phrasal verb🧩 phrasal verb

cheer up

to become happier

What it means

To become happier or to help someone else feel less sad. It can be used as a gentle command: 'Cheer up, things will get better.'

Examples

  • Some flowers might cheer her up after such a stressful week.
  • Cheer up! The presentation wasn't as bad as you think.
  • He always cheers up when his nephew comes to visit.
  • I bought a silly card to cheer my friend up after surgery.

Where it comes from

Separable. Saying 'cheer up' to someone going through serious grief can feel insensitive, so it suits everyday minor disappointments best.

Related phrasal verbs

#calm down#wake somebody up#settle down#show off

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