Sharpen up Meaning in English
expression
ˈʃɑɹpən/ /ˈəp
SHAR-puhn UHP
ʃˈɑːpən/ /ˈʌp
SHAH-puhn UHP
Definition
To become or make something more effective, better, or more alert; often used about skills, behavior, or attention.
Usage & Nuances
Informal; often used as an order ('Sharpen up!') to mean 'pay more attention' or 'try harder'. Can refer to improving a skill, appearance, or attitude. Common in sports, work, and classrooms.
Spanish: mejorar - ponerse más atentoPortuguese (BR): aperfeiçoar - agilizar-sePortuguese (PT): aperfeiçoar - despachar-seChinese (Simplified): 提高 - 振作起来Chinese (Traditional): 提升 - 振作起來Hindi: सुधारना - सतर्क होनाArabic: يُحسِّن - يصبح أكثر تيقظاًBengali: তীক্ষ্ণ করা - দক্ষতা বাড়ানো - মনোযোগ বাড়ানোRussian: подтянуться - улучшить - сосредоточитьсяJapanese: 磨きをかける - 鋭くするVietnamese: cải thiện - nâng cao - chú ý hơnKorean: 갈고닦다 - 집중하다 - 실력을 키우다Turkish: kendini geliştirmek - dikkatini toplamakUrdu: بہتر کرنا - توجہ دیناIndonesian: mempertajam - meningkatkan - lebih fokus
Example Sentences
You need to sharpen up your writing skills.
basic
The coach told the team to sharpen up before the match.
basic
If you sharpen up, you will get better grades.
basic
Come on, guys, let's sharpen up and finish this project strong!
natural
You really need to sharpen up if you want that promotion.
natural
I use my free time to sharpen up on new technologies.
natural