brighten up

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
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
  • 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
The Granarchists are to work with nursery and primary pupils to brighten up a wall across the road from Gilcomstoun School.
Writing's on wall for grans; People: OAP graffiti artists joining pupils in bid to brighten up play area
A FLORIST has been leaving flowers in random spots across south Wales with just one aim - to brighten up someone's day.
Spreading joy with random roses
She decided to use them to do something to brighten up people's days, wrapping flowers individually and leaving them on park benches or in town or city centres, with messages such as "Whoever you are, this is for you.
Random roses to make your day!
The 'it' colour of the season has landed and it is sure to brighten up your day!
TEdit's SS19 Trend Report
Set to brighten up Fridays, the grown-ups-only brunch will be ready to satiate and entertain diners after the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Brunching Just Got Tastier With Eat. Play. Laugh Brunch at Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi
Those wanting to brighten up their living space can order glow stickers or even paint, which not only add colour to walls but also have a functional side - they can even help in a blackout!
Let it glow, let it glow, let it glow
Whether they're the centre of your meal, or used in a recipe to thicken, glaze or garnish, this modest kitchen staple is a high-quality protein source that will brighten up any dish.
Beyond ordinary: Cooking inspiration for warm weather months
"We are working to gather funds to implement more features to brighten up the village centre."
PRIDE IN VILLAGE CLEAN-UP; Major campaign to improve Honley
* Brighten the Cabinets and Drawers--Many kitchens today feature under-cabinet lights to brighten up countertops.
Illuminate the kitchen
In his popular 1954 book Guide to the Planets, Patrick Moore wrote: "Io sometimes shows peculiar fluctuations in brilliancy, and I once saw it brighten up strikingly in the space of a few hours for no apparent reason."
An observational mystery: what causes Io's enigmatic brightening?
TAKE 3 Bathtime treats These three super soaks will brighten up any bubble bath...
How to... Choose the right facial oil for your skin; BEAUTY; Putting oils on your face may seem like a strange idea, but they're packed with everything your skin needs to stay healthy and hydrated in the wintry weather. We've rounded up the best of the bunch to suit your skin type..
Brighten up Britain LET us brighten up Britain Do away with doom and gloom Winter's always dark and dismal Black, greys and broons Bring out the yellows orange Lime and pinks Bring sunshine to our every day Links And let it shine, don't you think Use or umbrellas and wellies Like birds of paradise, colours galore Think of the rainbow after the rain And the joy it brings in its lovely beam Smile and whistle, as you go on your way A smile is catching, and it makes your Day It turns into laughter, that's good for Your health As long as you're happy, who needs wealth Come on Great Britain our Colours are our strength.
POEM OF THE DAY
Opt for prints and colour to brighten up grey skies when you look up.
Make a splash in the April showers; Survive the April showers with some puddle-proof fashion, says Lisa Haynes
7 Bargain hunt Simple ideas to brighten up the house now the decorations are all down.
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And while last minute shoppers can expect a soggy surge for presents over the weekend, forecasters expect Birmingham to brighten up as families tuck into their turkey next week.
It's going to be a wet Christmas