1
general::
Phrase(s): screw up
1. Inf. to mess up. • I hope I don’t screw up this time. • The waiter screwed up again. 2. Inf. a mess; a blunder; utter confusion. (Usually screw-up.) • This is the chef ’s screw-up, not mine. • One more screw-up like that and you’re fired., Phrase(s): screw something up
to attach something to a higher place by the use of screws. • The bracket holding the shelf up has come loose. Will you please screw it up again? • Please screw up this loose bracket., Phrase(s): screw someone up
Inf. to confuse someone mentally. • Please don’t screw me up again! • You screwed up my train of thought., Phrase(s): screw someone or something up
Inf. to interfere with someone or something; to mess up someone or something. • Try again and don’t screw it up this time. • You really screwed up my brother by not being on time.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Muster or summon up; see PLUCK UP ONE'S COURAGE. 2. Make a mess of an undertaking; also, make a mistake, as in I really screwed up this report, or She said she was sorry, admitting that she had screwed up. Some authorities believe this usage is a euphemism for FUCK UP. [Slang; c. 1940] 3. Injure, damage, as in I screwed up my back lifting all those heavy books. [Slang] 4. Make neurotic or anxious, as in Her family really screwed her up, but her therapist has helped her a lot. [Slang; mid-1900s]
American Heritage Idioms