Stuff up Meaning in English
expression
ˈstəf/ /ˈəp
STUH-f UP
stˈʌf/ /ˈʌp
st-UHF UHP
Definition
To make a mistake or do something badly, often by accident; to ruin or spoil something, especially in an informal or casual context.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, common in Australian and British English; similar to 'mess up' or 'screw up'. Used for mistakes of various sizes, often said when apologizing or admitting fault. Not typically used in formal writing.
Spanish: meter la pata - arruinar (coloquial)Portuguese (BR): fazer besteira - estragar (gíria)Portuguese (PT): fazer asneira - estragar (informal)Chinese (Simplified): 搞砸（口语） - 弄糟（非正式）Chinese (Traditional): 搞砸（口語） - 弄糟（非正式）Hindi: गड़बड़ करना - काम बिगाड़ देना (बोलीचाल में)Arabic: أخفق - أفسد (عامية)Bengali: গন্ডগোল করা - গুবলেট করাRussian: испортить - облажатьсяJapanese: 失敗する - 台無しにするVietnamese: làm hỏng - làm rốiKorean: 망치다 - 엉망으로 만들다Turkish: berbat etmek - yüzüne gözüne bulaştırmakUrdu: گڑبڑ کرنا - بگاڑ دیناIndonesian: mengacaukan - merusak
Example Sentences
I really stuffed up my test yesterday.
basic
Be careful not to stuff up the recipe.
basic
He always stuffs up when he's nervous.
basic
Sorry, I totally stuffed up your birthday surprise.
natural
If you stuff up, just admit it and move on.
natural
The new manager really stuffed up the schedule this week.
natural