# juice up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to make something more exciting, powerful, or interesting. You use this when you want to improve the energy or quality of a project or a machine.

For teachers: to enhance the power, energy, or aesthetic appeal of something. Transitive; frequently applied to mechanical performance, digital interfaces, or creative content to increase impact.

## Examples

- We need to juice up the presentation with some better images.
- The chef decided to juice up the menu by adding several spicy fusion dishes for the summer season.
- The engineering team sought to juice up the engine's torque by modifying the fuel injection system, though this led to concerns regarding long-term reliability.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I need to juice up to my phone." but "I need to juice up my phone." — the phrasal verb is transitive and does not require the preposition 'to' before the object.

## Usage notes

- This phrase is informal and often appears in contexts involving technology, cars, or creative work.
- Teaching tip: Explain that 'juice' acts as a metaphor for energy or fuel; it is often used interchangeably with 'beef up' but carries a more energetic, lively connotation.

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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.