Screw up

Meaning

The idiom "screw up" means to make a mistake or error, particularly one that has serious consequences. It can also mean to ruin someone's plans or cause a problem or difficulty.

Usage

• I accidentally screwed up the presentation by reading from the wrong slides.
• The company screwed up their accounting and now have to pay a large fine.
• My friend screwed up his relationship with his girlfriend and they broke up.
• Despite my best efforts, I screwed up the interview and didn't get the job.
• The car engine screwed up and we had to stop on the highway. The usage of "screw up" can vary depending on the context. For example, it can be used in a more casual or informal setting, such as with friends or family, while in a professional setting it may be used in a more formal context, such as in a report or presentation.

Roots and History

The origin of "screw up" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 19th century. It is believed to have come from the phrase "screw loose," which was used to describe someone who was crazy or irrational. Over time, the meaning of "screw up" has evolved to include errors and mistakes, rather than just insanity.

Synonyms in English

• Mess up
• Foul up
• Blunder
• Goof off
• Bungle

Synonyms in other languages

• German: Fehler machen/mach' ein Fehler
• French: Commettre une erreur/faire une erreur
• Spanish: Cometer un error/realizar un error
• Italian: Commettere un errore/fare un errore
• Japanese: 失誤 (shimusake)

Similar Idioms

• stiff upper lip

• sacred cow

• out of sight, out of mind