trump up
B2Formal, journalistic
Definition
Meaning
To invent or fabricate something falsely, often with deceptive intent.
To concoct or devise, such as charges or stories, in a way that is exaggerated or unfounded.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies dishonesty and is commonly used in critical or legal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Negative, associated with fabrication and deceit.
Frequency
Equally used in both dialects, perhaps slightly more in American legal terminology.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
transitive: trump up + nountransitive: trump + object + upVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “trump up charges”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used when discussing false reports or fraudulent activities.
Academic
In critiques of fabricated data or narratives.
Everyday
In personal contexts where someone makes up excuses or stories.
Technical
In legal discourse for false evidence or accusations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The journalist was criticised for trumping up the allegations.
- They trumped up a story to cover their mistake.
American English
- The prosecutor tried to trump up charges against the suspect.
- She trumped up an excuse to avoid the meeting.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He trumped up a reason for being late.
- She trumped up a story about her dog.
- The politician was accused of trumping up evidence.
- They trumped up an alibi for the crime.
- Journalists should not trump up stories to increase readership.
- The defence claimed the charges were trumped up.
- Investigators found that the report was trumped up to justify the action.
- The narrative was trumped up to support a biased viewpoint.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'trump' as in trump card—making something up to win unfairly.
Conceptual Metaphor
Fabrication as a deceptive construction, akin to building a false case.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'Trump' (surname) or 'to trump' (to surpass). 'Trump up' means to fabricate.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He trumped up.' Correct: 'He trumped up an excuse.'
- Mixing up with 'trump' meaning to excel.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'trump up'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is often used in formal contexts such as legal or journalistic writing.
No, it typically has a negative connotation and implies dishonesty.
It is a phrasal verb, used as a transitive verb.
It is not very common in casual conversation; more frequent in written or formal speech.