Coil up Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɔɪɫ/ /ˈəp
KOYL-up
kˈɔɪl/ /ˈʌp
KOYL-up
Definition
To twist or wind something into a spiral or rounded shape; also, to curl your body or an object closely together.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal. Often used for ropes, wires, snakes, or someone sitting with their arms or legs tight together. Can describe physical actions or be metaphorical ("coiling up with fear"). Not interchangeable with "roll up" (which means to make a tube shape).
Spanish: enrollar(se) - enroscar(se)Portuguese (BR): enrolar(-se)Portuguese (PT): enrolar(-se)Chinese (Simplified): 盘绕 - 卷起Chinese (Traditional): 盤繞 - 捲起Hindi: कुंडली बनानाArabic: يلتف - يلتويBengali: কুণ্ডলী করা - জড়ানোRussian: сворачиваться кольцом - свернуть (в спираль)Japanese: とぐろを巻く - 丸まるVietnamese: cuộn lại - cuộn trònKorean: 감다 - 몸을 웅크리다Turkish: kıvrılmak - sarmak (spiral)Urdu: کنڈلی بنانا - لپیٹنا (گول شکل میں)Indonesian: menggulung - melingkar
Example Sentences
The snake coiled up in the sun.
basic
He coiled up the rope after using it.
basic
The kitten loves to coil up on my lap.
basic
After a long walk, I just want to coil up with a good book.
natural
I saw the hose coiled up behind the shed.
natural
She coiled up with fear when she heard the thunder.
natural