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• 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.

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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]

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Etymology

Origin of patch-up

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

Example Sentences

The question that’s been glossed over, however, is whether the ballroom would really patch up security for the president.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

Soaring spending plans by 51 investor-owned utilities will help patch up the aging power grid and meet rising electricity demand for AI, a new report finds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The surgeons had been able to patch up the holes in his heart and created valves, but they are leaking badly, with his condition managed by medication.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Lakers fans might not get the chance to see James and his patch up close on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2026

The NSA had instructed him to patch up fraying relations with Britain’s intelligence community—and also to lay the groundwork for spying on America’s enemies, as well as some of its closest friends.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield