Jump to:

• patch-up
  patch-up

  noun

  an act or instance of patching or repair.
• patch up
  patch up

  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]

patch-up

American  

[pach-uhp] / ˈpætʃˌʌp /

noun

1. an act or instance of patching or repair.

---

adjective

1. done by patching or fixing.

   a quick patch-up job.

patch up Idioms  

1. 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]

---

Etymology

Origin of patch-up

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

Example Sentences

Patch up peace in the ranks of Labor.

From Time Magazine Archive

She grabbed Patch up from the step, hugged him, then took Granda’s hand.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

"Patch up the clothes and wear them, Stefan, if you can persuade your bulk into them," laughed Ellerey.

From Princess Maritza by Brebner, Percy James

Patch up all quarrels, and stick at no trifles,— Let the world see what your loyalty's worth!

From My Life as an Author by Tupper, Martin Farquhar

Patch up his face the best you can and keep him here until I get back.

From Spring Street A Story of Los Angeles by Richardson, James H.