Meaning of Idiom ‘Screw Up’ (phrasal verb)
To screw something up means to do something badly and make a mistake; to fail at something; to mishandle a situation or make the wrong choices.
Also possible:
Fuck up
Mess up (multiple meanings)
Usage Notes
You can screw something up or screw up something.
The phrasal verb screw up is separable. A noun can be placed between the words screw and up, or the noun can be placed after.
Sentence Examples
“I really screwed up the finish on my new cabinet doors.”
“Just don’t screw up this time. We’re counting on you.”
“This is so screwed up! I can’t update my driver’s license online because the website is always broken.”
“If I screw up this repair it’s going to be too expensive to keep going.”
“You know, I watched you very closely. You didn’t screw up once.” — American Beauty (1999)
“I know this world is screwed up. Believe me, I know it better than most.” — V for Vendetta (2006)
“I would never hurt you. You know that. I screwed up. I lost control. It’s not you.” — American History X (1998)
“What about all that talk about screwing up future events?” “The space-time continuum? Well, I figured, what the hell.” — Back to the Future (1985)
“You came here to find out if I was crazy? Find out if I would screw everything up if I actually won?” —A Beautiful Mind (2002)
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