All phrasal verbs
mess
/mɛs/2 phrasal verbsThe plain verb means to make disorderly.
Mess up is to spoil something through carelessness — and it is the everyday informal alternative to “make a mistake”. Mess around is to waste time or behave foolishly.
Side by side
Every MESS phrasal verb, with the one line that keeps it apart from its siblings. Tap any one to open it.
| Phrasal verb | Means | How to remember it |
|---|---|---|
| mess upSeparable | spoil something; make a mistake | UP = thoroughly ruined. Informal. |
| mess aroundNo object | waste time; behave foolishly | AROUND = aimless activity. |