1
general::
Phrase(s): perk someone up
to make someone more cheery or refreshed. • A nice cup of coffee would really perk me up. • A cup of coffee will perk up the sleepiest person., Phrase(s): perk something up
to refresh or brighten something; to make something more lively. • A bit of bright yellow here and there will perk this room up a lot. • We need something to perk up the second act of the play., Phrase(s): perk up
to become invigorated; to become more active. • After a bit of water, the plants perked up nicely. • About noon, Andy perked up and looked wide-awake.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Restore to good spirits, liveliness, or good appearance, as in You're exhausted, but a cup of tea will perk you up, or The flowers perked up the whole room. [Mid-1600s]
American Heritage Idioms