frame up

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To erect the initial walls and roof of (a new building).

Where it’s used: Used American English
Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To arrange fraudulent evidence to falsely implicate (a person) of a crime.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To prepare a shot by deciding what to include and exclude, what to use as background, etc.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “frame up” mean?

To erect the initial walls and roof of (a new building).

Is “frame up” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.