What are the definitions of “cock up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Ruin or spoil something.
It was so easy, but he managed to COCK everything UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cock up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cock up is to ruin or spoil something, often by making a mistake or doing something incorrectly. It is used to describe situations where something goes wrong or does not go as planned.
What are the different verb forms of “cock up”?
| Root Verb | cock up |
| Third Person Singular Present | cocks up |
| Present Participle | cocking up |
| Simple Past | cocked up |
| Past Participle | cocked up |
Example
I hope I don't cock up this important presentation.
Example
He always cocks up the simplest tasks.
Example
She is cocking up the project by not following the instructions.
Example
They cocked up the dinner by burning the food.
Example
The whole event was cocked up because of poor planning.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cock up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“cock up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He cocked up the project by not following the instructions.
Example
She cocked up the dinner by burning the food.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“cock up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He cocked up the project by not following the instructions.
Example
She cocked up the dinner by burning the food.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cock up”?
Cock-up theory
A theory that suggests that many events or situations are the result of mistakes, incompetence, or accidents, rather than intentional actions or plans.
Example
The cock-up theory explains why some things go wrong even when there is no malicious intent.
Good things to know
Does “cock up” have an informal or formal tone?
Cock up is considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or informal settings. It is not appropriate for formal writing or professional situations. In more formal contexts, consider using synonyms like 'ruin' or 'spoil' instead.
