▶️ Common English Idioms - Download NOW!

Phrasal Verbs

pack up (2)

This page is about the phrasal verb pack up (2)

British and Australian English INFORMAL

Meaning

If something packs up, it stops working and needs to be fixed.

Synonym

break

For example

  • pack up Why does my air conditioner have to pack up on Friday? I can't get it fixed til Monday, and it's going to be a really hot weekend!

  • pack up Stan's printer has packed up again! Why doesn't he just get a new one?

Nouns often used as subjects with pack up (2): computer, printer, television, refrigerator, air conditioner, camera, phone

Variety

This is typically used in British and Australian English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

My camera has packed up, so I'll have to

a. unpack it

b. shoot it

c. repair it
a) unpack it b) shoot it c) repair it

Boost your English with
1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context ebook!

1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context

Contributor: Matt Errey