1
general::
Mend or repair, make whole. For example, He managed to patch up the lawn mower so it's running, or John cut his hand badly, but they patched him up in the emergency room, or Mike and Molly have patched up their differences. This term alludes to mending something by putting patches of material on it. [Second half of 1500s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): patch someone up
to give medical care to someone. • That cut looks bad, but the doc over there can patch you up. • The doc patched up my friend., Phrase(s): patch something up
1. Lit. to repair something in a hurry; to make something temporarily serviceable again. • Can you patch this up so I can use it again? • I’ll patch up the hose for you. 2. Fig. to "repair" the damage done by an argument or disagreement. • Mr. and Mrs. Smith are trying to patch things up. • We patched up our argument, then kissed and made up.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs