Gum up Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡəm/ /ˈəp
GUM-up
ɡˈʌm/ /ˈʌp
gum-UP
Definition
To block, jam, or stop something from working properly, often by making it sticky or confused. It can also mean to make a situation complicated or prevent progress.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and usually spoken. Common with machines, systems, or situations: 'gum up the works' is a set phrase. Implies an outside factor causing trouble, often sticky substances. Sometimes used figuratively for confusion or bureaucracy.
Spanish: atascar - trabarPortuguese (BR): emperrar - travarPortuguese (PT): emperrar - bloquearChinese (Simplified): 卡住 - 搞乱Chinese (Traditional): 卡住 - 搞亂Hindi: अटका देना - गड़बड़ कर देनाArabic: يعرقل - يعطلBengali: আটকে দেওয়া - বিঘ্ন ঘটানোRussian: заблокировать - испортить работуJapanese: 動かなくする - 混乱させるVietnamese: làm kẹt - làm rốiKorean: 엉키게 하다 - 방해하다Turkish: aksatmak - tıkamakUrdu: اٹکا دینا - خلل ڈالناIndonesian: mengacaukan - membuat macet
Example Sentences
Don't let sand gum up the gears.
basic
Gum can gum up the lock if you are not careful.
basic
Paper can gum up the printer if it's too thick.
basic
Don't click too fast, or you'll gum up the website.
natural
One typo can gum up the whole process.
natural
Don't let a small mistake gum up your plans for the weekend.
natural