Sweeten up Meaning in English
expression
ˈswitən/ /ˈəp
SWEET-uhn UP
swˈiːtən/ /ˈʌp
sweet-UHN UP
Definition
To make something sweeter by adding sugar or to try to make someone like you by being very nice or flattering.
Usage & Nuances
Common in informal speech. Can be literal (adding sugar) or figurative (acting nice for personal gain). Often appears in contexts like 'sweeten up your tea' or 'sweeten up the boss'.
Spanish: endulzar - adularPortuguese (BR): adoçar - bajularPortuguese (PT): adoçar - bajularChinese (Simplified): 讨好 - 使变甜Chinese (Traditional): 討好 - 使變甜Hindi: मुँह मीठा करना - खुशामद करनाArabic: تملق - جعل الشيء أحلىBengali: মিষ্টি করা - খুশি করতে চাওয়াRussian: подсластить - подмазыватьсяJapanese: 甘くする - 機嫌を取るVietnamese: làm ngọt - lấy lòngKorean: 달게 하다 - 비위를 맞추다Turkish: tatlandırmak - gönlünü yapmakUrdu: میٹھا کرنا - خوش کرناIndonesian: memaniskan - menyenangkan hati
Example Sentences
Can you sweeten up my coffee a little?
basic
The lemonade is too sour. Let's sweeten up the drink.
basic
She tries to sweeten up her teacher with compliments.
basic
If you want a raise, you might need to sweeten up your boss a little.
natural
He brought flowers to sweeten up after missing their anniversary.
natural
Sometimes you have to sweeten up a deal with a bonus to close it.
natural