gum up
C1Informal
Definition
Meaning
To make something sticky, clogged, or inoperative, typically by causing its parts to stick together or become obstructed.
To cause a process, system, or plan to fail or become inefficient through complications, poor planning, or interference.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a phrasal verb (transitive). Often implies a negative, accidental, or frustrating result. Can be used literally (with sticky substances) or figuratively (with systems).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slightly more common in American English as a figurative idiom ('gum up the works').
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes clumsiness, unintended consequences, or amateurish interference.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, more likely in spoken or informal written contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] gum up [Object][Subject] gum [Object] upVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gum up the works”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The new regulations are starting to gum up our supply chain."
Academic
Rare; more likely in informal discussion: "Poor methodology can gum up the entire research project."
Everyday
"Don't put that honey near the keyboard; you'll gum up the keys."
Technical
Possible in mechanical contexts: "Contaminated oil will gum up the piston rings."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- That cheap glue will gum up the mechanism.
- All this bureaucracy is gumming up the application process.
American English
- Don't gum up the printer with that sticker paper.
- One bad decision can gum up the whole project.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The honey gummed up my spoon.
- Too much oil gummed up the engine.
- If you add too many features, you'll just gum up the software.
- Their insistence on redundant paperwork has gummed up the entire procurement system.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of chewing GUM sticking your fingers together, making them UP and useless. Gum up = stick and stop.
Conceptual Metaphor
STICKINESS IS OBSTRUCTION / A SMOOTH MECHANISM IS A CLEAN MACHINE (and gumminess damages it).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'надувать жвачку' (to blow a gum bubble). Think 'засорять', 'заклинивать', 'приводить в негодность'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'gum up' to mean 'to irritate' or 'to annoy' (wrong). Confusing with 'gum' (n.) as in chewing gum.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'gum up' mean in this sentence: 'The strike threatened to gum up the works at the factory.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it always describes an undesirable clogging or obstruction, literal or figurative.
Not directly. You don't 'gum up a person'. You gum up a thing or a process that involves people.
"The works," as in the idiom "gum up the works."
They are very close synonyms. 'Gum up' can imply a stickier, more adhesive cause, while 'clog up' is more general for any blockage.
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