perk
Related to perk: Perk test
perk along
To function, operate, or carry on as is normal, expected, or desired. My car perked along for nearly 10 years before ever needing so much as an oil change. A: "Is everything all right between you and Linda?" B: "Our marriage is perking along just fine, thank you very much."
See also: perk
perk up
To make or become more lively, energetic, attentive, cheerful, dynamic, etc. I wish you would perk up. There are so many exciting things happening, and you're just moping there in the corner! I think I need some coffee to perk me up. I always use some red chilies to perk up my soups and stews.
See also: perk, up
perk up (one's) ears
1. To become more or particularly alert, intrigued, or enthusiastic. I perked up my ears when I heard that my favorite author had a new book coming out.
2. To cause one to become more or particularly alert, intrigued, or enthusiastic. I bet I know something that will perk up your ears: Rob is single again!
See also: ear, perk, up
perked up
Stimulated; made to be or feel more awake, alert, and energetic. Hyphenated if used before a noun. I just can't focus until I get perked up with a bit of coffee in the morning. The officer suspected that the perked-up truck driver might have been high on amphetamines.
See also: perk, up
perking
1. slang A shortening of percolating, referring to coffee or a coffee maker. There's a pot of coffee perking in the kitchen, if you'd like some. Once the machine is done perking, we can get to work on our review.
2. Carrying on as is normal, expected, or desired. Often followed by "along." My car is nearly 15 years old, but it's still perking along just fine. A: "Is everything all right between you and Linda?" B: "Our marriage is perking along just fine, thank you very much."
See also: perk
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
perk someone up
to make someone more cheery or refreshed. A nice cup of coffee would really perk me up. A cup of coffee will perk up the sleepiest person.
See also: perk, up
perk something up
to refresh or brighten something; to make something more lively. A bit of bright yellow here and there will perk this room up a lot. We need something to perk up the second act of the play.
See also: perk, up
perk up
to become invigorated; to become more active. After a bit of water, the plants perked up nicely. About noon, Andy perked up and looked wide-awake.
See also: perk, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
perk up
Restore to good spirits, liveliness, or good appearance, as in You're exhausted, but a cup of tea will perk you up, or The flowers perked up the whole room. [Mid-1600s]
See also: perk, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
perk up
v.
1. To become more lively, cheerful, or attentive: We perked up when we heard the good news. The students perked up when the professor began the lecture.
2. To cause someone or something to become more lively, cheerful, or attentive: The morning coffee really perked me up! I perked up the kitten by feeding it catnip.
3. To refresh the appearance of something: New furniture and paint have perked up the room. Washing the windows has really perked the kitchen up.
See also: perk, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
perk
n. an extra financial benefit; a monetary inducement or reward. (see also benies.) I don’t get paid much, but the perks are good.
perked (up)
mod. alcohol intoxicated. (see also pepped (up).) No more. She’s done. She’s perked up for good.
See also: perk, up
perked
verbSee perked up
See also: perk
perking
mod. drunk; drug intoxicated. After a few drinks, he was really perking!
See also: perk
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- perk along
- under control
- perk up (one's) ears
- be under par
- perked
- cut it
- arsis
- a little (bit) steep
- a little (bit) pricey