cramped

Related to cramped: crammed

cramp (one's) style

To inhibit or interfere with what one wants to do. Ugh, having a test on Monday is really cramping my style. I just want to party all weekend! My parents coming to stay with me this weekend is totally going to cramp my style. When am I supposed to get anything done?
See also: cramp, style

cramp up

1. To begin to experience muscle cramps. Whoa, I need to rest for a minute—my leg is cramping up.
2. To cause one to begin to experience muscle cramps. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "cramp" and up." I need to get some water—dehydration is starting to cramp me up.
3. To squeeze or force someone or something into an overly small space. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "cramp" and up." Every time you try to cramp up more stuff in this closet, it all comes crashing down on me the next time I open it. Don't leave the dog cramped up in his cage all day!
See also: cramp, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

cramp up

v.
1. To suffer muscle cramps: I cramped up while swimming today.
2. To cause someone or something to suffer muscle cramps: That lousy meal cramped me up.
3. To squeeze something tightly into a restrictive space or position: There are too many subjects cramped up together under the same heading. I was cramped up in the back seat of a compact car for hours.
See also: cramp, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • that Monday morning feeling
  • (that's) a hell of a note
  • a thing
  • a whole thing
  • be on (one's) back
  • be on somebody's back
  • be on someone's back
  • buttmunch
  • butt-munch
  • a fire extinguisher
References in periodicals archive
Stretching a cramped muscle is usually effective at releasing the cramp by activating the afferent inhibitory influence of Golgi Tendon Organs, but athletes don't want to have to stop, preferring cramp prevention over treatment.
How curiosity killed the cramp: emerging science on the cause and prevention of exercise-associated muscle cramps
But take heed: Cabaret-style shows, with their cramped quarters, aren't for everyone.
Life is a cabaret: choreographers have found a new kind of venue and audience
If I'd not taken the magnesium I'd have cramped up,'' he said.
Cricket: Magnesium strengthens Irani
"The best way to get rid of a charley horse is to gently stand up and stretch the calf by placing the cramped leg behind you with the heel on the floor and toes pointing forward.
A curious young reader. (Medical Mailbox)
POP star Billie walked into the lion's den - to help send three big cats rescued from cramped cages to a South African game reserve.
The cats had been rescued from cramped, squalid conditions and taken to the foundation's Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent.
Caring Billie steps into the lion's den
'I was cramped up from probably around the four-minute mark of the third quarter.
Walker fights off cramps, leads Elite to victory
We all know the symptoms: a dry throat, sore eyes, stiff back, cramped muscles, throbbing head.
Surviving Those Long Flights
MILLIONS of long-haul flight passengers can sue their airlines for cramped seating after a landmark legal ruling made yesterday.
Cramped seats cash bonanza for passengers; Landmark ruling may lead to flood of claims