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patch-up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B2
UK/ˈpætʃ ʌp/US/ˈpætʃ ʌp/

Informal, Conversational

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Quick answer

What does “patch-up” mean?

To repair something quickly or temporarily.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

To repair something quickly or temporarily; to mend a relationship after a disagreement.

To fix or resolve any situation, object, or personal connection in an improvised, often incomplete, but functional way.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Both varieties use it. The phrasal verb 'patch up' is more common than the hyphenated noun 'patch-up' in both.

Connotations

Slightly more colloquial in British English; often used in tabloid headlines (e.g., 'Celeb couple patch up'). In American English, slightly more associated with physical, makeshift repairs.

Frequency

More frequent in spoken than written English across both varieties.

Grammar

How to Use “patch-up” in a Sentence

patch up + [OBJECT (relationship/argument/item)]patch + [OBJECT] + up

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
try tomanage toattempt to
medium
quicklytemporarilysomehow
weak
differencesargumentquarrelholeroof

Examples

Examples of “patch-up” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • They had a row but patched it up over a pint.
  • I'll just patch up the tent with some duct tape for now.

American English

  • They fought but patched things up before the holidays.
  • He patched the tire up with a kit, but it needs a real repair.

adjective

British English

  • It was only a patch-up solution, not a proper fix.
  • They're in a patch-up relationship after the scandal.

American English

  • The software had a patch-up version released overnight.
  • It's a patch-up deal to keep the project going.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare in formal contexts; may appear in informal reports to describe temporary fixes to problems or team conflicts.

Academic

Very rare, considered too informal.

Everyday

Common for describing repairs (DIY, clothing) and personal reconciliations.

Technical

Used in IT/computing to describe applying a temporary software fix ('patch').

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “patch-up”

Strong

cobble togetherjury-rigmake amends

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “patch-up”

break permanentlyseverexacerbateworsen

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “patch-up”

  • Using it for permanent, high-quality repairs (e.g., 'The engineer patched up the bridge' – sounds inadequate).
  • Overusing in formal writing.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is informal. Use 'repair', 'mend', or 'reconcile' in formal writing.

Yes, in IT, applying a 'patch' is common. The verb 'patch up' is less frequent but understood as applying a quick software fix.

They are very similar. 'Make up' is more common and general for ending a quarrel. 'Patch up' slightly emphasizes the act of repairing the damage caused by the quarrel.

Yes, the hyphenated form 'patch-up' (or 'patch up') can act as a noun (e.g., 'It was a clumsy patch-up').

To repair something quickly or temporarily.

Patch-up: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpætʃ ʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpætʃ ʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “Patch things up”
  • “A patch-up job”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a PATCH (piece of material) being placed UP on a hole. It's a quick fix, not a perfect one.

Conceptual Metaphor

RELATIONS ARE STRUCTURES (that can be mended). PROBLEMS ARE HOLES (that need covering).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The mechanic didn't have the right part, so he just to get us home.
Multiple Choice

Which scenario best illustrates a 'patch-up'?

patch-up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore