phony up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Also seen as: phoney up
Meaning · English
To create a false version of something.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
They're in it up to their ears if they're phonying up a record of nonexistent checks.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “phony up” mean?
To create a false version of something.
Is “phony up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.