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Vocabulary : Phrasal Verbs : L : lighten up

lighten up Informal

Meaning: to become less serious or more easy-going

Synonym: loosen up (informal)

For example:

  • My boss is so serious all the time. I wish she'd lighten up and joke around with us sometimes.

  • Salima said that if Kareem doesn't lighten up and learn to have some fun, she'll stop seeing him and look for someone else.

Quick Quiz:

Jonas needs to lighten up a bit. He's
  1. way too serious
  2. much too dark
  3. far too heavy