mess up

US /mes ʌp/

UK /mes ʌp/

1.

to make a mistake or do something badly

:

•

I really messed up the presentation.

•

Don't mess up this opportunity.

:

botch bungle flub foul up screw up

2.

to make something untidy or dirty

:

•

The kids always mess up their room.

•

Don't mess up your clothes before the party.

:

disorder clutter dirty soil

:

mess mess with mess kit mess around mess around with make a mess of on the up and up