patch-up

[pach-uhp]

noun

1. an act or instance of patching or repair.

adjective

1. done by patching or fixing.

   a quick patch-up job.

Word History and Origins

Origin of patch up¹

First recorded in 1900–05; noun, adj. use of verb phrase patch up

Idioms and Phrases

Mend or repair, make whole. For example, He managed to patch up the lawn mower so it's running, or John cut his hand badly, but they patched him up in the emergency room, or Mike and Molly have patched up their differences. This term alludes to mending something by putting patches of material on it. [Second half of 1500s]