screw up

To make a serious mistake or spoil something.

• I screwed up.
• They screwed up our order again.
• Did one bad decision screw up the whole project?

How to use it: screw up something (I screwed up the booking.); screw something up (Do not screw this opportunity up.)

Similar words: mess up, ruin, botch

Common phrases: screw up something, screw up badly, screw up again

To twist, squeeze, or crush something into a tight or awkward shape.

• She screwed up the paper.
• He screwed up his eyes against the bright light.
• The child screwed up her face and started crying.

How to use it: screw up something (He screwed up his face at the bitter taste.); screw something up into something (She screwed the paper up into a ball.)

Similar words: crumple, scrunch up, contort

Common phrases: screw up paper, screw up something

To force yourself to find enough courage or determination to do something difficult.

• I finally screwed up my courage.
• She screwed up enough nerve to ask for help.
• Can he screw up the courage to tell the truth?

How to use it: screw up the courage to do something (I screwed up the courage to speak to my boss.)

Similar words: muster, summon, gather

Common phrases: screw up courage, screw up determination

To make something tight or secure by turning screws or a part with a spiral edge.

• Screw up the lid tightly.
• She screwed up the bolts on the bracket.
• Have you screwed the cap up properly?

How to use it: screw up something (Screw up the lid until it is tight.); screw something up (He screwed the loose bolts up firmly.)

Similar words: tighten, fasten

Opposites: loosen

Common phrases: screw up bolts, screw up tightly, screw up something

To move something higher by turning a handle or a part with a spiral edge.

• Screw up the seat a little.
• He screwed the platform up by turning the handle.
• Can you screw up the table another inch?

How to use it: screw up something (Screw up the platform to the required height.); screw something up (She screwed the adjustable seat up a little.)

Similar words: raise, wind up

Opposites: lower

Common phrases: screw up something, screw up higher

To increase rent or other charges to an unfairly high amount.

• The landlord screwed up the rent.
• They screwed up their fees beyond what families could afford.
• Why are the owners screwing up these charges again?

How to use it: screw up something (The landlord screwed up the rent after the repairs.)

Similar words: inflate, hike

Common phrases: screw up rents, screw up fees, screw up prices