# ginger up

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to make something or someone more exciting, lively, or interesting. You use this when a situation or a project feels a bit dull and needs more energy.

For teachers: To enliven or stimulate a person, situation, or activity. This transitive phrasal verb is often used in contexts where a dull or flagging process requires renewed vigor.

## Examples

- We need to ginger up the meeting with some new ideas.
- The director decided to ginger up the play by adding a few more comedic scenes in the second act.
- The chancellor sought to ginger up the stagnant economy by introducing a series of aggressive tax incentives for small businesses.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We need to ginger up of the party." but "We need to ginger up the party." — The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.

## Usage notes

- The object can be placed either after 'up' or between 'ginger' and 'up'.
- Teaching tip: Explain the metaphor of ginger as a stimulating spice to help students remember that the phrase means adding energy to a situation.

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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.