curl up
The phrase "curl up" often describes assuming a compact, rounded shape, usually for comfort, warmth, or emotional reasons.
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Definition
A2General
(common)To sit or lie with your legs drawn up and your back curved, typically in a comfortable or relaxed manner.
Example
- She curled up on the couch with a good book.
B1General
(common)To form into a spiral or curved shape.
Example
- The paper started to curl up in the heat.
B2British Informal
(informal, emotional)To feel embarrassed or disgusted.
Example
- He curled up with embarrassment when he realized his mistake.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "curl up":
curl someone's haircurled haircrumple upcuff upballs upball uprug upfold uptuck uprumple up