Fold up Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To bend something (like paper, clothes, or furniture) into a smaller, compact shape. Sometimes used figuratively to mean stop operating or shut down.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal. Common with objects like chairs, tables, clothes, or papers ('fold up the map', 'fold up a blanket'). Figuratively, 'fold up' means to close or stop (e.g., 'the shop folded up'). Often confused with just 'fold' (which doesn't always imply compactness).
Example Sentences
Please fold up the blanket after you use it.
basic
I helped my grandma fold up the chairs.
basic
Can you fold up this map for me?
basic
After the party, everyone started to fold up the tables and clean the hall.
natural
This tent is so easy to fold up and pack away.
natural
The small shop couldn't survive and had to fold up last year.
natural