patch up

To become friendly again or solve problems in a relationship after an argument.

• They patched things up after the argument.
• Can you patch up your differences with Anna?
• We’re trying to patch up our relationship.

How to use it: patch things up with someone (He wants to patch things up with his brother.); patch up something (They managed to patch up their friendship.)

Similar words: make up, reconcile, mend

Common phrases: patch things up, patch up relations, patch something up

To cover a hole or damaged part with material so that something can be used again.

• I patched up my old jacket.
• Can we patch this roof up before it rains?
• He used a piece of rubber to patch up the hole.

How to use it: patch up something (I patched up the hole in my jacket.); patch something up (She patched the torn trousers up with spare fabric.)

Similar words: patch, mend, repair

Common phrases: patch up something, patch something up, patch up trousers

To become friendly again after an argument or a period of problems between people.

• We finally patched things up.
• Have you patched up your relationship with your father?
• An honest talk helped them patch up their friendship.

How to use it: patch things up with someone (She patched things up with her old friend.); patch up something (They hope to patch up their marriage.)

Similar words: make up, reconcile, mend

Common phrases: patch things up, patch up relations, patch something up