fix

To make something work properly again after it breaks or has a problem.

• Can you fix my bike?
• The plumber fixed the leak yesterday.
• I have tried everything, but I cannot fix the computer.

Similar words: repair, mend

Opposites: break

Common phrases: fix a car, fix a problem, fix something up

To attach something firmly so it stays in place.

• Fix the sign to the gate.
• He fixed a shelf above the desk.
• The cover is fixed in place with four screws.

How to use it: fix something to something (Fix the bracket to the wall with two screws.); fix something in place (She fixed the panel in place with strong glue.)

Similar words: attach, secure, fasten

Opposites: detach

Common phrases: fix something to, fix in place, fix something onto

To decide on a time or date that is to stay agreed or officially set.

• We need to fix a date.
• They fixed the wedding for next June.
• The law fixes the date of the annual meeting.

How to use it: fix something for a time/date (They fixed the meeting for Friday.); fix something at a time (We fixed the start time at nine o’clock.)

Similar words: set, arrange, schedule

Common phrases: fix a date, fix a time, fix for tomorrow

To secretly and unfairly arrange the result of a game, contest, or election in advance.

• Someone tried to fix the match.
• The election was fixed before voting began.
• Police accused the gamblers of fixing horse races.

Similar words: rig

Common phrases: fix a match, fix an election, fix a race

To give an animal an operation so it cannot have babies.

• We should fix our cat.
• The shelter fixes all its dogs before finding them homes.
• Has your kitten been fixed yet?

How to use it: get/have an animal fixed (We had our dog fixed when she was young.)

Similar words: neuter, sterilize

Common phrases: fix a cat, fix your dog, fix a pet

To hurt or punish someone, often as a threat or to get revenge.

• I will fix you for that!
• The gang threatened to fix anyone who spoke to the police.
• He swore he would fix the man who had betrayed him.

Similar words: punish, get back at

Common phrases: fix someone, fix someone good

A repair or change that solves a problem.

• We need a quick fix.
• This fix should stop the leak.
• The latest update includes several important fixes.

How to use it: a fix for something (The update includes a fix for the printing problem.)

Similar words: solution, repair, remedy

Common phrases: quick fix, temporary fix, fix for something

A difficult situation that is hard to escape or solve.

• We are in a fix.
• Losing both keys left her in a real fix.
• Can you help me out of this fix?

How to use it: be in a fix (We are in a fix because our last bus has left.)

Similar words: predicament, dilemma, difficulty

Common phrases: in a fix, a real fix, a terrible fix