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Phrasal verbs "bolster up" vs "stuff up"

Differences between bolster up and stuff up

Bolster up means to support or strengthen something or someone, while stuff up means to fill something completely or to overeat.

Meanings and Definitions: bolster up vs stuff up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Bolster up

  • 1Give support, reinforce, strengthen.

    We were all scared but she BOLSTERED UP our courage.

Stuff up

  • 1Make a mistake, do badly, spoil.

    I STUFFED the exam UP.

Usage Examples: bolster up, stuff up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

bolster up

Example

She always knows how to bolster up my confidence when I'm feeling down.

Example

He bolsters up his team's morale before every game.

stuff up

Example

I hope I don't stuff up my presentation today.

Example

He always stuffs up his lines during the play.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bolster up

strengthen

To make something stronger or more resilient.

Example

Regular exercise can help strengthen your immune system and prevent illnesses.

support

To provide assistance, encouragement, or resources to someone or something.

Example

We need to support local businesses by shopping at their stores and promoting their products.

prop up

To provide additional support or reinforcement to something that is weak or unstable.

Example

The government decided to prop up the economy by investing in infrastructure projects and creating jobs.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stuff up

overeat

To eat too much food, especially to the point of feeling uncomfortable or sick.

Example

I always overeat during the holidays and regret it later.

fill to the brim

To fill something completely, leaving no space or room for anything else.

Example

She filled the glass to the brim with water and spilled some on the table.

cram full

To fill something tightly or densely, often beyond its capacity or limit.

Example

The suitcase was crammed full of clothes and barely closed.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with โ€œupโ€

Differences in bolster up vs stuff up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: bolster up or stuff up?

In daily conversation, people use bolster up less often than stuff up. This is because stuff up is used for more common activities such as eating or filling something, while bolster up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about supporting or strengthening something. So, while both phrases are used, stuff up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bolster up and stuff up

Bolster up and stuff up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of bolster up and stuff up

The tone of bolster up and stuff up can differ based on context. Bolster up often carries a supportive or encouraging tone when related to people or ideas, while stuff up typically has a negative or regretful tone, especially when referring to overeating or filling something excessively.

bolster up & stuff up: Synonyms and Antonyms

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