brighten

brighten up

1. To add color, light, or cheer to a space (perhaps one that is dim, dark, or gloomy). I can't wait for the flowers I planted to blossom into beautiful colors and brighten up our yard. A new paint color really brightened up that old house.
2. To make something lighter in color. I'm thinking of brightening up my hair with some blonde highlights. It really looks like rain right now—I'd wait to go out until the sky brightens up a bit.
3. To become happier in mood, especially after one has been glum or sad. Your mother really brightened up when she got the flowers you sent.
See also: brighten, up

brighten up (the) day

To make a situation more pleasant or enjoyable; to make one happier. Finding $20 on my way home really brightened up my day! Janice is such a good friend. Talking to her always brightens up the day.
See also: brighten, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

brighten up

to become brighter; to lighten, especially with sunshine. The sky is brightening up a little. When the morning sky brightens up just a little, the birds begin to sing.
See also: brighten, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

brighten up

v.
1. To become brighter or more intense in color: The sky brightened up quickly as the clouds dispersed.
2. To make something brighter or more intense in color: Some red paint will brighten up this dreary room. Put some yellow into the dye to brighten it up.
3. To become happier; improve one's mood or outlook: He brightened up after you began talking with him.
4. To make someone happier or more cheerful: The sunny weather brightened up the tired travelers. A cool glass of lemonade would brighten me up right now.
See also: brighten, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • brighten up
  • blossom into
  • blossom into (something)
  • blossom out
  • burst out into
  • burst out into (something)
  • blossom
  • blossom forth
  • burst into (something)
  • burgeon out
References in periodicals archive
Florist Annie James is leaving flowers at random locations in South Wales to brighten someone's day ANNIE JAMES / BOUQUET BOX
Random roses to make your day!
In exchange, the company shall issue a certain number of its shares of common stock, representing 19.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of CLNT, and a five-year interest-free promissory note with a principal amount of USD 13,762,125 to Brighten.
Cleantech Solutions to Acquire Majority Stake in Hong Kong's Brighten Holdings
The paintings exceeded all expectations and the community were really pleased with the appearance of the building -- which brightened up the town centre and added a splash of colour."
#iwill campaign: Berwick guides get creative to brighten up their community; The girls helped place artwork on rundown areas in Berwick-upon-Tweed as part of a community street art project
anti-ageing Sanctuary Therapist Secret Oil, PS17.35 hydrate Boots Botanics Organic Facial Oil, PS9.99 brighten Clarins Blue Orchid Oil, PS30
Well oiled; Think oil is only for your body and hair? Get over your face fear and discover the skin benefits that you've been missing, writes CHARMAIN HARRIS
A team from DLA Piper has brightened up the lives of some of Birmingham's most needy youngsters.
DLA Piper team in centre revamp
When he was twenty-nine and promoting Pavement's album Brighten the Corners, Stephen Malkmus told the New York Times, "Nothing bores me more than the generation of twenty-something people.
Old to begin: revisiting the beloved pavement album that no one talks about anymore
WHITE paint can be used to brighten up shady gardens, so splash it around on trellis, sheds and furniture.
Gardens: WHITE LIGHTS; Design it
They brighten up the place, especially on a dull day.
Love them or hate them: but how do you rate them?
Many comets often brighten. They travel around the sun in oval-shaped orbits.
Comet flare
CHEEKS Brighten your complexion with blue-based deeper shades like wine and burgundy.
Makeup bag bliss
You can see the eyes of sick and disabled veterans brighten when top-rated Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jason Arnold breezes into a room at a VA medical center.
Blue Jays Pitcher visits hospitalized vets
The sun broke through between showers Monday afternoon to brighten the Mohawk Valley.
JUST PASSING THROUGH
Fresh flowers are a simple and easy way to brighten up any room - whether it's a bouquet in a vase, or a simple plant such as a hyacinth.
Tips for brightening up your home
Economics minister Heizo Takenaka reiterated Friday that while the radical fiscal and economic reform program adopted Thursday will bring two to three years of painful adjustments, Japan's future will brighten as a result.
Takenaka says painful reform would brighten Japan's future