What are the definitions of “stitch up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Sew something so that it is closed.
I STITCHED UP the hole in my sleeve.
- 2Finalise a deal.
We get the contract STITCHED UP this week.
- 3Cheat someone or make them look guilty when they aren't.
they couldn't find any evidence against The police STITCHED them UP because them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stitch up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stitch up is to sew something closed, such as a hole in clothing or a wound. For example, it can mean sewing a hole in a shirt, closing a cut on the skin, or repairing a tear in fabric.
What are the different verb forms of “stitch up”?
| Root Verb | stitch up |
| Third Person Singular Present | stitches up |
| Present Participle | stitching up |
| Simple Past | stitched up |
| Past Participle | stitched up |
Example
She stitched up the hole in her dress.
Example
He stitches up the torn fabric carefully.
Example
She is stitching up the hole in her jeans.
Example
The doctor stitched up the patient's wound.
Example
The hole in the tent was stitched up before the trip.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stitch 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
“stitch 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
She stitched up the hole in her dress.
Example
The doctor stitched the wound up carefully.
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
“stitch 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
She stitched up the hole in her dress.
Example
The doctor stitched the wound up carefully.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stitch up”?
Good things to know
Does “stitch up” have an informal or formal tone?
Stitch up is generally considered a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. For instance, when discussing medical procedures, such as stitching up a wound, it can have a more formal tone. However, in most cases, stitch up is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
