a plan or a job.

phrasal verb. to spoil, ruin, or perform a task poorly. This phrasal verb is transitive and carries a highly informal, mildly pejorative register.

Examples

“Try not to crap up the surprise party.”

“He really crapped up his chances of a promotion by arguing with the boss during the meeting.”

“The legislative committee managed to crap up the original proposal so thoroughly that the primary sponsors eventually withdrew their support in frustration.”

Examples

simple

“Try not to crap up the surprise party.”

contextual

“He really crapped up his chances of a promotion by arguing with the boss during the meeting.”

complex

“The legislative committee managed to crap up the original proposal so thoroughly that the primary sponsors eventually withdrew their support in frustration.”

Usage

Highly informal and should be avoided in professional or academic writing.

Teaching tip

Compare with 'mess up' or 'screw up' to show varying levels of informal intensity; note that 'crap' is a mild swear word in some cultures.

Pitfall

I am sorry I crapped up the formal application.

I am sorry I made a mistake on the formal application.

The phrase is too informal for official or professional contexts.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

crap + up + object

Synonyms

mess upspoilruinscrew upbotch

Antonyms

fiximprovesucceed

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference