dry up

phr.v. to become completely dry because all the water has gone.

phr.v. to lose all moisture or water content, typically through evaporation or drainage.

“The small stream usually dries up during the hot summer months.”

“After three years of record-breaking drought, the local reservoir began to dry up, forcing the municipality to implement strict water rationing.”

phr.v. to slowly decrease and then stop completely, like money or work.

phr.v. to gradually diminish and eventually cease to exist or be available.

“Funding for the project dried up after the main investor pulled out.”

“Job opportunities in the region dried up following the closure of the manufacturing plant, leading to significant outward migration.”

phr.v. to stop speaking suddenly because you have forgotten what to say.

phr.v. to suffer a sudden loss of words or memory during a speech or performance.

“The actor dried up in the middle of the second act and needed a prompt.”

“Despite weeks of rehearsal, the nervous student dried up completely as soon as she stepped onto the podium to address the assembly.”

Informal

phr.v. to use a cloth to dry plates and cups after they have been washed.

phr.v. to manually remove moisture from dishes and cutlery using a tea towel.

“If you wash the dishes, I will dry up.”

“The children were assigned to dry up the silverware after the holiday dinner while the adults cleared the table.”

British English