screws, screwed, screwing
to screw up
phrasal verb
Cause something to be ruined or spoiled
- 1The rain screwed up our picnic plans.
- 2She screwed up the surprise by telling him.
This means to make a big mistake so that something does not work well or is not good anymore. For example, if you drop a cake on the floor, the cake is not good to eat. You made a mistake, and now the cake is ruined.
People often say "I screwed up" when they admit they made a mistake, especially when talking about school, work, or relationships.
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at the train platform
Missed Train Mishap
Margaret
I can't believe I screwed up and missed the train.
Matthew
Don't worry, there's another one in 15 minutes.
Margaret
I had everything planned perfectly, and now it's all ruined.
Matthew
It happens to everyone. Let's grab a coffee while we wait.
at a bookstore
The Misplaced Order
David
I can't believe I screwed up the book order.
Jessica
What happened?
David
I ordered the wrong edition, and now we have to wait another week.
Jessica
It's okay, we'll sort it out.
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Similar to "to screw up":
- 1ruin
- 2spoil
to screw up meanings: