# fruit up

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to add fruit to a meal or drink to make it better. You can also use it to say you are making something look more colorful and fun.

For teachers: to incorporate fruit into a foodstuff or beverage; extensionally, to enhance the aesthetic appeal or vibrancy of an object or space through ornamentation. The verb is transitive and informal in register.

## Examples

- I like to fruit up my water with lemon and lime slices.
- To make the party punch more festive, the host decided to fruit up the bowl with sliced oranges and frozen grapes.
- The marketing team sought to fruit up the brand's image by incorporating a palette of neon greens and bright pinks into the summer advertising campaign.

## Usage notes

- This phrasal verb is optional in its separability, meaning you can say 'fruit up the drink' or 'fruit the drink up'.
- Teaching tip: Encourage students to see the connection between the literal act of adding fruit and the figurative act of adding 'flavor' or 'color' to a project.

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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.